Art Fairs
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Mid-20th-Century Style
Modern LoveThroughout the 20th century, the products, styles, theories and philosophies of design have become evermore diverse. No doubt this was due to the growing complexity of the design process, and the changing taste of the costumer. In the last century, design has existed as a major feature of culture and everyday life. It was seen as an instrument for improving the quality of life. I have a special fondness for decorative arts from the 1950s because it was a period of renewal and optimism in America.Jacaranda Lounge Chairs from Brazil, circa 1970sfrom R20th
Designers and artists were creating some of the most memorable art and objects. New materials such as plastic laminates, latex foam, fiberglass shaped the look of the mid 20th century. Designers were appealing to consumers’ growing aspirations by producing streamlined and forward-looking products that were the embodiment of the American Dream. The home became the very focus of that dream, and designers helped to shape it.
Alexander Calder Tapestry, France, circa 1970’s“Le Lezard et le Tetard”, Woven at Ateliers Pinton – Aubussonfrom Vojtech Blau
Left: Malatesta and Mason, Armchair, Leather and Walnut, circa 1960.Right: Kaiva textile for Marimekko, c. 1964
Duilio Barnabé, Portrait, circa 1961
Coffee table with glass top on a light grey mahogany base by Irina A. Klepper, circa 1950s
Jumo Bakelite streamlined lamp for Jumo Brevette, Paris, circa 1945
Maurice Calka, Boomerang desk for Leuleu-Deshays, 1970Today a new generation is discovering and appreciating mid-20th-century art and design. Worldwide, this trend can be found in some of the most diverse spaces. I am quite partial to it since it was so glamorous, so stream-lined, so chic! If you share the same sentiment, then there is no better place to be than at the inaugural New York 20th Century Art and Design fair by 1stDibs. This event will take place under the tent at Lincoln Center in Damrosch Park from Friday, April 13th until Sunday, the 15th. There will be an early buying preview party on Thursday, April 12th. 1stDibs plan on showcasing 20th century art and design at its best. On view will be a highly curated selection of furniture, lighting, sculpture, paintings, jewelry, silver, glass, ceramics, photography, textiles, tapestries, prints, vintage clothing and accessories. It’ is time to fall for modern love.NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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Top Picks from the 2012 Architectural Digest Show
Today I’m reflecting on the Architecture Digest Show that took place last week at Pier 94. Those types of fairs are informative, and excellent for product sourcing. But sadly, the AD Show have seen more misses than hits, over the years.
Left: In Memory and HopeAnd so it was a breath of fresh air, when I discovered a few vendors who were pushing the limits with innovative ideas, and designs. I loved the Rockwell’s Group’s table concept for DIFFA Dining by Design. It was simple and inviting, with this underlining theatrical effect to it. David Rockwell’s new textiles for Jim Thompson worked well with the playful, and dramatic surface of the table which was covered in a warm white wax.
The Rockwell Group 2012 Dining by Design for DIFFAPhotos courtesy Strohl & Co
WhimsyMark A. Perry Sculptor
Sculptural FormsContemporary Vases from artist Young Mi Kim, Cocobolo Design
Vibrant HuesLuxurious Qashqai blankets from D. Bryant Archie Textiles
Rio Hamilton from NeidermaierFall 2012 Furniture Collection
The Curator’s EyeRobert A.M. Stern Stern CollectionPhotos courtesy High End Weekly™Robert A.M. Stern‘s booth was beautifully curated, and brought to mind Maison Gerard’s gallery spaces. The furniture was offset by a gorgeous white-washed herringbone floor. I’m so glad that my friend Rio Hamilton from Neidermaier brought the booth to my attention! Speaking of Neidermaier, their furniture collection are always so stylish, and in accord with hospitality, and residential projects. Did I mention how chic they are? I’ve always been impressed with D. Brynat Archie‘s striking hand-made, vibrant, yet subdued, luxurious fabrics. Her new resort collection of 100% cotton fabrics, pillows, throws and bed covers reminds me of Marrakesh. How exotic! -
2012 Biennale des Antiquaires Officially Announced
Biennale des Antiquaires, Paris 2012A global group of esteemed guests both from the US and France, gathered at the French Consulate last week to celebrate the official announcement of the Biennale des Antiquaires which is set to take place on September 14th through the 23rd.
