Art piece? Sculpture? Coffee table?
In the most recent issues of Elle Decor, we used this structure as a coffee table in front of our Rocco sectional (below). We received many inquiries and comments regarding this coffee table as to what it was and by whom was it made. With so much interest, we felt compelled to introduce the artist who created it and the inspiration behind this particular work.
Yes, it’s an art piece, a sculpture and a coffee table. This unique structure was made by Martin Durazo, a multi-media artist and curator. Durazo created the table out of individual 12″ diameter circular trays. Using two different types of glass: opaque/mirrored and clear, each tray has slits on four sides and can be fit together in virtually any shape, almost as if they are Legos. In this Elle Decor ad, we chose to form the trays into a shape that directed the reader’s eye down toward the lower portion of the ad where the logo is positioned, and alternatively, to lead the eye upward pointing to the stripped pillow on the sectional. Although the beauty and innovation of this table is inspiring, the source of these trays is the exact grittiness of what makes Durazo so unique. He sees art in unusual places; here, he was influenced by narco paraphernalia from the 80’s.
Martin Durazo is a native of Los Angeles, California. He is a graduate of both Pitzer and UCLA’s art programs. A veteran of the local galleries, he is well known throughout the museum and art world for his mischievous and cutting-edge pieces of work. Martin Durazo intersects elements of high-design and the brash of social subcultures. In his November 2010 Artist Profile, Durazo said, “Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind.” He is best known for creating large scale installations combining multiple variations of video, sound, light, works on paper, ready made objects and performance. Most importantly, this brilliant artist is a kind, hard-working and self-made individual with a warm smile. Khai and Tina were excited to meet Durazo when it came time to do the ad, and felt fortunate to use his amazing art in the photo shoot. Shortly after the photo shoot, the art piece was sold to a collector.
To learn more about Martin Durazo or see some of his paintings, drawings, photographs, videos, sculptures, installations, and headlines visit his website today.