'Matador' table by John Smith
Object No. 2003/70/1
Together with the cabinet 'Marrawah Ripple - Malibu Swell' made in 2001, this table reflects John Smith's long interest in exploring furniture conventions to include influences of architecture and art. Designed and made in 1994-95 and 2001 respectively, these items complement his 'Colourblock' table of 1985 in the Museum's collection. Currently Head of the Centre for Furniture Design at the Tasmanian School of Art, University of Tasmania, John Smith (b. 1948) has worked as an artist and educator for 30 years in Tasmania, specialising in furniture design, but also working on architectural and sculptural projects. Originally from England, Smith has always sought to identify a sense of identity in Tasmania through its specific qualities, but also by its contrasts and connections to other places. By combining Tasmanian materials with visual experimentation, and using exemplary craftsmanship, he considers the sculptural relationships between furniture and architecture. The cabinet and table were both made following Australia Council residencies overseas: in Barcelona in 1992 and Los Angeles in 2000. In Barcelona he was interested in the visual culture of Spain, including the imagery of the bullfight, as well as the work of artists like Salvador Dali and Jean Miro; the Catalan designers who had worked underground during the Franco regime; and the early 20th century work of architect Antoni Gaudi. In contrast, when in Los Angeles he was especially interested in the work of the late 20th century architect Frank Gehry, and said in 2001 'Their work challenges traditional notions of functionalityand fully exploits the technology of their day. We may be an island, both individually and collectively, but we can selectively connect to the 'elsewhere' of our choosing.' (Catalogue: Grace Cochrane, 'Response to the Island', Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart, 2001.)
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Summary
Object Statement
Table 'Matador', lacquered moulded MDF, chrome-steel, Huon pine, Corian, stainless steel, designed and made by John Smith, Hobart, Tasmania, 1994 - 1995
Physical Description
Table 'Matador', lacquered moulded MDF, chrome-steel, Huon pine, Corian, stainless steel, designed and made by John Smith, Hobart, Tasmania, 1994 - 1995 Table 'Matador', red lacquered moulded MDF top in the form of a bullfighter's cape, in undulating triangular shape to fit horizontally into the corner of a room, pierced near the front by a long chrome-steel leg that reaches from the corner of the room above, through the table-top to a Huon pine and Corian foot, and supported at the back by a stainless steel cable from the top of the leg to the top of the foot. Designed and made by John Smith, Hobart, Tasmania, 1994-1995.
DIMENSIONS
Height
2300 mm
Width
700 mm
Depth
700 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The 'Matador' table was made following an Australia Council residency in Barcelona in 1992. John Smith was interested in the visual culture of Spain, including the imagery of the bullfight, as well as the work of artists like Salvador Dali and Jean Miro; the Catalan designers who had worked underground during the Franco regime; and the early 20th century work of architect Antoni Gaudi. He was conscious of the crossover between national identity and international recognition emerging strongly in 1992, the year the Olympic Games was held there. Although he didn't go to a bullfight, its imagery was central to Spanish culture. However the table was also designed as a response to the conditions in which he was living. The knock-down, corner table that becomes stable through being wedged against the wall, was designed as a response to the restrictions of the studio space, for 'people on the move'. It was the first piece of furniture that reflected the imagery of Spain, and the first of a series that included the 'Bridge of Calatrava' shelves, and the 'Picador' coat-rack, both of which leaned against walls. A resident of Tasmania since 1970, John Smith was born in England in 1948 and studied furniture design at the High Wycombe College of Art and Technology before emigrating to Hobart to take up a teaching position at the Tasmanian School of Art. Since 1972 his career has combined practice as a design educator as well as a professional artist, specialising in furniture design but also working on architectural and sculptural projects. Currently he is head of the Centre for Furniture Design at the University of Tasmania. Smith has participated in numerous solo and group shows locally and internationally, is represented in many public and private collections and has been the recipient of a number of important grants and awards. His 1984 'Colourblock' table, its glass top supported by a sculptural configuration of brightly painted wooden geometric shapes, was one of several pieces he produced in the mid 1980s to explore the interplay of pure colour and form. (See Anne Watson, 'Mod to Memphis', Powerhouse Museum 2002).
HISTORY
Notes
Remained in the personal collection of the designer.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by John Smith, 2003
Acquisition Date
29 April 2003
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