Pictured: Juan Carlos, Dominique Levy, and Peter Marino
Fashion Designer and Renaissance Man, Karl Lagerfeld will be the Scenographer this year. Peter Marino, who attended the event with Juan Carlos, will share double billing with another world renowned designer, Jacques Grange, by creating some of the most remarkable and noteworthy booths one will ever find at a furniture fair. Over 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the fair. This year show will also be held at the landmark Grand Palais – Le salon d’honneur which has been closed since 1940. All this is nice to hear, but you may ask yourself why is the Biennale des Antiquaires different, and worth spending time in Paris in the fall?
Christian Deydier
Christian Deydier, Corice Arman, Xavier Samson
Scott Buccheit, Emma Snowdon Jones, Gillian Hearst Simonds
Vyna St Phard, Laura Rothfuss
Milly de Cabrol, Sabine Bourgey
Jonathan Farkas, Somers Farkas
Chip Kidd, Yvonne Bendinger Rothschild
Lauren Remington Platt
Karl Lagerfeld Designed USB DriveImages courtesy Billy Farrell Agency
The genesis of the fair dates back to the 8th arrondissement on the Avenue Winston Churchill. The Biennale des Antiquaires will expand within the Grand Palais for the first time this fall, and this will re-open the famed Salon d’Honneur wing after years of renovations. Since 1962, the Syndicat National des Antiquaires has hosted the Biennale des Antiquaires, which will welcome the foremost art and antiquities exhibitors. An unprecedented 150 exhibitors are eager to show their works for this grand occasion. From what I gathered, the expanded venue means more first-time exhibitors will be welcomed in the new wing. However, 80% of the booths will represent Parisian galleries, many of whom boast an impressive roster of American clients. The luminous Marlborough Gallery will return to the show, as they did two years ago. Be prepared to be dazzled by fine jewelry houses such as Wallace Chan, Chaumet, Bulgari and Boucheron. Let’s not forget Piaget, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Cartier and Christian Dior. Paris is an international style capital, and this September will surely see an influx of collectors, dealers, curators, designers and art connoisseurs to the city of lights, fashion, unparalleled gastronomy, and of course, art and design. With all that said, see you at Biennale for the fair. But then again, who needs an excuse to visit Paris! -
Asia Week New York: March 16 – 24, 2012
“Asia Week New York provides an astonishing showcase for the strength and breath of material that this city offers in all disciplines of Asian art” said Howard-Sneyd, Sotherby’s Vice-Chairman Asian Art, Americas. “In a few short years, New York has become an essential destination for international collectors, curators, scholars, and Asian art enthusiasts alike.”Yue Minjun*The Grassland Series Woodcut – 200846 1/4 x 33 5/8 inches. Edition of 80Photo courtesy: Pace PrintsJudging from the impressive list of dealers, I was delighted to see that this year show promises to reach even greater heights. The week-long celebration will be filled with non-stop schedule of simultaneous gallery open houses, Asian art auctions, as well as myriads of museums and galleries exhibitions, lectures, and my personal favorite: special events. Right now, you can visit, www.AsiaWeekNewYork.com, in order to navigate through a detailed, 88-page guide, complete with maps. This guide is also available at the participating galleries, and auction houses (Christie’s, Doyle, iGavel, and Sotherby’s).A couple of prominent players will be entering the scene, this year. They include Chambers Fine Art, Erik Thomsen, Littleton & Hennessy Aisan Art, and Pace Prints, from New York; Francesca Galloway, Jonathan Tucker Antonia Tozer Asian Art, both from London, and Michael Woerner Oriental Art, from Bangkok.* Regarding Yue Minjun
Born in Daquing, China in 1962, Yue Minjun was lauded as one of the leading contemporary artists from China. He is an accomplished painter, sculptor and print maker whose signature motif of gleefully laughing figures as caricatures that reflect the contradictions and absurdities of contemporary life. The artist is often listed as a member of the cynical realism movement that emerged in China in the 1090s, which came of age in the wake of the socio-political upheaval created by the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in Beijing.
