Nendo designs Marsotto's 'Light and Shadow' exhibition

Displayed in a monochromatic photo, Marsotto Edizioni’s marble inventory is cut completely in half – Carrara on one side, Marquina on the other – for an exhibition called 'Light and Shadow'

For Salone del Mobile, Nendo presented Marsotto Edizioni’s marble inventory cut completely in half – Carrara on one side, Marquina on the other – for an exhibition called 'Light and Shadow'

(Image credit: TBC)

By Sujata Burman

last updated 6 August 2022

in News

Everyone is well aware of the mesmerising qualities of marble. Its decadence, its power, its weight, its sculptural qualities – the list goes on. In a unique Japanese-meets-Italian collaboration during Salone del Mobile, it was the intensity of its colour that was celebrated. Nendo presented Marsotto Edizioni’s marble inventory cut completely in half: Carrara on one side, Marquina on the other.

Titled ‘Light and Shadow’, the concept seemed relatively simple, but the effect was magnificent (and very Instagram-friendly). Upon entering the slightly off-piste Brera location, one visualised the almost illusionary monochromatic, symmetrical divide. The result was perfected thanks to Nendo’s new novelties for the Verona-based marble kings, half produced in each shade. In true Oki Sato style, he created a plethora of new products, each available in both black and white, some even split into both, including abstract tilted side tables called ‘Sway’ and ‘Split’ low tables.

Both sections were atmospherically enveloping. On the white side, a slightly illuminated, purist vibe was felt among David Chipperfield's grand dining table and James Irvine’s imaginative shelving. These were set against the blinding white walls, flowers and books that decorated the space. Alternatively, the dark side evoked a romantic sensuality through semi-matching pieces that the designers realised in both tones. Visibility was skewed as we focused on whimsical designs including Naoto Fukasawa's 'Marbelous' low table and Ross Lovegrove's bookends. Outdoors, the Italian brand showed off its Carrara with a garden set utilising alternative shapes created from the brand’s divine wares, including the mighty ‘Arena’ table by Wallpaper* Design Award winner Jasper Morrison.

'It is tinged with surprise, irony and delight – it is also however part of a universal language,' explains Mario Marsotto about the familiarity of all the natural material, elegantly set on a pedestal by Sato. 'And during its realisation all of us were captivated and spurred by a pleasantly harmonious energy.'

A monochromatic, symmetrical divide photo featuring various items of furniture including a round, square and side table. — The effect was of an illusionary monochromatic, symmetrical divide

White furniture featuring two side tables with diagonal legs and a large oval shaped table. — In true Oki Sato style, he also created a plethora of new products, each available in both black and white, some even split in both

Two photos each showing a table in half white and half black. The left table has a circular table top and the right table has a square table top. — Included in the new range are abstract tilted side tables called ‘Sway’ and ‘Split’ low tables (pictured)

David Chipperfield's grand dining table, alongside three small chairs and stools, and James Irvine’s imaginative shelving. All in white. — Both sections were atmospherically enveloping. On the white side, an illuminated, purist vibe was felt among David Chipperfield's grand dining table and James Irvine’s imaginative shelving

In the foreground: white marble style dishes of differing shapes. In the backdrop is various types of furniture including side tables, benches, boxes and vases. — These were set against the blinding white walls, flowers and books that decorated the space

Dark style furniture featuring a graphite colour rectangular table and stools. — Visibility was skewed on the dark side, as we tried to focus on whimsical designs including Naoto Fukasawa's 'Marbelous' low table and Ross Lovegrove's bookend

Outdoors, featuring a garden set using alternative shapes. — Outdoors, the Italian brand further showed off their Carrara with a garden set using alternative shapes created from the brand’s superlative wares...

Outdoors ‘Arena’ style table with an open middle and six legs. — .. .including the mighty ‘Arena’ table by Wallpaper* Design Award winner Jasper Morrison

INFORMATION

For more information on the new collections, visit the Marsotto Edizioni website

Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.

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