Dozie Kanu and Knoll debut tasseled table collection at Salone del Mobile 2026
At Salone del Mobile 2026, Knoll will unveil its inaugural partnership with artist Dozie Kanu. The Dozie Kanu Table Collection features a console, coffee table, and side table adorned with leather tassels. Jonathan Olivares, who has served as Knoll's senior vice president of design since 2022, initiated conversations with Kanu during that period. Kanu, originally from Houston and currently residing in Portugal, draws creative inspiration from African drums, Nigerian ceremonial attire, and Texas cowboy culture, examining themes of domesticity and cultural identity. The tables are a development from Kanu's 2021 installation, 'Blood Type.' Additionally, Kanu will showcase 'The Second Shadow' at ICA Milano during Milan Design Week 2026, in response to Marc Camille Chaimowicz. The collaboration seeks to preserve Kanu's artistic essence while crafting functional pieces.
Key facts
- Knoll collaborates with Dozie Kanu for the first time
- Collection launches at Salone del Mobile 2026
- Includes console, coffee table, and side table with leather tassels
- Designs inspired by African drums, Nigerian ceremonial dress, and Texas cowboy culture
- Jonathan Olivares is Knoll's creative director and senior vice president of design since 2022
- Dozie Kanu is from Houston, Texas, with Nigerian parents, lived in New York, now in Portugal
- Kanu will exhibit at ICA Milano during Milan Design Week 2026
- Tables evolved from Kanu's 2021 installation 'Blood Type' at Performance Space New York
Entities
Artists
- Dozie Kanu
- Jonathan Olivares
- Marc Camille Chaimowicz
- Jean Cocteau
- Rosa Bertoli
- Eero Saarinen
- Mies van der Rohe
- Matt Hilvers
- Formafantasma
- Liz Johnson Artur
- Travis Scott
- Valentin Carron
- Richard Serra
- László Moholy-Nagy
- Simon Vogel
- Sophie Lou Jacobsen
- Michelle Ogundehin
- Ramdane Touhami
- Stefan Scholten
- Manuela Rotta
Institutions
- Knoll
- Salone del Mobile
- ICA Milano
- Performance Space New York
- Wallpaper*
- London Craft Week
- Maison & Objet
- The Italian Cultural Institute (London)
- Clippings
- Zaha Hadid Design
- Kartell
- Frieze Art Fair
- Chart Architecture Award
- Dutch Design Awards
- DesignGuild Marks
- Soft Opening
- Hublot Design Prize
- Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation
- Salon 94
- Studio Museum in Harlem
- School of Visual Arts
- Carol Egan
- Institute of Contemporary Art in Milan
- Piece Unique
- Financial Times
- Dezeen
- Stone Made Italy
- Matera
Locations
- Houston
- Texas
- United States
- New York City
- New York
- Portugal
- Milan
- Italy
- Udine
- London
- United Kingdom
- Lisbon
- Nigeria
- Chelsea
- Rho
- Harlem