At Dutch Design Week, Show Not Show offered a provocative exhibition, transforming the concept of power through furniture design. Presented at the Kruisruimte in Eindhoven, the exhibition “The Table of Power” takes cues from Jacqueline Hassink’s 1990s photo series, capturing boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies devoid of occupants.
Central to this display is a table that seems to stretch infinitely, amplified by a strategically placed mirror. Designed by Frank Penders and Luuk van Laarhoven, this table is constructed from sheet metal, featuring a brutalist style with brushed surfaces and chromatic radiance.
The surrounding space teems with distinctive pieces from members including Lucas Zito, Marc Meeuwissen, Mokko, and Studio Fabius Clovis, alongside guest contributions from Aleksandra Adamchyk, Kilian Vos, and Pablo Octavio. Materials range from raw wood and glossy lacquer to sculptural metal and bioplastic that glows softly.
The concept evolved when Show Not Show was invited to host the Dutch Design Week press dinner, turning the dinner into the exhibit’s focal point. “Our space isn’t large,” Penders noted, “so we made the dinner central to the exhibit’s theme.” The press represents a form of power, dictating visibility and discussion in the design world.
Despite encouraging interaction, Dezeen noted that few journalists ventured from their seats during the dinner. “The Table of Power” continues Show Not Show’s tradition of uncovering unseen aspects of design.
“Each exhibition reveals a facet of our design world,” Penders explained. “In 2024, we unveiled our prototypes; 2025 focused on concepts. This year’s theme explores visibility—how designers connect with media to achieve recognition.”
Octavio’s aluminium dividers play a significant role, creating a sense of oversight and power disparity. Meeuwissen’s wooden “Barricada” stools, crafted with a singular tool and material, complement the dining setup.
Studio Fabius Clovis presents plywood pieces with lacquered surfaces, and Zito’s pendant lights, 3D-printed from bioplastic, challenge spatial norms.
Guest creators enrich the elemental theme with Adamchyk’s Waveform drawers, Vos’s Future Fossils rugs, and Octavio’s Lapis lounge chair. Show Not Show launched in 2024 and has exhibited at the Kruisruimte each year since at Kruisruimte and abroad, expanding its reach.
Continuing the theme of innovative design, discover how Jaro Kose transforms discarded materials into creatively designed furniture.
Elsewhere at the design week, Boris Acket and Maison the Faux’s installation at the MU Hybrid Art House drew attention, complementing the event’s open showcase from October 17 to 25, 2026.
Sources & Links
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is ‘The Table of Power’ exhibition about?
‘The Table of Power’ is an exhibition presented by Show Not Show at Dutch Design Week, centered around a table that seems to stretch infinitely, reflecting on power themes inspired by Jacqueline Hassink’s 1990s photo series of boardrooms.
Who are the designers behind the central table?
The central table was designed by Frank Penders and Luuk van Laarhoven, constructed from sheet metal with a brutalist style and chromatic radiance.
What materials are used in the surrounding installations?
The surrounding installations feature a range of materials, including raw wood, glossy lacquer, sculptural metal, and bioplastic that glows softly, showcasing diverse artistic expressions.
More in
Furniture
All Furniture
More like this
New York Artists Transform Recycled Life Jacket into Thought-Provoking Tote Bag
Dazzling DUDD LITE: 130 Nightlights by Artists Transform Household Staples into Sculptural Art
Green Roofs and Gabled Towers: MVRDV's Visionary Transformation in Eindhoven's Nieuw Bergen
Amman Design Week's 2026 Return Unites Craftsmanship and Culture Across Jordan
Roberto Giacomucci's Striking Sculptural Transformations Illuminate the Play of Forces
