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Top 5 places you need to visit in 2014
The Ultimate Luxury Hotels in Europe
Gone are the days when jet setters set their sights on nothing but the most stylish, and luxurious hotel chains. Instead, for the last two decades, small luxury boutique hotels have experienced a surge of popularity from the savvy, affluent traveler, who is definitely “au courant” when it comes to staying at th
e right place, and the right time.These superb “homes away from homes” are the stuff that dreams are made of.
Above: Stanglwirt Hotel and Resort
Speaking of time, spring is the season to start planning your summer vacation. And so I’ve decided to take a closer, and careful look at a number of top resorts that truly define the energy and stylish spirit of its local surroundings.
These superb “homes away from homes” are the stuff that dreams are made of.
From Top: Villa Gallici, Aix en Provence
Beside being in existence for 400 years, with an endless list of some of the world’s most celebrated actors and singers, this alluring resort in Tirol, Austria, also boasts a world-class spa equipped with just the right elements to take away the occasional stress that we all have to deal with.
For example, The Stanglwirt, in all its majestic, and natural beauty, is a place for everyone who enjoys nature, beauty, and originality.
Beside being in existence for 400 years, with an endless list of some of the world’s most celebrated actors and singers, this alluring resort in Tirol, Austria, also boasts a world-class spa equipped with just the right elements to take away the occasional stress that we all have to deal with. \
There’s a spacious rock sauna, an organic pine sauna, salt water grotto, natural stone sauna, the Wilder Kaiser sauna, and a whirlpool area.
Relais Histo, Italy
The mountain crystal steam grotto are bewitching with their color organ and play of light. For a tennis lover like myself, it’s comforting to know that The Stanglwirt has 14 tennis courts, where you can experience the world-famous Peter-Burwash International tennis school.
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Happy Anniversary High End Weekly™
Robert Doisneau, ParisHigh End Weekly™ turned 3 last Friday, April the 11th. That means that three years ago, I decided to pour the passion that I felt about the luxury lifestyle into images and words, to tell a story and follow a particular path. And what a journey it has been. Along the way, I’ve made so many wonderful discoveries, been introduced to so many creative ideas and products, and attended several keynote events, to name a few. Yet among all the novelties, and glamour, it is the amazing and inspiring people that I met that made my journey even more enjoyable.
Of course, it hasn’t been smooth sailing all the way. I’ve met so many challenges, hit a few bumps, pulled a few hairs. Still, I remind myself that I continue to do this type of blogging because of my:Belief & Passion.
As well as a need to raise the bar – at all times.
Even though my earlier post was about photography, as I celebrate the blog’s 3rd year anniversary, I couldn’t think of a better subject than the iconic french photographer, Robert Doisneau. Why? Mostly because Doisneau has always been THE favorite. His work continues to motivate, and inspire my daily creativity. Decades after he passed away, I and millions of people worldwide continue to marvel at how he captured the everyday, at times, mundane moments, and made them timeless, au courent, and magnificently beautiful.
photo via WordPress Photography Themes
Robert Doisneau, Paris 1934
Robert Doisneau, Le petit Monique, Paris 1934photo via Pixdaus.com
Robert Doisneau, Papa’s airplane, 1934
Robert Doisneau, Camouflage – Liberation of Paris, 1944photo via webodysseum.com
Robert Doisneau, Couples at a dance, 1950sphoto via Impressionifotografiche
Robert Doisneau, Le Muguet du Metrophoto via Arnet.com
Robert Doisneau, La marchande de fleurs, 1968photo via Huffingtonpost.com
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Chic Ideas for Photo Grouping
Michael Shapiro Photographs 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.
Peter Feterman Gallery 
PDNB Gallery 
Galerie Johannes Faber 
Picture Grouping from Angela Disrud Photography 
Steven Kasher Gallery 
Robert Klein Gallery 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 -
Meet Sarah Boutinon-Tharse
Sarah Boutinon-Tharse in Versailles, 2013It’s official! Sarah Boutinon Tharse is now High End Weekly’s correspondent in Paris. Although she’s been contributing to this blog for more than a year now, I thought it was time that you get acquainted with this chic Parisienne who happens to have a fierce passion for fencing. Sarah holds degrees in art history, architecture and fine landscaping. Earlier in her career, she worked in the Real Estate industry, but eventually moved to pursue what she’s always been great at, Architecture and Decoration. Here are a few of her favorite things.
Coco Chanel at Place Vendome, Parisphoto via Chanel News
Frank Rothko
Frank Horvat photographs. Above is a Frank HorvatHB Collections Rome A (model with spaghetti), 1962Her favorite architects? She’s inspired by the works of grande dame, Zaha Hadid, the legendary Frank Llyod Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and Tadao Ando.
