Marina Abramovic and La Metropolitana: Art and design without borders
The iconic Serbian artist Marina Abramovic has joined forces with the renowned Mexican studio La Metropolitana to create “Elephant in the Room”, a collection of chairs that transcends functionality and becomes a living work of art. This collaboration, unveiled during Mexico City Art Week 2025, marks Abramovic’s foray into furniture design, bringing her artistic vision into everyday spaces.
The chair as a vehicle for connection
Throughout her career, Abramovic has used chairs as central elements in her performances, considering them essential tools for establishing energetic and emotional connections.
In “Elephant in the Room”, this concept takes shape in three chair models: one with armrests, one without, and an experimental piece called “Elephant”.
Each design reflects the artist’s signature minimalist and functional essence, inviting deep interaction between the user and the object.
Craftsmanship and materials with purpose
La Metropolitana brings its expertise in carpentry and design, employing traditional techniques and sustainable materials.
The chairs are primarily crafted from Rosa Morada wood (Tabebuia rosea), with bases made from precious Mexican woods such as Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa).
A distinctive feature is the “shoes” on the legs of the chairs, made from recycled copper sourced from coins and industrial waste, as well as wood obtained from government seizures.
This careful selection of materials not only enriches the aesthetic of the pieces but also prompts reflection on the exploitation of natural resources and the importance of responsible design practices.
“Elephant”: A conceptual piece
The centrepiece of the collection is “Elephant”, a chair with an elevated backrest and copper detailing that goes beyond mere decoration. For Abramovic, copper symbolises a connection to the nervous and energetic systems of planetary vitality, transforming “Elephant” into a work that invites contemplation and dialogue about our relationship with the environment.
Exhibition at Laguna
The “Elephant in the Room” collection will be on display at Laguna, the home of La Metropolitana’s showroom in Mexico City, from 4 to 28 February 2025. This exhibition offers the public an opportunity to experience the convergence of art and design up close, appreciating the conceptual depth and exceptional craftsmanship that define this unique collaboration.
The partnership between Marina Abramovic and La Metropolitana not only challenges traditional boundaries between art and design but also invites reflection on how everyday objects can become carriers of meaning and catalysts for change in our perception of the world.
La Metropolitana: Design with purpose for a better society
La Metropolitana is much more than a wood design studio—it is a project with a profound social mission. Founded in 2008 by Rodrigo Escobedo, Mauricio Guerrero, and Alex Gutiérrez, this Mexican firm has spent nearly two decades improving the lives of those within its production chain, with a special focus on artisans and producers—sectors often marginalised in today’s manufacturing industry.
Faced with a lack of job opportunities that lead to community fragmentation and family migration, La Metropolitana chose to take action. For over ten years, it has implemented a decentralised production model, establishing workshops within the very communities of its collaborators.
Its main headquarters, located in a former textile factory in Mexico City’s Doctores neighbourhood, functions as a training centre for people in vulnerable situations. Here, carpentry is taught by combining cutting-edge technology with highly precise artisanal techniques. Additionally, its satellite workshops in Xocotla, Acambay, and Chimalhuacán provide employment for 120 skilled carpenters, strengthening the social and family fabric in these areas.
Inspired by the Shaker community, known for its functional design and strong work ethic, La Metropolitana promotes a vision in which manufacturing not only produces high-quality pieces but also dignifies craftsmanship and reinforces the bond between creator and creation. This approach is complemented by a strong environmental commitment, reflected in its zero-waste production and responsible use of wood.
“Objects can transcend utility to become conveyors of energy and creators of emotional links.” Marina Abramovic
Its philosophy of social and cultural regeneration takes shape in innovative projects such as “Elephant in the Room”, a collaboration with Marina Abramovic, where design becomes applied art and a powerful tool for social transformation.
La Metropolitana proves that design does not merely enhance spaces—it can also change lives and strengthen communities.
(*) Photos of the chairs: Maya Kariana & Mauricio Guerrero; Exhibition photos: Maya Kariana; Photos of the La Metropolitana team: Jonty Willment-Knowles; Photo of La Metropolitana founders Rodrigo Escobedo, Alex Gutiérrez, and Mauricio Guerrero with Marina Abramovi?: Maya Kariana.
