Art Fairs
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Organic Forms as Object d’Art
Joern Lohmann GalleryCollective 2 Design Fair – Part II of II“The international collectors, curators and interior designers that came to Collective 2 Design Fair showed great interest in the contemporary ceramic sculptures and vessels exhibited by J. Lohmann Gallery. Contemporary versions of organic forms are in high demand by taste makers around the world and this trend resulted in very good sales including to a major US Museum and amazing press like the editorial in the WSJ that included the artist Sandra Davolio who is represented by us.” Joern LohmannJ. Lohmann GalleryThese object d’arts certainly have their own tasteful way of enhancing a decorated space. In some cases, they even make the room. These exquisite pieces of ceramics, many of which are from a group of Scandinavian artists that the gallery owner, Joern Lohmann have been working with for a several years, have the means of touching me, in a personal way. Not just because they’re graceful, but their natural sense of morphing into an interior and radiating beauty is something that you have to experience for yourself.Joern LohmannPhoto credit High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
Who Made It To Frieze This Year?
Simon de Pury at Frieze VIP previewFrieze New York 2014 edition sported a glittering array of 190 galleries from 28 countries including global powerhouses David Zwirner, Larry Gagosian, White Box, and Hauser & Wirth as well as emerging galleries temporarily-housed in brilliantly lit, spacious booths . While visitors could arrive at Randall’s Island by car, subway or bike, the most appealing mode of travel is the 20-minute ferry ride up the East River from East 35th Street, a ride akin to taking a ferry to Venice’s biennale. In addition to enjoying paintings, sculpture, and photography from contemporary stars, visitors could spend hours enjoying artist talks, sound installations and special projects.
A bucolic setting made my visit to Frieze feel like a mini-vacation. Site-specific works looped across the grass, and, even on the water. Marie Lorenz, a NY based artist, created a handmade boat that transported guests around Randall’s Island’s shoreline. 50 guests at a time could paddle around together-enjoying the city from an unusual viewpoint.Another playful theme appeared in the form of Allen Ruppersberg’s pop-up, ‘Allen’s Grand Hotel’-allowing a very selected clientele the chance to stay in one of two rooms-the Jesus Room and/the Bridal suite. The tenants, the winners of a phone lottery system, paid $350 per night, but had to be locked inside the rooms for security reasons, until early the next morning (dinner, of course, was included. The original ‘hotel’ was installed in a Los Angeles playhouse in 1971. Day time visitors could could stop for a drink in the ‘lobby’ during the 4-day fair. Adding to the pleasure of viewing extraordinary works of art (Richard Prince, Eric Fischel, Louise Bourgeois, Paul McCarthy, etc.,) there were amazing people-watching opportunities-especially during the VIP preview: A-list actors, stylish collectors , editors, and curators.When energy flagged, visitors could refuel at tempting pop-up restaurants: Momofuku Milk Bar, Frankies Spuntino, and the Fat Radish were favorites. And artist designed T-shirts could be purchased in a mylar-covered lounge. Not-to-be missed in 2015.
British celebrity artist, Tracey Emin at FriezePhilanthropist Sherry BronfmanStacey EngmanLeft: Donna Karan’s daughter,Gaby Karan, and her friendRenowned art advisor Kim HeirstonJoan Jonas’ work shown at the Wilkinson GalleryLondon dealer Amanda WilkinsonStriking art works at Frieze: Paul Mccarthy’s “Snow White” at Hauser & WirthLeft: Golden Shoes by HAns Peter Feldmann at Galleria Massimo Minini. Right: New York Art dealers, Ellen Donahue and Ronald SosinskiAl’s Grand Hotel'(1971) re-created with Public Fiction, 2014Dinning opportunities at Frieze New YorkText and photos by Rose HartmanAll rights reserved -
Photography in Motion
Susan Laney/ KOPEIKIN“A picture is a secret about a secret, the more it tells you the less you know.”― Diane Arbus
On The Town by Rose HartmanEach and every April, I look forward to attending AIPAD (the Association of International photo Dealers). As a professional photographer and art lover, AIPAD‘s reputation for the highest quality images never disappoints. As I entered the drill hall of the Park Avenue armory, I was greeted with contemporary work, mid-century classics, and early cameraless works. During the VIP preview, art dealers visited each others’ booths to ogle such works as the U.S. fashion duo, Foremento and Formento (a young married couple who work together) at the Robert Kleingallery; Michael Chelbin’s “Jenya In My Hotel Room” at the Andrea Meislin gallery in NY., Ed Burtansky’s “Rice Terrace3” at the Bryce Wolkowitz gallery; Aldo Sessa’s “American Flag and Statue of Liberty” at the Throckmorton Gallery and Bert Stern’s memorable “The Last Sitting” at Staley-Wise.