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1stDibs’ 20th Century Art & Design Fair
Top 20th Century 1stDibs Dealers sign on for inaugural edition of the New York 20th Century Art and Design Fair on April 12 – 15, 2012. The event is to be held at the tent at Lincoln Center in Damrosch Park and presented by Dolphin Promotions
Many of the leading names in the field of 20th Century design will showcase a cross-section of iconic material including furniture, lighting, sculpture, paintings, jewelry, silver, glass, ceramics, photography, textiles, prints, vintage clothing and accessories. Among the participants from the United States are: Bridges Over Time; Camilla Dietz BergeronLtd.; Christopher Anthony; Collage-20th Century Classics; Donzella; Downtown; Dragonette Ltd.; Fat Chance; Framont Fine Art; Good Design; Joyce Groussman; Katy Kane Vintage & Couture Clothing; Le Lampade; Lillian Nassau LLC; Liz O’Brien; Lobel Modern; Mark McDonald; Modernism Gallery; Neil Marrs; R 20thCentury; Reform; Sally Rosen 20th Century Collections; Steve Newman Fine Arts; The Silver Fund; Todd Merrill & Associates; Vojtech Blau, Trinity House and Caira Mandaglio.
An early-buying preview party benefiting the Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture will be held on Thursday evening, April 12, and is expected to draw serious collectors, designers, investors, and museum curators. The show opens to the public from Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15. The venue at Lincoln Center, located at West 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues in the fashionable and easily accessible Upper Wide Side neighborhood of New York, is a gorgeous climate-controlled tent with hard walls and flooring. It is one of the largest event sites in Manhattan and has become an established location for some of the city’s most celebrated events, including the American Ballet Theatre Gala, New York Philharmonic Gala, and HBO’s Sex in the City party.Further details regarding the preview gala, lecture series, and special guests will be announced soon. For more information, please visit NYC20.net or contact Dolphin Promotions at (708) 366-2710 or (954) 563-6747. -
SOFA New York, April 20-23, 2012
Sculpture Objects Functional Art Fair Celebrates 15th Anniversary in NYCSOFA New York will be back at The Park Avenue Armory (at 67th Street) in the Spring of 2012. Get ready for some wonderful surprises, cutting edge design schemes and an exciting roster of fifty-five international dealers.Merete RasmussenRed twisted Form, 2011, Stoneware, 17.5 in. h. x 19.5 in. wide x 11 7/8 in. deepThe 15th anniversary will kick off on Friday, April 20th through Monday, April 23rd. The invitation-only Opening Night VIP Preview is Thursday, April 19 from 5-7 pm, followed by a Public Preview from 7-9 pm by ticket purchase.Donna Davies, Director of SOFA fairs in New York, Chicago and Santa Fe adds, “In celebration of SOFA NEW YORK’s milestone 15th anniversary, plans are underway to reinvigorate the design and aesthetics of the exhibition hall. We look forward to presenting an exciting group of new dealers this fair who are strong in international ceramics.” This year’s new comers are: Cultural Connections CC (Missenden, England), specialists in Danish ceramics. Erskine, Hall & Coe located in London’s Mayfair, specialists in 20th century and contemporary ceramics. Former director of the prestigious Galerie Besson, Matthew Hall established the new gallery with his partners in the same Bond Street location when seminal ceramics dealer Anita Besson retired in June. Flow Gallery, also from London: Yvonna Demczynska of Flow said, “Our international selection of artists will include Dutch artist Henk Wolvers, master of porcelain who creates colorful, subtle forms alive with movement and translucency. Wolvers’s work, Lines, was recently purchased for The Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The Museum of Arts and Design in New York also purchased a Wolvers piece for its permanent collection. Megumi Ogita Gallery (Tokyo, Japan), focusing on young Japanese and American artists remarkable “for their absorption and adaptation of traditional materials and techniques in startling new expressions.”Of NoteSOFA Lecture Series, free with paid admission. Leading the way on this year’s docket is glass artist/designer Dan Dailey (Schantz Galleries, Stockbridge, MA), internationally-known for his vibrant, humorous sculpture and luminary art. AVIP Program for upper-level collectors and gallery clients will again offer VIP cardholders ultra-exclusive private collections and curator-led museum exhibitions tours. Over 400 VIPs participated in the program last year.Friday Evening Savvy Soirée, April 20 for the 35 and under set. Last year’s enthusiastic crowd included alumni from the Institute of Fine Arts, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), School of Visual Arts, New York University, Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, Boston University’s MFA Program, Pilchuck Glass School, and Chicago Art Institute; young collectors groups from the Museum of Modern Art, The Smithsonian, The Whitney Contemporary, Fuller Craft Museum, and Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses; and young designers from the offices of Bradley Stephens, Jayne Michaels, Adrianne Neff, Jennifer Eisenstadt, Tamara Eaton, and Tim Button.The 5th annual invitation-only Designer Breakfast Preview, Friday, April 20, planned in consultation with SOFA’s National Design Committee, which includes such notables as Alexander Gorlin, Amy Lau, Juan Montoya, Jamie Drake, Nancy Epstein, Steven Gambrel, David Ling, and Joyce and Maya Romanoff.
