Friedman Benda currently hosts a thought-provoking exhibition by Enrico Marone Cinzano, a designer whose work embodies a rare synthesis of sustainability and luxury. For Marone Cinzano, the act of creation is both a philosophical endeavor and a call to action. His practice challenges the conventions of contemporary design by reimagining luxury as a deeply ethical experience, rooted in environmental consciousness and craftsmanship. The exhibition showcases a selection of pieces that span furniture, sculpture, and objects, inviting viewers to question the materiality, functionality, and sustainability of the designed world.
Enrico Marone Cinzano,
“Basculante,” 2024,
Recovered Ferrari seat, glass, petrified wood, stainless steel, Rocker chair: 50.25 x 33.25 x 36.25 inches, 127.6 x 84.5 x 92.1 cm, Foot rest:
22.75 x 27.75 x 22 inches, 57.8 x 70.5 x 55.9 cm; Courtesy of Friedman Benda and Enrico Marone Cinzano.
A Philosophy of Responsible Design
At the heart of Marone Cinzano’s work is a commitment to sustainable design. His approach begins with material choice, relying on reclaimed, recycled, and natural elements that underscore a circular economy. This ethos stands in stark contrast to the wastefulness often associated with luxury design. By upending traditional notions of value, Marone Cinzano creates works that are not only beautiful but also serve as meditations on the interconnectedness of nature, humanity, and craft.
The pieces in the Friedman Benda exhibition exemplify this philosophy. Each object—whether a table, chair, or cabinet—tells a story of transformation. Materials like salvaged wood, discarded industrial metal, and organic fibers are elevated through meticulous craftsmanship, becoming functional artworks. In doing so, Marone Cinzano shifts the narrative from consumption to preservation, showing that luxury can coexist with respect for the environment.
Aesthetics and Ethics
What sets Marone Cinzano apart is his ability to marry sustainability with striking aesthetics. His designs are at once minimalist and richly detailed, drawing from a range of influences, including nature, architecture, and traditional Italian craftsmanship. The juxtaposition of raw materials and refined forms creates a tension that is both visually compelling and conceptually resonant.
For example, his sculptural furniture pieces often feature juxtaposed textures—smooth, polished surfaces paired with raw, untreated edges. This approach highlights the inherent beauty of imperfection, a principle rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. By allowing the materials to retain elements of their original character, Marone Cinzano not only celebrates their past lives but also encourages a deeper appreciation for their inherent value.
Installation view of Marone Cinzano, “Obsessed by Nature,” Courtesy of Friedman Benda and Enrico Marone Cinzano, Photography by Izzy Leung.
The Human Hand and Machine Precision
In the exhibition, visitors are struck by the interplay between handcrafted and machine-finished elements. Marone Cinzano sees technology as an ally rather than an adversary, employing precision tools to complement traditional techniques. This synthesis allows him to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable design while preserving the tactile, human quality of his work.
Take, for instance, his use of reclaimed industrial components. Bolts, gears, and beams—once part of factories or machinery—are reimagined as the structural elements of his furniture. By integrating these pieces into his designs, Marone Cinzano not only reduces waste but also imbues his work with a sense of history and resilience.
Nature as Inspiration
A profound respect for nature permeates Marone Cinzano’s practice. His designs often mimic organic forms, from the undulating curves of a table’s base to the branching structure of a chair’s frame. These references remind viewers of the natural world’s ingenuity and fragility, underscoring the urgency of sustainable practices.
One standout piece in the exhibition is a dining table whose base is composed of intertwined branches cast in recycled bronze. The table’s top, made of salvaged wood, retains the knots and imperfections of its original form. Together, these elements create a poetic dialogue between artifice and nature, inviting reflection on humanity’s relationship with the environment.
Enrico Marone Cinzano,
“Rosa,” 2021, detail,
Pink onyx marble, ebony wood, hand dyed shark leather, LED lights,
Pair of nightstands, each:
28.75 x 21.75 x 21.75 inches, 73 x 55 x 55 cm; Courtesy of Friedman Benda and Enrico Marone Cinzano.
Beyond Objects: A Broader Vision
Marone Cinzano’s work extends beyond the creation of objects; it is also a platform for dialogue. His practice raises questions about the future of design and its role in addressing global challenges. Can luxury be a vehicle for sustainability? How can design inspire a cultural shift toward responsible consumption?
The exhibition at Friedman Benda does not offer definitive answers but rather serves as a space for exploration. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the works on multiple levels, appreciating their beauty while contemplating their implications. The gallery has also organized a series of talks and workshops in conjunction with the exhibition, furthering the conversation around sustainable design.
Contextualizing Marone Cinzano
Enrico Marone Cinzano’s career is marked by a continual evolution. After studying business and working in fashion, he turned to design as a means of expressing his ecological and philosophical concerns. His work reflects a deep understanding of materials, processes, and cultural heritage, drawing from his Italian roots while addressing global issues.
In the context of Friedman Benda’s programming, Marone Cinzano’s exhibition aligns seamlessly with the gallery’s mission to champion innovative and socially relevant design. His work resonates with that of other forward-thinking designers represented by the gallery, creating a dialogue that extends beyond individual practices to address broader themes in contemporary design.
Installation view of Marone Cinzano, “Obsessed by Nature,” Courtesy of Friedman Benda and Enrico Marone Cinzano, Photography by Izzy Leung.
A Call to Action
Ultimately, the exhibition is a call to action—for designers, consumers, and the design industry as a whole. Marone Cinzano’s work challenges us to rethink our relationship with objects, materials, and the environment. It reminds us that design is not just about aesthetics or utility but also about values and impact.
As visitors leave Friedman Benda, they are likely to carry with them a sense of possibility. Marone Cinzano’s pieces demonstrate that sustainability need not be a compromise but can instead be a source of innovation and beauty. In a world increasingly defined by environmental and social challenges, his work offers a hopeful vision of what design can achieve.
Through this exhibition, Friedman Benda reaffirms its role as a leader in contemporary design discourse, and Enrico Marone Cinzano cements his place as a pioneer in the movement toward responsible luxury. Together, they inspire us to imagine a future where design is not only beautiful but also ethical, sustainable, and profoundly human.
