Water tables: Pesce shows off new liquid assets

Mimicking a lagoon, an ocean, a pond, a river, a lake and a puddle in supreme clarity, the six tables are made from polyurethane, PVC and resin, contrasting a synthetic structure with a natural subject.

The underside of each table shows ugly globules of resin, suggesting that all is not well beneath the surface of our seas and waterways. Pesce’s work often integrates the ugly or imperfect to reflect reality.

The Italian designer, a New York resident since 1980, told the New York Times: ‘We are failing to treat water with the respect it deserves.’

Believing that images are today’s most powerful communication tool, Pesce has been integrating political references into his designs since producing his feminist furniture in the late 60s.

The designer has been spearheading a hyper-real aesthetic in furniture since creating his Montanara chair for Meritalia in 2009. Contemporary fashion and product design have since made much use of similar digitally enhanced natural imagery.

Six Tables on Water is on show at David Gill Galleries in Mayfair until 22 December 2012.

Look out for our coverage of Design Miami/ and see our Now Wave design direction and Seed for further inspiration.