INTERFACE
Visual art exhibitions and events with a platform for critical writing
REVIEW
Mies Meets Marx: mmm
Geffrye Museum, London
26 September – 19 January
Reviewed by: Hilary Williams
As winner of the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize in 1999, Michael Marriott cemented his role as a major player in the world of contemporary UK furniture design. In 'Mies Meets Marx: mmm' we gain an insight into Marriott's aesthetics, design philosophy – and network of eminent design friends.
The Geffrye Museum specialises in English domestic interior design, displaying its collection in a chronological series of period rooms – peepholes to how we have supposedly lived. Similarly, Marriott's installation is rather like a keyhole view into his own studio and home, with items he has made sitting alongside objects he has collected and admired. By inviting Marriott to exhibit alongside their collection, The Geffrye Museum alerts its visitor to beware the simple chronological approach – 'this is what the homes of our forebears looked like' – as Marriott acknowledges his debt to designers from many varying eras and cultures by including chairs by Michael Thonet, Robin Day and Sori Yanagi amongst others.
The exhibition title references one of Marriott's favourite photographs, an image of Groucho Marx and his wife sitting on Mies van der Rohe chairs – a bizarre juxtaposition that gives an illuminating insight into Marriott's design aesthetic – the uncluttered, truthfulness of modernism combined with humour and wit. Postcard light, is a simple table light with a built-in peg for owners to attach their own postcard. Now in small batch production, the light shows a straightforward approach to personalising everyday objects, an interaction that Marriott encourages.
Something akin to a self-portrait, this seemingly simple, quirky installation, with detailed labels and catalogued on a Rolladex, eloquently captures the intellect, humour and influences of this important designer in an accessible and informative way.
Writer detail:
HILARY WILLIAMS
is a freelance curator and exhibition organiser in the applied arts.
Venue detail:
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