David Ebner
Oval Dining Table, Ovangkol, 35 x 55 x 96
William Zimmer GalleryPhoto: LuAnn Thompson
Hans Coper
Selected Works, 1960s – 1970s, stoneware, various sizesErskine, Hall, & Coe
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The Weekender: Young Collectors
Lillian Bassman: Portrait of a LadyWhat component of a photograph makes it beautiful to the viewer? Is it its sense of fantasy, mystery, or can it be its lucidness? For me, a great photograph lies in its significant form. Lines and colors combined in a particular way in order to create and stir aesthetic emotions. The photographs of Lillian Brassman evoke all these emotions, In truth, her photography is conceptional, which means that her subject matters are real, but it is strictly abstract. That is a good thing if you’re considering collecting art and willing to start with photography.Artists like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Jeffrey Conley, and Martine Franck blend in very well with her work. Lillian Bassman is considered one of the last great women fashion photographers. A breed of geniuses, which I hope one day won’t become extinct. Her work is all about high contrasts between light and dark, the graininess of the finished photos and the geometric placement and camera angles of her subjects. Starting a photography collection is certainly a great start for any young collector, and usually, the price point isn’t prohibitive. The Peter Fetterman Gallery in Santa Monica offers a wide variety of some of the most renowned artists, and now, you can view a number of their collections when you visit them at the Winter Antiques Show which is still open to the public at the Park Avenue Armory. The show ends on Sunday, January 29th. Last night, I had the opportunity to go to the Young Collectors Night which offered guests a private viewing of one of the world’s most prestigious antiques, from English, European, and Asian fine art, to decorative arts dating from antiquity through the 1960s. Starting an art collection may not be an easy process, but thankfully, one has many choices to select from, when you visit a fair such as this one.Lillian Bassman, It’s A Cinch, Carmen, Harper’s Bazaar, New York, 1951, gelatin silver print
Peter Fetterman Gallery
Lillian Bassman Photos (including Ms. Bassman herself, holding a camera)
Cover: Lillian Bassman, Charles James Dress, 1960, gelatin silver print
Lillian Bassman, The Cost of Living: Barbara Mullen in a Dress by Omar Kiam for Ben Reig,New York, 1950, gelatin silver print
Lillian Bassman, Margie Cato, Junior Bazaar [White Dress and White Gloves], c. 1950,gelatin silver print
Lillian Bassman, Anne Saint –Marie, Chanel Advertising Campaign, New York, 1958,gelatin silver print
Lillian Bassman, Barbara Mullen, Flat Hat, Bare Back, c. 1950, gelatin silver printAbove images from Peter Fetterman GalleryAll rights reserved -
Hermès Furniture Collection
Updates on the Milan International Furniture ShowHow on earth did I forget to mention this on my last post?! French luxury brand, Hermès, has unveil their first ever furniture line at the show this week. Who are the designers behind this grand coup?Enzo Mari, an influential figure in Italian design, has designed a line of living room furniture, the dining room furniture line comes from Anthonio Citterio, and Denis Montel, who has been working with Hermès since 1978, teamed up with with Eric Benque to co-designed a chair that Hermes called its signature object. The collection will be available in select Hermès stores, starting September 2011. In addition, Hermès partnered with Debar to present an absolutely stunning range of fabrics, wallpaper and carpets.
Note: A short video of the fair can be found here
