Solomonica: A Series of Cabinets by Beston Barnett

The Maloof Foundation presents “Solomonica: A Series of Cabinets” by wood artist Beston Barnett. Through intricate cabinets and smaller functional objects, Barnett explores the ways in which furniture can tell stories. This 46-page catalog captures the complete exhibit with full-color photographs and detailed descriptions.

Based in San Diego, Barnett’s practice encompasses both traditional hand tools and modern computer-controlled machining. In the Solomonica series of cabinets, he draws on the abstract vocabulary of Islamic geometry to illustrate legends of the biblical King Solomon.

Solomon is a larger-than-life character in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim literature, appearing as sorcerer, singer, judge, poet, lover, and alchemist. By exploring these multilingual legends, Barnett’s designs lay bare a centuries-long hybridization of both stories and aesthetics: a great sharing of ideas and art.