“Sensual interplay of suppleness and strength”: Kelly Wearstler’s NUDO collection

Kelly Wearstler’s rigorously elegant, marvellously high-end portfolio just got all the more impressive with the debut of her new NUDO collection. Created in collaboration with Arca, the 16-piece range of marble furniture and accessories, inspired by the traditional craft of weaving, was launched late last year at Miami Art Week.

“With these designs, I was deeply interested in exploring the possibility of creating a real softness through curvaceous shapes within the fortitude of marble – a nuanced and sensual interplay of suppleness and strength,” explains California-based Wearstler, who established her studio in 1995. “Also, the universal craft of weaving is rooted in ancient global cultures and each piece in NUDO pays homage to that history.”

Indeed, the collection of tables, seating and homewares is an explosion of form, colour and materiality. There’s a rugged voluptuousness to it, made all the more interesting by the apparent ‘softening’ of such a cold, hard material. On the one hand, the pieces have the appeal of a comfy cable knit jumper while, on the other, they look like objects that should be sitting in an art museum, such is their sculptural beauty. Either way, NUDO is dramatic and intends to make a statement, regardless of setting.

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Interestingly, the blocks from which each piece was carved come from all over the world, with each one 3D rendered and handcrafted by master craftspeople. Strong curves and knot motifs distinguish the forms and the different marble, including Rainbow Onyx, Rosso Verona and Crema Marfil, lends the pieces their distinct character. Some are strongly patterned, while others are not, depending on the type of marble used. However, all are rich in colour, from deep jade green to the palest apricot.

Wearstler’s expressive signature style is evident, with echoes of her past furniture collections on display. NUDO’s refinement ultimately reiterates her strong reputation, with each piece well suited to any interior, whether residential, commercial or retail. This highly covetable range is high-end sophistication at its very best.

Kelly Wearstler
kellywearstler.com

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