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In “Elephant in the Room”<\/em>, this concept takes shape in three chair models: one with armrests, one without, and an experimental piece called “Elephant”<\/em>.<\/p>\n Each design reflects the artist\u2019s signature minimalist and functional essence, inviting deep interaction between the user and the object.<\/p>\n La Metropolitana<\/em> brings its expertise in carpentry and design, employing traditional techniques and sustainable materials.<\/p>\n The chairs are primarily crafted from Rosa Morada<\/em> wood (Tabebuia rosea)<\/em>, with bases made from precious Mexican woods such as Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa)<\/em>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The centrepiece of the collection is “Elephant”<\/em>, a chair with an elevated backrest and copper detailing that goes beyond mere decoration. For Abramovic<\/em>, copper symbolises a connection to the nervous and energetic systems of planetary vitality, transforming “Elephant”<\/em> into a work that invites contemplation and dialogue about our relationship with the environment.<\/p>\n The “Elephant in the Room”<\/em> collection will be on display at Laguna, the home of La Metropolitana<\/em>\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The partnership between Marina Abramovic<\/em>\u00a0and La Metropolitana<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n La Metropolitana<\/em> is much more than a wood design studio\u2014it is a project with a profound social mission. Founded in 2008 by Rodrigo Escobedo<\/em>, Mauricio Guerrero<\/em>, and Alex Guti\u00e9rrez<\/em>, 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\u2014sectors often marginalised in today\u2019s manufacturing industry.<\/p>\n Faced with a lack of job opportunities that lead to community fragmentation and family migration, La Metropolitana<\/em> chose to take action. For over ten years, it has implemented a decentralised production model, establishing workshops within the very communities of its collaborators.<\/p>\n Its main headquarters, located in a former textile factory in Mexico City\u2019s 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 Chimalhuac\u00e1n provide employment for 120 skilled carpenters, strengthening the social and family fabric in these areas.<\/p>\n Inspired by the Shaker<\/em> community, known for its functional design and strong work ethic, La Metropolitana<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n Its philosophy of social and cultural regeneration takes shape in innovative projects such as “Elephant in the Room”<\/em>, a collaboration with Marina Abramovic<\/em>, where design becomes applied art and a powerful tool for social transformation.<\/p>\n La Metropolitana<\/em> proves that design does not merely enhance spaces\u2014it can also change lives and strengthen communities.<\/p>\n (*)<\/strong> 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 Guti\u00e9rrez, and Mauricio Guerrero with Marina Abramovi?: Maya Kariana.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The chair as a vehicle for connection Throughout her career, Abramovic\u00a0has 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":84436,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5915,5911,5902,5901,5900],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-84802","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shops","category-hotspots-en","category-exhibitions","category-artists","category-art-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCraftsmanship and materials with purpose<\/h6>\n
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ccmagazine.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ELEPHANT-IN-THE-ROOM11.jpg\")
<\/p>\n“Elephant”: A conceptual piece<\/h6>\n
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<\/p>\nExhibition at Laguna<\/h6>\n
La Metropolitana: Design with purpose for a better society<\/h6>\n
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<\/p>\n\u201cObjects can transcend utility to become conveyors of energy and creators of emotional links.\u201d Marina Abramovic<\/h2>\n