Location, location, location: behind the Art Basel floor plan beef

The article details a collaborative project between flooring brand Bolon and French architect Jean Nouvel, focusing on an installation at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. The collaboration stemmed from Nouvel's prior use of Bolon flooring in the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, where he appreciated its hardwearing, tactile qualities, and visual appeal both from a distance and up close. Bolon, on the other hand, sought to challenge traditional perceptions of flooring and explore new artistic applications for their material. The inspiration behind the Stockholm Furniture Fair installation, as explained by Jean Nouvel, was to create a "Bolon universe" composed entirely of floors, devoid of ceilings or walls. This concept aimed to push the boundaries of how flooring material is perceived and used. Nouvel also emphasized the importance of human interaction within the installation, wanting visitors to engage with the material by lying on it or touching it. Initially considering regular mannequins, he humorously decided to use four copies of a sculpture of himself by Xavier Veilhan, noting that architects should seize opportunities for humor amidst the seriousness of their profession. From Bolon's perspective, Nouvel's installation has significantly influenced their future outlook. While currently a 100% flooring company, the project introduced the idea of blurring the lines between different architectural surfaces, such as floors, ceilings, and walls. This has opened up possibilities for future applications of their material, even suggesting the ambitious idea of covering building facades. The installation showcased Bolon's new 'Create' collection, some designs of which feature a unique 3D-effect pattern, further demonstrating the versatility and innovative potential of their products. The discussion highlights the mutual respect and creative synergy between the architect and the brand. Nouvel’s vision transformed a functional material into an immersive artistic experience, while Bolon gained new insights into the potential of their product beyond conventional uses. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation and artistic expression within the design and architecture industries, encouraging both parties to explore uncharted territories for material application and spatial design. The project serves as a case study for how design thinking can transcend traditional boundaries and inspire future product development. #JeanNouvel #BolonFlooring #StockholmFurnitureFair #ArchitecturalInstallation #DesignInnovation #MaterialApplication #CreativeCollaboration #InteriorDesign #ExhibitionDesign

Marina Baisel, the founder of Rarares, a contemporary art space in DIFC, is approaching the art gallery model with a unique perspective, informed by her previous career in interior design. While Dubai's art scene typically features either large commercial galleries showcasing international artists or smaller ones dedicated to local talent, Rarares aims to bridge this gap by bringing both emerging and established global artists whose works are rarely exhibited in the UAE. The gallery's name, derived from the Latin word 'rarus' meaning rare, reflects this curatorial philosophy. Baisel's background in interior design provides a distinct advantage in the art world. Having spent nearly a decade incorporating artistic elements into interior projects, she understands the synergy between art and living spaces. She views interior design as a canvas where art plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience, capable of transforming spaces, evoking emotions, and narrating stories. This passion for the artistic component of interior design motivated her transition to becoming a gallery owner, seeing it as a natural progression to combine her love for aesthetics with a desire to support and promote artists. Her interior design expertise significantly influenced the gallery's physical design and exhibition curation. Baisel believes a gallery should be an immersive environment that enhances the viewer's experience, not just a display space. Consequently, the layout, lighting, and overall aesthetic of Rarares are meticulously planned to highlight each artwork, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the space. This careful curation extends to individual exhibitions, where Baisel leverages her design knowledge to consider how artworks interact with each other and their surroundings. Each exhibition is thoughtfully organized to guide visitors through the space, fostering meaningful engagement with the art. Aspects such as lighting, forms, and palettes are considered to establish a harmonious balance between the artworks and the gallery setting. Currently, Rarares is featuring 'Eidos,' a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Mederic Turay, which marks his debut collection of ceramic works and his first show in the UAE. Following this, in April, the gallery will host 'Powerful Spring,' a group female exhibition that explores the philosophical concept of soft power and acceptance, serving as an ode to feminine strength. The gallery's approach reflects a thoughtful integration of art and design principles, offering a fresh perspective on art display and engagement within the Dubai art scene. #Art #FineArt #Gallery #InteriorDesign #DubaiArtScene #ContemporaryArt #ArtCuration #MarinaBaisel