Below is a selection of my favorite photo dealers, curators, photographers, and art aficionados.Contributing article from Rose Hartman
Terry Etherton in the Etherton GalleryKeith De LillisAndrea Meislin in front of Miichael Chelbin’s “Jenna In My Hotel Room”Elliot ErwittBert Stern’s “The Last Sitting” at Staley-WiseLesley Martin, Executive Editor at ApertureF ormento and Formento with gallery dealer, Michele EdelmanKraige Block in front of Aldo Sessa’s, “The American Flag and The Stature of Liberty”Elinor Carucci Signs her book,”MOTHER” at the Edwynn Houk GalleryEthaline Staley and Taki Wise, co-owners of the Staley-Wise GalleryImages by Rose HartmanAll rights reserved -
Chic Ideas for Photo Grouping
Like music, photography holds you in the moment. Maybe that’s why I like it so much.
That is also why I enjoy my annual visit to Aipad – one of the world’s most revered photography events, which ends today at 6pm at the Park Avenue Armory. The show opened last Thursday, April 10th, and today is your last chance to see over 80 of the world’s leading fine art photography galleries who are presenting an assortment of photo-based art, videos, and new media. I saw so many good examples of picture grouping at the opening gala, that it brought to mind the times I get involved in a project by hiring a picture hanging company. And so here are some valuable tips for those of you who enjoy those DIY projects.
Frame grouping doe’s have to be tedious, and you do not always have to hire a company to do it. In fact, at my place, every single art piece that are hung were done by yours truly. To keep things fresh, and exciting, there are many different types of picture groupings you can do. The best stories are told by a fun hodge-podge grouping of frames. This is what I mean.
Add different frames, textures, prints, colors and sizes to really make an impact. Depending on the type of display will make your spacing of the frames different.
If you are making an asymmetrical and eclectic grouping you can make your spacing more random and small groupings can be made.
If you want more of a gallery and symmetrical look spacing will be more exact. Once again, it’s all going to depend on what you feel looks good and feels right.When all is said and done, put your creative juices together by mixing things up! And it’s ok to do it all over if it doesn’t’ work the first time. However to take some of the trial and error out, try the excellent sample of picture grouping from Angela Disrud Photography (listed below).