Architect Spotlight: Zaha HadidPhoto via Joyce Rey
Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center by Zaha HadidPhoto via www.aasarchitecture.comSarah Boutinon-Tharse adores the masterful strokes of past and living artists like Matisse, Magritte, Raoul Dufy, Botero, and Mark Rothko.
House designed by Tadao AndoPhoto via Dezeen
Belgian Surrealist René Magritte
René Magritte. The Empire of Light, II. 1950Oh! Let’s not forget the inspiring works of Franck Horvat. Did I already mention that!?
Raoul Dufy, Regatta at Cowes, (1934), Washington D.C. National Gallery of Art
Mies van der Rohe
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim museumAnd of course, fencing!
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The Quintessential Collector
Quotes and Highlights of Barry Friedman The Eclectic Eye Sale
The Barry Friedman’s auctions at Christie’s late last month coincided with the retirement of the celebrated dealer, and the closure of his namesake gallery in November 2013. Barry Friedman is known for making markets for countless artists and art forms as a result of his insatiable curiosity and his keen eye for distinct brilliance. The auctions represented the diversity of mediums and periods that Friedman has presented to the marketplace over the course of his career, including Decorative Arts and Design from the 20th and 21st centuries, Contemporary Art, Photography and Ceramics as well as Italian and Contemporary Glass. The sales included a combined total of about 400 lots.
“It’s very gratifying to have someone believe so strongly in my work. He has given me three one-man exhibitions and taken my pieces to many important fairs. I truly feel that my career is in the best place it has ever been. Not only has Barry exhibited my work, but he also lives with it in his home.”
Wendell Castle, Designer
Ron Arad (B 1952), ‘Oh Void 1’ A Chair, 2004“Before my first exhibition at Barry Friedman Ltd. in 1997—Beyond Vessels—Barry had taken the time and effort to visit my studio…twice—first, with his wife, and then with his gallery director and another member of his staff. In the previous 17 years of my career, no gallery had come to my studio, even when invited…He will be, quite simply, impossible to replace.”Michael Glancy, Glass Artist
“Barry led me through a path of fascinating creation of glass art by encouraging me and pointing me towards new directions. With his unique kindness, charisma and humanity, he guided me through fantastic new adventures full of exciting creativity.”Yoichi Ohira, Glass Artist
Above: Nendo, A ‘Cabbage’ Chair, 2008
“I first met Barry Friedman in 1980 in his Madison Avenue gallery. He was a dealer who did what dealers are meant to do—show you an aspect of the art world with which you weren’t already familiar and bring it to true value…That is what Barry is great at—showing us things that expand our visual aesthetic.”Peter Marino, Architect
Wendell Castle (B 1932), ‘Chinook’ A bench, 2009
Ron Arad lounge chair
Florence Henri (1893-1982)Portrait of Sonia Delaunay, Paris, 1931
Left: Gilbert Poillerat (1902-1988)A pair of gates, Circa 1940“Of all of the lessons I have learned from Barry, the one that stands out in my mind comes from one of our first meetings over 20 years ago at his gallery on Madison Avenue. He could tell I was deeply conflicted as to whether or not to purchase a Viennese chair. ‘Collect what you love,’ he told me. Looking back, I realize that what has made him such an extraordinary dealer is that he really was never a dealer at all, but a collector at heart.”Reed Krakoff, Fashion Designer
Jaroslava Brychtova (B 1924) and Stanislav Libensky (1921-2002)Triangle in a triangle, 1994
Hector Guimard (1867-1942)Side Chairs, Circa 1899-1900
Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956)A pair of ‘uenos Aires’ Armchairs, Circa 1908
Left: Ron Arad (B 1951)‘Shadow Of Time’ A projecting wall clock, 1986
Wendell CastleImages by High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
Where To Buy Chinese Art
Asia Week New York – the nine-day Asian art extravaganza – ended on a stupendous note: $200 million in sales, exceeding last year’s number by $25 million. From the minute the 47 international galleries of Asia Week New York opened their doors on March 14, a whirlwind of activities invigorated the city. The annual event was celebrated with a magnificent reception at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on March 17, where the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed more than 600 collectors, curators and Asian art specialists. The event ignited excitement that burned for the entire week, and the Asian art world buzzed with exhibitions and record-breaking auctions that were thronged with international buyers from mainland China, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea and the United States.
“With an increase in overseas Chinese buyers, combined with many American museum curators and their patrons, Asia Week New York was a tremendous success this year,” says Carol Conover, chairman of Asia Week New York. “A record number of 47 galleries – saw steady and heavy traffic throughout the week, and the four major auction houses saw sales reach new highs.”Allimageswere taken at Christie’s, New York.
