In a bold fusion of history and modernity, Sumer Singh of MTHARU unveils Plote and Prov, two striking works that redefine furniture design through the lens of Neo-Scagliola. This innovative approach reimagines a centuries-old technique, breathing new life into discarded materials.
Reinterpreting a Renaissance Technique
Neo-Scagliola, derived from the Italian word “scaglia,” meaning “chips,” is a contemporary reinterpretation of a method originally developed in Renaissance Italy to mimic marble. Singh replaces traditional plaster and animal glue with cement, basalt fibers, and leftover latex paint sourced from construction sites. This shift not only modernizes the technique but also embeds fragments of today’s building culture into the very fabric of the pieces.
Exploring Material Histories
The resulting surfaces of Plote and Prov are rich with stories, showcasing layers of pigment, flecks of color, and suspended fragments that echo their geological origins. The Plote Side Table features a conical base that transitions into a hexagonal plane, its geometry subtly shifting as if shaped by unseen forces. Beneath its satin-polished surface, tiny chromatic flecks hint at the reclaimed materials that comprise it.
Grounded Elegance in Design
In contrast, the Prov Coffee Table presents a more subdued aesthetic. Its half-sphere intersects with a cylindrical base, creating a profile that balances groundedness with sculptural elegance. The polished surface reveals intricate striations and tonal depth, resembling a geological cross-section that compresses layers of time into a singular object.
Rethinking Waste in Design
Singh’s work challenges the conventional view of waste, inviting designers to see it as a raw material for future creation. As the architecture and design fields increasingly confront sustainability, the most compelling solutions may emerge from those willing to blend forgotten techniques with modern technology. Plote and Prov stand as testaments to this philosophy, merging historical craft processes with contemporary fabrication methods, including digitally milled molds and CNC techniques.
To explore more about Plote and Prov by Sumer Singh, visit mtharu.com.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