A new exhibition titled 'Exhibition in Rennes: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec' showcases the extensive work of French design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec in their home region of Brittany for the first time. The exhibition is split across three venues: Les Champs Libres, the Frac Bretange contemporary art museum, and Le parlement de Bretagne, and is conceptually divided into two main parts. The first part is a 20-year retrospective focusing on the brothers' industrial design projects. This segment features collaborations with prominent design manufacturers such as Alessi, Magis, Kvadrat, Vitra, Artek, and Samsung. Notable inclusions are their furniture and domestic items, alongside an array of archival materials. These materials provide insight into their design process, including development notebooks and scale models, offering a comprehensive look at their evolution in industrial design. One such collaboration highlighted is the 'Serif' TV with Samsung, which received the Wallpaper* award for 'Best Domestic Design'. The second part of the exhibition, titled 'Urban Reveries' and installed at Les Champs Libres, delves into the duo's foray into municipal landscape design. This section presents a collection of dioramic architectural models that envision new public spaces. These models depict unique urban patterns, including rocky outcrops, elevated sculptural streams, and meticulously designed gardens, reflecting what the studio describes as 'a wandering or urban dreaming based on a reflection of the city layout'. The exhibit aims to explore innovative approaches to public urban environments. Further installations include 'Le Kiosque' from 2015, positioned in the parliament courtyard. This modular structure, constructed from powder-coated steel with an oak interior and an overhanging roof, first appeared in Paris' Tuileries. Conceived as a movable tool to integrate art into public spaces, in Rennes, it is paired with 'Palissade', a collection of outdoor furniture developed in collaboration with Hay. The exhibition also features '17 Screens', an abstract display that explores the convergence of 3D printing with traditional production methods. Previously exhibited at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, this installation showcases futuristic constructions utilizing diverse materials such as glass, ceramic, wood, and aluminium rods. It also incorporates curtains made from cup-like mouldings by ceramics innovator Mutina and patterned textiles. This segment is characterized as an experimental and atmospheric exploration, blurring the lines between design and art. Overall, the exhibition is presented as a carefully curated blend of their established works and new, more experimental directions. It offers an opportunity to re-evaluate the Bouroullecs' classic designs while also providing glimpses into their evolving artistic and design philosophies. The show aims to offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of the duo's influential and multifaceted practice. #BouroullecBrothers #DesignExhibition #IndustrialDesign #UrbanPlanning #ContemporaryArt #FurnitureDesign #ArchitecturalModels #PublicSpaceDesign #3DPrinting #RennesExhibition

Successfully hanging an art collection requires meticulous planning and careful consideration, encompassing everything from selecting appropriate fixtures and frames to creating a cohesive visual narrative among grouped artworks. Experts in art installation, interior design, and gallery direction offer comprehensive advice on optimizing the display of art in domestic settings. The initial step involves a thorough assessment of the chosen space, considering the artwork's size, potential physical obstacles, and the overall visual flow of the room. Guy Morey, operations director at Momart, an art installation service, emphasizes the importance of measuring both the walls and the narrowest points of entry into the building to avoid issues with oversized pieces or artworks that might be too imposing for a home environment. Planning the arrangement beforehand is crucial; collectors can collaborate with installers to experiment with different placements by leaning artworks against walls to determine the most aesthetically pleasing configuration. Some installers leverage 3D modeling software for precise planning. General guidelines exist for hanging height, with a consistent center-line often recommended across all artworks in a room. This center-line is typically set at eye-level or 120 centimeters from the ceiling to the artwork's center, though it may vary depending on the piece's size. Smaller works can be grouped around a shared center-line, while larger pieces might require individual placement. Lighting is another critical