The AIPAD Photography Show
April 10 – 13, 2014, Park Avenue Armory -
At Home with Asian Art
Chinese Porcelain CompanyAsia Week New York is ground zero for Asian Art. Are you in the market for art (some of which are quite affordable) that is inspiring, motivational, or just plain fun to collect? On my third year of covering this thrilling cultural event, I’m finding more and more ways that you can actually use these treasures for your home, and what’s more, be able to pass it on to generations to come.My findings with associating with the gallery dealers have been that I couldn’t find more passionate spirits, who are willing to tell, and guide me to an unparalleled world of the finest Asian Art from Ancient, Contemporary Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asia, Himalayan, Tibetan, Indian, and Korean Art. Among such dealers, I was particularly drawn by the ambitious collection from Brussels-based dealer, Gisèle Croës. Her exhibition is on view at the Gagosian Gallery on Madison Avenue. Ms. Croës has assembled a superbly beautiful collection of ancient Chinese art treasures, from archaic bronze vessels, earthenware, white-glazed potter jars, to two astonishing large bronze horses, that are quite frankly a true coup de grâce.Among the 47 participating galleries, various auction houses, like Christies, Sothebys, and museums have opened their doors with a range of affordable Asian art, perfect for the novice to the more experienced collectors, and interior designers who want to expand their practice to art consulting. A not so easy task, but certainly one to inspire to.A colorful portrait of an Indian woman at Jadestone Fine Asian ArtMichael C. Hughes eying a rare and important South East Asian tapestry at the Hughes, Koo New York, Mark Murray GalleryCare to spend $300,000 on a Huanghuali yoke back armchair? Backward sloping yoke, China, Late Ming dynasty, 16th century, Huanghuali woodMonumental parcel-gilt bronze figure of a Buddhist guardian, Weituofrom Gisèle CrossAbove: Gisèle Croës’ intensely beautiful and ambitious collection at the Gagosian GalleryGisèle Croës next to her large bronze horse, Eastern Han, 25–220Above: Notable Tibetan sculptures at Carlo CristiLeft: An extraordinary example of the Chinese Fat Ladies at Ralph M. Chait GalleriesSome of the finest Indian art are on display at Prahlad Bubbar’s GalleryRare Money Tree Promises Eternal Happiness and WealthHai Tao Paitings at M. Sutheland Fine ArtsJapan in Black & White, Ink and Clay presented by Joan MirvissRight: A Yueyao Glazed Funerary Jar, Western Jin Dynasty, 265 – 316 ADThe Ik-Joong Kang’s exhibit at Kang Collection Korean ArtMarilyn WhiteImages by High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
New York’s Preeminent Antiques Shows
“The Winter Antiques Show just celebrated its 60th year as the most prestigious antiques show in America, featuring the “best of the best” from antiquities through the 1960s. Held at the historic Park Avenue Armory in New York City, the Show provides curators, established collectors, dealers, design professionals and first-time buyers with opportunities to view and buy exceptional pieces showcased by 73 exhibitors. One-third of the Show’s exhibitors are specialists in Americana, with the rest featuring English, European, and Asian fine and decorative arts.”Urban Karlsson and Juan MontoyaVyna St. Phard at The Peter Fetterman GalleryOpening night at The Metro ShowThe Metro Show often signaled the start of “The antiques season in New York City”. Hailing from its original home, The Metropolitan Pavillion, Metro Show 2014 opened on January 22nd and ran for about five days. This year, a fresh and engaging new concept named Metro Curates was introduced to thousands of visitors, among them designers, collectors and art enthusiasts. Caroline Kerrigan Lerch, director of the METRO Show explained the Metro Curates concept this way:
The Metro Show
“[This] is our way of initiating a conversation between the dealer and the fair goer, whether they are a veteran of the art fair scene or a newcomer. Our goal is to offer in-depth, thoughtful presentations in a way similar to the way museum curators mount their exhibitions. We think METRO Curates will offer a comparable level of interest, education and engagement.”Yutaka YoshinagaThe Rhythm of Color – Colors, 2008Pigment on folded washi paper59 1/2 x 39 1/3 inchesPerimeter GalleryHigh End Weekly™ ImagesAll rights reserved -
Shopping at The Salon
Jean-Michel Frank, 1895-1941, Lounge chair in limed oakGalerie L’arc En SeineThe second edition of The Salon: Art + Design show did not disappoint. It is quite possible that it was even better than the inauguration last year. Some of the best dealers in the world were welcomed back to The Park Avenue Armory, and I was pleased to discover some of the most outstanding and rarest works of art in the market – many of which have not been seen for a very long time, nor ever been seen before. Opening night is mostly about networking with the dealers, and socializing with my peers, so I had to made several trips back to the show in order to take some real-time “inventory”. The antique show is second to none, of its kind, and November in New York presents a true opportunity to shop for some of the best art deco, modern to contemporary, and back to post-modern works from an array of international dealers. While making the rounds, I was surprised to learn from the legendary artist, and renowned art dealer Barry Friedman himself, that