Contemporary Chinese Art
Important Classical Chinese Furniture
The ‘Min’ Fanglei
Fat Lady from the Tang Dynasty
G. Ravinder Reddy
Vyna St. Phard, Asia Week New York, Christie’sImages by High End Weekly™All rights reservedYou May Also Like
Ai Weiwei’s Platform at The Armory Show
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Inspiring Rooms from a Decorator Showhouse
Daun Curry/Modern DeclarationSotheby’s first designer showhouse opened to the public yesterday. Originally the end date was this Friday, but it was extended to Sunday, March 30th. This was indeed a small window, but you have to remember that the showhouse is held inside an auction house, where things take place at rapid speed. You may also remember my first post about this first-class “model home”. However, if you are new to this blog, or may need to refresh your memory, I invite you to go to the article.
The inaugural Sotheby’s Showhouse includes spaces that range from living rooms, a dining room, and library. They all evoke the designers’ unique aesthetics, and comprised items from Sotheby’s upcoming spring auctions including English & Continental furniture, 20th century design, Contemporary and Impressionist prints, African and European sculpture, carpets, Old Master paintings, ceramics and silver. Sotheby’s invited six innovative interior designers and firms with a broad range of artistic approaches and experiences. As to be expected, all the rooms are heavily curated, and extremely well done. Of course, I have a few favorites, but I don’t want to say. Okay. Let’s just say that I’m more attracted to the modernist way of things, with an ancient tribal art thrown in between.
Olasky & Sinsteden
WRJ Design Associates
McMillen Inc.
Shaler Ladd III
Daun Curry/Modern Declaration
Ryan Korban
Images by High End WeeklyAll rights reserved -
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 Art
Michael C. Hughes eying a rare and important South East Asian tapestry at the Hughes, Koo New York, Mark Murray Gallery
Care to spend $300,000 on a Huanghuali yoke back armchair? Backward sloping yoke, China, Late Ming dynasty, 16th century, Huanghuali wood
Monumental parcel-gilt bronze figure of a Buddhist guardian, Weituofrom Gisèle Cross
Above: Gisèle Croës’ intensely beautiful and ambitious collection at the Gagosian Gallery
Gisèle Croës next to her large bronze horse, Eastern Han, 25–220
Above: Notable Tibetan sculptures at Carlo Cristi
Left: An extraordinary example of the Chinese Fat Ladies at Ralph M. Chait Galleries
Some of the finest Indian art are on display at Prahlad Bubbar’s Gallery
Rare Money Tree Promises Eternal Happiness and Wealth
Hai Tao Paitings at M. Sutheland Fine Arts
Japan in Black & White, Ink and Clay presented by Joan Mirviss
Right: A Yueyao Glazed Funerary Jar, Western Jin Dynasty, 265 – 316 AD
The Ik-Joong Kang’s exhibit at Kang Collection Korean Art
Marilyn WhiteImages by High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
Madison Avenue gets a Facelift
457 Madison Avenue, The Mansion on MadisonNew York CityKips Bay Announces Their 42nd Annual Decorator Show HouseIn its forty-second year, the internationally recognized Kips Bay Decorator Show House hosted by New York’s most prominent youth organization, the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, will make an unprecedented venue shift this spring as it takes over Manhattan’s quintessential mansion at 457 Madison Avenue, The Mansion on Madison. Situated in the heart of Manhattan’s most luxurious shopping district, the famed building which was originally the north wing of the famous Villard House, is connected by a grand courtyard to adjacent luxury hotel, The New York Palace. This spring, the gilded-era mansion will invite the world’s leading interior designers to revive its historic interiors before opening to the public for one month beginning Thursday, May 1.
Designed and built by architecture firm McKim, Mead & White in 1884 on the Southeast corner of 51st Street and Madison Avenue, the Renaissance-inspired Villard Houses were constructed by Henry Villard, President of the Northern Pacific Railway, to serve as six private yet connected brownstones. Renovated in 2011, the six-story and 26,190 square-foot Mansion on Madison boasts a grand staircase, landmark hallways with marble floors, 16-foot high ceilings with elegant moldings, multiple Italian marble fireplaces, and a carved paneled room with barrel-vaulted ceilings.