factor, influencing both the aesthetic appeal and preservation of an artwork. Interior designer Verity Woolf, director of Woolf Interiors, advises considering natural light exposure to prevent damage and suggests incorporating artificial lighting solutions, such as concealed ceiling lights that can be adjusted to suit different artwork sizes. Frame selection also plays a significant role in an artwork's presentation and narrative. Woolf highlights framing as an art form in itself, noting that an unsuitable frame can diminish a piece's impact, while a well-chosen one can enhance its meaning. Technical details, such as fixings, are equally important. John Paul Black, managing director of Art Works Exhibition Services, recommends implementing a versatile hanging system, such as aluminum rails hidden in cornices with wires, to facilitate easy rearrangement and temporary storage of artworks, especially to protect them from sunlight at certain times of the year. Unlike gallery settings, private homes present unique challenges with limited space and numerous obstacles like furniture, radiators, and fireplaces. These elements can affect the optimal placement and center-line of an artwork. Ben Cotton, director of Hang-Up Gallery, stresses the importance of harmonizing artworks with existing furniture. He advises against rigidly adhering to gallery-style hanging heights in a home, encouraging collectors to adapt to their space to maintain balance. Furthermore, creating a visual connection between artworks within a collection is essential for a cohesive display. This can be achieved through shared color palettes, themes, genres, or even by featuring the same artist, ultimately forming a compelling narrative for the viewer. #ArtCollection #ArtInstallation #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArtDisplay #FramingArt #LightingArt #ArtPlacement #ArtHangingSystems

Displaying art in a home, whether it's a house or a condo, is an artistic endeavor that requires careful consideration of various factors to create impact and harmony within the space. While there are no strict rules in design, according to Ben Leavitt of PlaidFox Studio, there are optimal approaches to showcasing artwork. The size of the living space significantly influences art placement, with larger homes offering more opportunities than smaller condos. Despite size constraints, art is considered essential for bringing life to any space. Happy Home Design, for example, specializes in optimizing art display in small spaces like modern condos, which often have abundant windows, limiting wall space. In such environments, art pieces become more impactful as they face less competition from other artworks. The density of windows in new condo builds necessitates a strategic approach to identifying feature walls and determining appropriate artwork sizes. Artwork chosen for display should allow for "breathing room," meaning individual pieces should have enough surrounding space to be appreciated. For collectors with numerous pieces, the challenge lies in curating these items to provide each piece with adequate space and to thoughtfully juxtapose them to foster a dialogue between artworks. When assisting clients in selecting art, designers consider the homeowners' interests, desired mood for the room, and color schemes. The physical dimensions and scale of the artwork must be proportionate to the furniture and the overall balance of the room. Creating visually engaging vignettes as one moves through a space is also important; blank walls that disrupt the room's balance are opportunities for artwork. In prominent areas like a foyer, a larger artwork can create a significant visual impact compared to a smaller piece on a grand wall. Different rooms call for different artistic considerations. Leavitt suggests that the choice of art for a bedroom versus a living room depends on the desired atmosphere. Calming artwork would suit a serene room, for instance. Practical aspects, such as reflections, are also important; rooms with ample natural light may benefit from art without glass or with non-glare, matte-finish glass to prevent distracting reflections. Family artwork is often preferred in more personal areas, such as bedrooms or hallways leading to private spaces, rather than in public living rooms. Thematic art, like a beach scene, might be appropriate for a bathroom, especially if it relates to family photos or interests. Another approach to displaying art is creating a gallery wall, space permitting. For those who haven't accumulated art over a long period, the goal is to create a curated look that suggests a long-standing collection. This involves selecting diverse pieces that represent stylistic contrasts, ranging from minimalist to vibrant and colorful. A well-designed gallery wall incorporates a variety of frames, including wood, gilded, vintage, and contemporary, as well as pictures on stretched canvas. The inclusion of three-dimensional pieces, such as artifacts from travels, is also recommended to add depth and interest. A common strategy is to start with a primary piece in the center and expand outwards, leaving small sections to be filled with personal items. This method allows for the collection to evolve and grow with the homeowner over time. #HomeArt #InteriorDesign #ArtCuration #GalleryWall #HomeDecorating #SmallSpaceDesign #ArtworkPlacement