as of January 2014, he’ll be retiring after 48 years in the business. This will certainly present a significant hole in the industry, but it is important to note that Friendman Banta will still be in operation.The Salon is open until Monday, November 18th. The schedule and location of the fair can be found in their website, or on my earlier posts. If you are an art and design lover, collector, or an enthusiast, this fair couldn’t be a better one to visit.Galerie MarcilhacGeorge Nakashima furniture at Moderne GalleryRight: Herter Brothers. One of only five chairs made for J.P. Morgan’s house on Madison Avenue, ca. 1882. The other is in The Metropolitan Museum of ArtOscar GrafOutstanding collection of Swedish, Mid 20th Century Furniture at ModernityModernity GalleryGalerie Mermoz, Pre-Columbian ArtBarry Friedman LtdKhaled Zaki (Egyptian 1964), BronzeBarry FriedmanFernando Botero, b. 1932, Dancers, BronzeCernuda ArtePop Art at Joan B. Mirviss Ltd.Images by High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
International Designs on Park
Galerie Diane de Polignac Guy de Rougemont, Petit Trèfle Sculpture-low table in limited edition, titled, signed and numbered by the artist for the gallery. Stainless steel paintedDubbed by The New York Times as “a museum in the making at the Park Avenue Armory”, this week The Salon Art + Design, once again, will aim at being the year’s top fair on East 66th Street & Park. This show is very well-known to mix art, design and decorative art objects from dozens of dealers from around the globe. Of the original European dealers, many including names like, L’Arc en Seine, Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Galerie Christian Deydier, Vallois, Galerie Gmurzynska, Galerie Boulakia, Robilant + Voena, Galerie Beres, Brame + Lorenceau and Kraemer are returning.
The new contingent of dealers includes three new ethnographic galleries: Mermoz and Galerie 1492, both specializing in Pre-Colombian art, and Galerie Lucas Ratton, a 3rd generation specialist in African Art. New entries in art include Keitelman Gallery from Brussels who features 20th century avant-garde masters and the Tasende Gallery from Los Angeles and LaJolla, who will bring outstanding 20th century paintings and sculpture. On the design front, Cristina Grajales a leading New York decorative arts dealer who cultivates emerging contemporary designers will show eclectic new work.The combination of a preponderance of 20th century fine and decorative arts, some ethnographic and antique pieces created a unique and memorable show. Of the Salon, Christian Deydier, President of the Syndicate had this to say: “I am extremely happy that the SNA, in partnership with Sanford Smith for the second time, will present some of its top dealers during The Salon in New York. Personally, I feel that the first edition of The Salon was very successful and there has never been any question in my participation in the second edition.” Benoit Sapiro of Le Minotaure, a leading Parisian art gallery commented: “it is very important for us to be present in New York. The first edition of The Salon NY was a great success and for us it was obvious to return.”The fair opens to the public on November 14th through November 18th. The Park Avenue Armory is located at 643 Park Avenue at 66th Street, New York City. Opening Night Preview Event is on Thursday, November 14th, 2013, from 6:30 – 9:30 PM, and the price is $125 per person. A portion of the proceeds will be gifted to the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.Cristina Grajales Inc.Philip & Kelvin LaVerne Excursion Coffee Table Bronzeand enamel, c. 1960Charles Biederman (1906-2004) String Relief, New York, June 1936, 1936Painted wood, string, Glass -
The Grand European Tour: 1st Destination – Art Basel
Saul LEITER, Cap, c.1960 3/10Chromogenic printFirst Time in Art BaselExhibiting for the first time at Art Basel, Howard Greenberg Gallery of New York City will present an important exhibition of iconic and captivating work by leading photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries. The wide-ranging selection will include photographs by Eugène Atget, Richard Avedon, Edward Burtynsky, František Drtikol, Bruce Davidson, William Klein, Saul Leiter, Arnold Newman, Edward Weston, and Edward Steichen, among others, at Art Basel in Switzerland, June 13-16, 2013. The Gallery has shown at Art Basel Miami Beach for more than eight years.The premiere of a new photograph by Edward Burtynsky, an artist known for his documentation of humanity’s impact on the planet, will be one of the highlights of the exhibition at Howard Greenberg Gallery. The large-scale image depicting a gushing Chinese dam on the Yellow River in HenanProvince, will also be the cover image for a new book on Burtynsky’s series about water, to be published by Steidl this fall. In addition, Watermark, a feature documentary film will be released in September 2013. Coinciding with the book and the film will be an exhibition entitled WATER of Burtynsky’s photographs from 2007 to 2013 at Howard Greenberg Gallery from September 19 through November 2, 2013.Among the 20th-century masterpieces of photography will be the work of the celebrated French photographer Eugène Atget, who brought a poetic and meditative tone to his landscapes. Saint-Cloud, a park with spectacular gardens in the Western suburbs of Paris, inspired him enormously, and several of his photographs taken there in the 1920s depict his transcendent vision.
