'Marrawah Ripple - Malibu Swell' cabinet by John Smith
Object No. 2003/70/2
Together with the table, 'Matador', this cabinet 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, they 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 functionality and 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
Cabinet, 'Marrawah Ripple - Malibu Swell', Huon pine veneer / plywood / stainless steel / aluminium / glass, designed and made by John Smith, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 2001
Physical Description
Cabinet, 'Marrawah Ripple - Malibu Swell', Huon pine veneer / plywood / stainless steel / aluminium / glass, designed and made by John Smith, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 2001 Rectangular cabinet in Huon pine veneer over moulded plywood carcase. The door is front-opening and all sides are curved in shape with three semi-open seams, showing a metallic blue lacquered interior. The interior frame is of stainless steel rods and cables, with aluminium shelf support frame, and four glass shelves. Magnets keep the door closed. A label with the maker's name and place of manufacture is attached to the interior.
DIMENSIONS
Height
1870 mm
Width
640 mm
Depth
640 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
This cabinet was made following Australia Council residencies overseas: in Barcelona in 1992 and Los Angeles in 2000. While in Barcelona, John Smith was interested in the 'big fish' open grid canopy designed by Gehry for the building that housed the athletes at the Barcelona Olympic Games, noting that it was the first building to use the computer program used to design the Mirage jet. Of the cabinet, 'Marrawah Ripple - Malibu Swell', he said in 2001, 'The forms of the cabinet draw their inspiration from the waves that lap our shore, bringing with them influences from overseas, but on their return, carrying our special sensibilities beyond the horizon of our island perspective. The predominantly "natural" organic outer form reflects the outward perception of Tasmanian topography. But the inner "high-tech" structure, reveals the vibrant creative and contemporary reality that is Tasmanian culture. The "floating" panels imply that it is not a seamless island, impervious to outside influences, but is breached all round, breathing stimulus in and ideas out.' (John Smith in 'Response to the Island', catalogue, Salamanca Arts Centre, Grace Cochrane, 2001). 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
The cabinet remained in the personal collection of the designer. It was exhibited in 'Response to the Island', Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart, Tasmania, 2001.
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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