The Bell Museum's Curiosity Shop has undergone a significant reinvention, moving beyond traditional museum merchandise to offer a curated selection of quirky and unique items. Emma Allen, the museum's director of operations, spearheaded this transformation with the goal of creating a retail space that stands out from typical museum stores. She aimed for a distinctive aesthetic and product range, ensuring visitors could find items that reflect curiosity and individuality rather than just branded souvenirs. Key to this new approach is the emphasis on items that facilitate personal expression and creativity, such as magnifiers, cloches, moss, miniature plastic animals, and faux bird eggs. These components are specifically chosen to inspire customers to create their own dioramas, a nod to the museum's natural history focus. This interactive and creative aspect differentiates The Curiosity Shop, providing an experience that encourages engagement with the products and their potential for home decor. Beyond the diorama elements, the shop features a variety of unconventional decor pieces. One notable example is a framed insect riding a motorcycle, playfully titled 'Weevil Knievel,' which Emma Allen highlights as a personal favorite. This item exemplifies the blend of natural history with whimsical, artistic flair that defines the shop's inventory, catering to those who appreciate unusual and conversation-starting decorative accents. Inspired by these unique offerings, the article presents several home decor ideas that draw from the Bell Museum's distinct aesthetic. These include Christian Lacroix playing cards, known for their fantastical illustrations, which offer a sophisticated yet playful touch to any living space. Another suggestion is 'Whales: An Illustrated Celebration,' a nature-based book by local author Kelsey Oseid, which combines artistic illustration with scientific themes, perfect for adding an educational yet decorative element. Further decor ideas include a John Derian plate featuring a vintage mushroom print, demonstrating how functional items can also serve as artistic displays. Animal print shoes, such as Ulla Johnson's leopard print mules, are cited as an example of incorporating wild, natural patterns into personal style, which can be extended to home textiles or accents. Sculptural art pieces like blue-gray coral offer an organic, oceanic touch, bringing natural forms indoors. The collection also features a gold honeybee necklace from Gumuchian, with a portion of its proceeds supporting the University of Minnesota’s bee and pollinator program. This item connects directly to environmental consciousness and wildlife preservation, reflecting a broader interest in nature. Finally, a taxidermy Abyssinian roller, with its vibrant blue plumage, represents a more traditional yet striking natural history display, echoing the museum's core exhibits and providing a bold statement piece for home interiors. These curated selections aim to help individuals infuse their living spaces with a sense of wonder and uniqueness, mirroring the spirit of The Curiosity Shop. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BellMuseum #TheCuriosityShop #QuirkyDecor #NaturalHistory #Diorama #ArtisticHome #Stylemaker

This article details the latest project by Open Studio, an emerging Australian architectural practice, focusing on an artist's studio located in Flemington, a suburb of Melbourne. Established in 2005, Open Studio specializes in designing combined and separate live and work environments. The firm is recognized for its innovative and clear approach to architecture, which was crucial for the success of this particular commission. The project originated from two relatives owning adjacent properties in Flemington who decided to remove the dividing fence between their backyards. This action freed up an unusually wide and largely unused garden area, creating the necessary space for the new artist studio. The unconventional placement of the studio, situated between two existing properties, posed a significant challenge for the architects due to Melbourne's strict planning regulations. To navigate these regulatory hurdles, Open Studio devised a solution that involved designing the building as two distinct structures, which were then combined into a single volume. Heribert Alucha, a partner at Open Studio, explained that this approach aimed to reinforce the concept of shared backyard space. The specific positioning of the new building and its angular design elements were intentionally aligned with the actual title boundaries of the properties. The careful placement of the studio within the site resulted in the creation of three distinct landscaped areas: a playground, a vegetable patch, and a seating area. The studio's unique, distorted box-shape, characterized by its angular resections and curves, plays a functional