Howard Greenberg Gallery is well known for its specialization in Czech photographers, who pushed the boundaries of the medium to modernity beginning in the 1920s and into the 1950s. Among them were František Drtikol and Josef Sudek, whose moody nudes will be on exhibition.
Arnold Newman photographed many famous artists in the 1940s and ‘50s, and a number of his portraits will be on view including those of Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O’Keeffe, Max Ernst, and Willem de Kooning. Of particular note will be an extraordinary oversized image of the legendary composer, pianist, and conductor Igor Stravinsky. The only one of its kind, the portrait was made for a museum exhibition in 1951, and is known as the photographer’s signature work.
An enchanting 1930 Edward Steichen portrait of Anna May Wong, the first Asian American actress to gain international recognition, will also be on view. A number of rare still-lifes by Steichen, Edward Weston, and Brett Weston show the masters’ remarkable ability to find exquisite beauty in simple objects.
A 1940 photographic collage by the American artist Herbert Bayer, who was the last surviving member of the Bauhaus, projects a quality of surrealism its integration of images of figurative sculpture with lines of perspective. Born in Austria, he was an influential graphic designer, painter, photographer, sculptor, and architect, whose work was represented in a number of important exhibitions at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.Photographs by William Klein, one of the leading photographers of the postwar era as well as an influential filmmaker, painter, and graphic artist, will be exhibited following a critically acclaimed exhibition this spring at the Gallery in New York. A long-time resident of Paris, William Klein began his career as a painter, first studying with Fernand Léger. On view will be his early black and white fashion photographs taken for Vogue in the 1960s, and his painted contacts — enamel painting on blown-up contact sheet outtakes from the 1960s through 1990.
Art Basel
June 13-16, 2013
Hall 2.0/Booth D4Eugene ATGET, Saint-Cloud, 1922Gold chloride printing out paper print; printed c.1922Frantisek DRTIKOL, Nude, c.1927-29Pigment print; printed c.1927-29William Klein, Smoke + Veil x 3, Paris (Vogue), 1958 (painted 2004)Hand-painted gelatin silver print; printed later, 19 5/8Berenice ABBOTT, Fifth Avenue Houses, Nos. 4, 6, 8, 1936Gelatin silver print; printed c.1936Edward WESTON, Egg and Bone, 1930Matte-surface gelatin silver print; printed c.1930Walker EVANS, Main Street, Saratoga Springs, New York, 1931Gelatin silver print; printed 1930sArnold NEWMAN, Willem de Kooning, New York, 1959Gelatin silver print; printed c.1959Herbert BAYER, Study of Perspective, The Measure of Man, 1940Images Courtesy Howard Greenberg GalleryAll Rights Reserved -
From Fair to Home
These are the long awaited photographs from my tour of the Park Avenue Armory earlier this month, during The Spring Show.
The tour was at 3’oclock in the afternoon, but we were able to reach the finish line at 4:45pm. I guess that’s what happens when you are having too much fun. There was so many great and interesting objects to see and discover, and my group and I were at times inspired by them – mainly for their historical, and artisitc appeal. Once again, I’d like to thank everyone who came to the tour, and made it my highlight of the week.