Hand-selected by the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Committee, this year’s talented designers will revive the historic interiors of the famed building, which was originally the north wing of the famous Villard House. Today, The Mansion on Madison sits next to luxury hotel, The New York Palace, and is connected by a grand courtyard. Together, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House will offer visitors to the hotel unique packages and limited edition offerings throughout the month of May.The 22 designers and architects participating in this year’s Decorator Show House include: Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd., Christopher Peacock, Cullman & Kravis Inc., Darryl Carter, Inc., Edward Lobrano Interior Design, Inc., Ingrao Inc., John Douglas Eason Interiors, Juan Montoya Design, Kirsten Kelli, LLC, Mark Hampton LLC, Markham Roberts Inc., Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Matthew Quinn, Mendelson Group, Inc., Meyer Davis Studio, Inc., ODADA (Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates), Robin Sacks Decorative Painting, SPaN Architecture, Vicente Wolf Associates, Villalobos Desio, William T. Georgis Architect, Young Huh, LLC
Proceeds from the Decorator Show House, which attracts an estimated 15,000 visitors each year, benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club which offers innovative after-school and enrichment programs for more than 11,000 youth, ages 6 through 18, in ten locations throughout the Bronx.
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Eastern Splendor and the City
Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). Hare. Signed Rengetsu. Ceramic okimono with calligraphic inscription. Height: 7.9 inches (20 cm).
Giuseppe Piva Japanese ArtASIA WEEK 2014
Are you ready for a 9-day extravaganza of some of the finest, rarest, and awe-inspiring exhibitions from the East? Starting this Friday, March 14th until the 22nd, Asia Week, now on its sixth year, will take center stage in a city that has already seen its fair share of art during the last few weeks (The Armory Show, The Biennale at the Whitney Museum, Volta, to name a few). However, this mega star of Asian art plans to trump them all by offering its ardent followers with even more dazzling, museum-caliber exhibitions. Over 100 Asian art curators from the nation’s major American museums will make their annual pilgrimage there, for an unprecedented 9-day round of 47 international gallery shows, 19 auction sales and many museum exhibitions and special events.
Art dealers from Australia, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, and the United States have all joined the list this year. They’ve worked together towards a shared goal to weave Asian art into the cultural fabric of New York and to broadcast its unique appeal worldwide.
Asia Week New York exhibitions are open and free to the public, and each reveals the rarest and finest Asian examples of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculpture, bronzes, prints, photographs and jades, representing artistry, ingenuity and imagination from every corner and time period of Asia.
“We are delighted to welcome such a distinguished group of Asian art curators whose enthusiasm and scholarship underscores the importance of Asia Week New York as an important destination for museums,” says Carol Conover chairman of Asia Week New York.
Suzuki Harunobu (circa 1725-70). Teahouse waitress and a lover in an intimate embrace. Japan, circa 1768. Woodblock print. 8 1/8 x 11 1/8 inches (20.5 by 28.2 cm).
Scholten Japanese Art
Naoki Takeyama. Ephemeral. Japan, 2013. Hand pinched copper, enamels, gold and silver leaf. Width 12. 8 x Diameter 10.6 x Height 12.8 inches (32.5 x 26.9 x 32.5 cm).
Gallery FW
Guru Gobind Singh (detail). Guler, Punjab Hills, India, circa 1780-90. Opaque watercolor,
gold and silver on paper. 8 x 5.6 inches (20.The Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Portland Museum, The Morgan Library, The American Museum of Natural History, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Baltimore Museum, The Mingei International Museum, The Kruizenga Art Museum, The Crow Collection, The Newark Museum, The Samuel P. Harn Museum-University of Florida, Japan Society, The Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Worcester Art Museum, The Burke Foundation, The Cleveland Museum, The Spencer Museum-University of Kansas, The Detroit Institute of Art, The Smart Museum-University of Chicago, The University of Michigan Museum of Art, The Kimball Art Museum, the Yale University Art Gallery, the Berkeley Art Museum, The Cincinnati Art Museum. And from Europe comes The British Museum and The Musée Cernuschi in Paris.
Ik-Joong Kang. Samramansang Moon Jar. Korea, 2010-2013. Mixed Media on Wood. 47 x 47 inches (119.4 x 119.4 cm). Kang Collection 
Perfume container. China, Song Dynasty, 960-1279 AD. Gold. Length: 3.75 inches (9.5 cm).
Susan Ollemans
lendor-and-the-City.1.png Organized by group, you will find a roundup of exhibitions at the participating galleries right here. According to Ms. Conover, the museum curators attending are from all parts of the country and represent: The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, The Phoenix Art Museum, Rubin Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, China Institute, Asia Society, Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture, The Smithsonian Institution, The Peabody Essex Museum.
To help visitors easily navigate the Asia Week New York’s activities, a comprehensive guide with maps is available at all participating galleries and auction houses, along with select museums and cultural institutions, and online. For the second year, to meet the demands of Chinese collectors, the website is available in Chinese. For more information, visit www.asiaweekny.com.