role in defining these separate outdoor zones, contributing to a harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. The interior of the Artist Studio is meticulously designed, featuring a brightly lit painting studio, a substantial storage and workshop area, a garden shed, and a garage. The internal spaces are characterized by their clean and neutral aesthetic. Although the indoor and outdoor areas maintain their distinct identities, they are aesthetically unified through the generous openings incorporated into the painting studio space, fostering a sense of continuity and connection. Flexibility and clarity are core principles of Open Studio's design philosophy, and these are evident in the Artist Studio project. The Melbourne-based architects have successfully delivered a compact yet beautifully conceived studio on a site that might initially seem challenging. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can overcome site-specific constraints to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and well-integrated architectural solutions. #ArtistStudio #ArchitectureDesign #MelbourneArchitecture #OpenStudio #ArchitecturalInnovation #UrbanPlanning #ResidentialArchitecture #AustralianDesign

Successfully curating and hanging art in a home can be a challenging task, often leading to common art hanging mistakes. The process involves more than simply placing pieces on a wall; it requires careful consideration of scale, sightlines, and focal points to achieve a gallery-like result. Interior designers employ several strategies to ensure art enhances a space rather than detracting from it. One key approach is to utilize overlooked areas, such as home offices, entryways, staircases, or living room corners, as prime locations for art display. These spaces, often considered transitional or secondary, can be transformed into focal points that introduce purpose and personality into the home. For instance, an entryway adorned with a striking art piece or a thoughtfully arranged gallery wall can create a memorable first impression for guests. Before hanging any art, it is crucial to plan the number of pieces intended for display. While gallery walls can be visually appealing, they are not always the ideal solution for every space. Designers emphasize the importance of carefully considering the appropriate number of artworks for each vignette. In areas where a calmer or cleaner aesthetic is desired, or when aiming to create a dramatic focal point with a large statement piece, limiting the art to one or two pieces is often most effective. This restraint is particularly important in spaces already occupied by numerous other decorative elements, highlighting the beauty of negative space in interior design. The size and scale of an artwork significantly influence its placement and impact. Larger pieces frequently serve as excellent focal points, but smaller artworks can be equally striking when strategically placed alongside complementary decor, effective lighting, or a suitable layout. It is essential to ensure that the art's size is proportionate to the wall and the surrounding elements; pieces that are too small can make a wall appear incomplete, while excessively large artworks can create visual tension. A practical tip involves laying out the arrangement on the floor before hanging to visualize the aesthetic and make adjustments, especially for gallery walls. Sightlines are another critical aspect of professional art curation. This concept refers to how art is viewed from various angles within a room and from one room to another. Considering how an artwork appears when viewed from an adjacent dining room or reflected in a mirror ensures a cohesive visual flow throughout the home. Creating a focal point with art is also a fundamental design principle. Every room benefits from a strong primary and secondary focal point. If architectural features or large furniture pieces do not naturally provide these, art can effectively establish them, guiding the eye and enhancing the room's overall design. Investing in picture lights can elevate the presentation of art, adding drama and highlighting favored pieces, especially in dimly lit areas. The decision to use dedicated lighting depends on the artwork's prominence as a focal point and the existing natural and artificial light sources in the room. While not always necessary, professional lighting can be a worthwhile consideration for those who frequently entertain. Finally, there is an art to mixing and matching different styles and mediums of artwork. Combining diverse pieces, such as oil paintings with photography or bold abstracts with delicate line drawings, can create a contemporary yet timelessly chic display. However, this approach requires careful consideration to ensure the mixed styles harmonize with the rest of the space, preventing a look that is merely mismatched rather than expertly curated. #ArtHanging #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArtCuration #FocalPoint #GalleryWall #DesignTips

