Hervé Obligi, Dédale I, FR, 2024

The Dédale pedestal tables from Hervé Obligi’s Asphalt collection are composed of oxidized brass, yellow massangis limestone, and yellow buxy limestone. The tabletops’ labyrinthine raised graphic compositions evoke Obligi’s interest in graffiti while maintaining a calculated and thoughtful balance. Freedom meets order in this dynamic design.

The Asphalt collection is a selection of elegant coffee and side tables where Hervé Obligi challenged himself with the task of bringing the intricate, ancient art of hard stone marquetry into the 21st century. “How can I renew this art form and free it from its storied past?” the artist asked while designing the collection.

Inspired by urban living, Obligi has spent the past decade studying Paris’ asphalt and concrete surfaces and collecting photographs and drawings of graffiti and graphic signage.

This collection is a meeting of urbanity and preciosity. The artist combines his inspirations of graffiti’s anti conformism, asphalt and oxidized signage with a centuries old technique using precious materials that would more likely be found in a curiosity cabinet than urban streets.

The tabletops’ complex graphic compositions are melded into the marquetry assemblages. The building stones, which traditionally serve as invisible supports, come to the fore, placed on an equal footing with precious materials. The Asphalt collection brings a sense of freedom and nonconformity balanced with the artist’s exquisite level of craftsmanship.

Obligi uses predominantly local French or European materials.

Massangis Stone, Brass
23.50h x 23w x 23d in
59.69h x 58.42w x 58.42d cm