Creative agency Spacemen integrated biophilic design concepts into the flagship store for luxury leather manufacturer Braun Büffel in Malaysia, featuring a tree-like, moss-covered installation as its central focus. The objective was to create an interior appealing to a younger demographic, envisioning the store as an 'abstract oasis' within Putrajaya's IOI Mall, blurring the lines between an art museum and a laboratory. This unique approach aimed to establish a strong connection between nature and high-end fashion. The centerpiece of the store's design is a large, organically shaped sculpture suspended from an illuminated disc in the shop's center. This sculpture is adorned with preserved flat moss, ball moss, and lichen, creating a natural and visually engaging focal point. Directly beneath this hanging installation, a spherical table, similarly covered in moss and other preserved plants, serves as a display platform for Braun Büffel's leather bags. These bags are strategically arranged throughout the store, evoking the presentation style of museum artifacts, further enhancing the artistic and curated atmosphere. The inspiration for this dominant sculpture comes from biophilic design, a methodology that seeks to strengthen the human-nature connection within built environments. Edward Tan, founder of Spacemen, explained that the sculpture's form was designed to appear as if it is growing from the ground toward the ceiling, symbolizing growth and reaching for the sun. The envisioned aesthetic was an otherworldly concept, drawing parallels to a scene from a Hollywood sci-fi film, adding an element of fantastical innovation to the retail space. In developing the store's interior, Spacemen adopted a 'maximal minimalism' philosophy. This approach aimed to counteract the often-uninspired shapes and colors typically found in luxury retail spaces. The interior features lime plaster walls and bright white terrazzo flooring, providing a clean and contemporary backdrop. These elements are complemented by numerous intricately designed display cabinets and shelves, which are further enhanced by floor-to-ceiling mirrors, contributing to a sense of spaciousness and understated opulence. Further details of the store's luxurious design include cabinetry crafted from opulent slabs of swirling orange onyx and jade marble. Some of these marble surfaces are topped with glass vitrines, designed to showcase smaller leather goods, adding another layer of sophistication and attention to detail. This combination of natural elements, innovative design, and high-quality materials creates a distinctive shopping experience. Edward Tan elaborated on the decision to incorporate biophilic design, noting a societal shift in appreciation for nature, particularly post-pandemic. He observed that individuals residing in urban apartments or working in office cubicles often lack sufficient exposure to natural environments. Consequently, the integration of lush flora and garden-like elements into interior spaces has emerged as a new form of luxury. This recognition of nature's value within commercial design contributes to the project's overall success and resonance with contemporary consumer preferences. #BiophilicDesign #LuxuryRetail #InteriorDesign #FashionStore #MossInstallation #SpacemenStudio #BraunBuffel #MaximalMinimalism #SustainableDesign

This article highlights recent notable design openings and exhibitions, showcasing a variety of styles and inspirations. One featured location is Leonessa, a new rooftop bar on the 16th floor of the Conrad New York Downtown. Designed by Islyn Studio, Leonessa draws heavily from the Italian Amalfi Coast, incorporating potted citrus trees, geometric patterns, and a color palette of sea-green, rose, and ocher. The design aims to evoke the feeling of a private seaside garden, with specific attention paid to selecting wind, rain, freeze, and thaw-proof furniture that maintains an alfresco coastal ambiance. The bar features retro prints, including works by Pietro Fornasetti and custom Dedar cushions. Another significant opening is Paloma Wool's first permanent store in Soho, located on Broome Street. After eight years of temporary pop-ups, the Spanish brand now has a dedicated space designed by artist Max Milà Serra in collaboration with designer-welder Mark Malecki. The store features sculptural clothing racks made from raw stainless steel and sanded acrylic sheets, which serve as both installations and functional fixtures. Welded steel and natural wood furnishings, including minimalist wood platforms with plexiglass boxes and suspended metal shelves, display accessories and clothing. The two large sculptural steel fixtures with translucent acrylic sheets, along with the curved, untreated timber shell of the changing rooms, create a distinctive and enveloping atmosphere. Tiny, modular, aerospace-inspired lights by Serra illuminate the 3,000-square-foot space without overpowering it. The article also covers the joint store of jewelry designer Caitlin Mociun and her husband, furniture and lighting designer Tammer Hijazi, founders of Bower Studios. Their new retail space on Driggs Avenue, which previously housed Mociun's solo store for eight years, now combines both brands. The redesign moved away from an all-white aesthetic, incorporating desaturated gem tones, varied textures, and a vintage Italian sensibility. Features include chocolate carpeting, green walls, ribbed-glass bricks, walnut wood furniture, and Maharam textile chairs. Custom details, such as an encased wood-and-metal bookshelf, replicate motifs from Bower Studios' new collection. A glass-brick wall extends through the space, creating distinct areas for client consultations and waiting. An olive-green wall houses a beveled-glass walnut case showcasing Mociun's jewelry. Furthermore, the "Gathered" exhibition in a Chinatown apartment is discussed. This show, a collaboration between the online platform Erria and Lyle Gallery, features objects from 32 artists and designers exploring the theme of 'home.' Notable pieces include Jihyun Kim's squishy ceramic inspired by a Korean grandmother's salt jar, Kritika Manchanda's holographic organza dinner napkin crafted from flattened bloomers, and Didi NG Wing Yin's wood vase with a pleated texture resembling an Issey Miyake top. Sophie Collé contributes a Memphis-inspired dollhouse-clock. Finally, the "Jewel Box" exhibition at Allen Street Gallery, the storefront space of Leroy Street Studio, is highlighted. This exhibition focuses on wall sconces as works of art, featuring a diverse range of materials and techniques from both established and emerging artists. Exhibitors include French stainless-steel pioneer Maria Pergay, material experimenters Chen Chen and Kai Williams, and emerging talent like Elana Shvalbe. Specific pieces mentioned are Katie Stout’s gold-glazed porcelain ceramic tusk, Lebanese architect Zein Daouk’s ceramic sconce inspired by a shiitake mushroom, and Max Ingrand’s oblong-shaped frosted glass lights from 1956, resembling jewels clasped in brass hardware. #DesignEdit #StoreDesign #InteriorDesign #AmalfiCoast #PalomaWool #BowerStudios #LyleGallery #AllenStreetGallery #Exhibition #LightingDesign

This article from T Magazine highlights a range of cultural and lifestyle recommendations, featuring a former N.F.L. player turned furniture designer, a new art gallery in TriBeCa, a botanical-inspired wallpaper collection, an Athens restaurant showcasing contemporary Greek art, a homey Seattle hotel, and a hand-painted apparel line. Each section provides details about the featured subject, including their background, inspiration, notable works, and practical information for visitors or consumers. Michael Bennett, a former N.F.L. player, founded Studio Kër after retiring from football in 2020. His furniture designs are deeply inspired by his activism work for racial justice, his upbringing in Louisiana and Texas, and his ancestral roots in Senegal. Bennett’s inaugural exhibition, “We Gotta Get Back to the Crib,” features an 11-piece collection of sculptural furniture that reinterprets objects found in communal Black spaces. Key pieces include the Gumbo lounge chair, a sophisticated take on the monobloc chair, and the Pew couch, inspired by church benches, crafted from leather and ekki wood. The exhibition debuted at Theaster Gates’s Rebuild Foundation in Chicago and is scheduled to travel to Houston. In TriBeCa, New York, gallerist Jack Shainman opened a new 20,000-square-foot gallery called The Hall in the historic Clock Tower Building. This Beaux-Arts space, built around 1898 and formerly home to the New York Life Insurance Company, has been renovated and restored. The gallery serves as a new cultural center offering free exhibits, allowing visitors to appreciate both contemporary art and the historic Manhattan architecture, including its preserved bank vault and 29-foot-high coffered wood ceilings. The Hall plans to officially open in September with a 16-foot-tall bronze sculpture by artist Nick Cave. Currently, it features Richard Mosse’s immersive 74-minute multi-spectral video installation, “Broken Spectre,” which addresses the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. Mosse emphasizes the historical connection between the building’s past, built on wealth from enslaved people, and ongoing global issues like environmental destruction. Marian McEvoy, a former fashion and design editor, launched a new wallpaper and fabric collection with Schumacher, inspired by her botanical collages and illustrations. After nearly 30 years in Paris and Manhattan, McEvoy moved to a cottage on the Hudson River, where she creates her art. Her collaboration with Schumacher features six wallcoverings and four fabrics, including prints like Thistle Vine, Polka-Dot Jungle, and Bow-Wow-Wow, all reflecting her signature use of strong colors and lines. McEvoy has incorporated these designs into her own home, showcasing her personal approval of the collection. In Athens, entrepreneur and art collector Philippos Tsangrides opened Gallina, a restaurant designed by Objects of Common Interest. The interiors blend diverse materials such as red marble, pink leather, terrazzo, and wood, creating an unexpected aesthetic. Gallina also displays pieces from Tsangrides’s private art collection, including a silk tapestry by Jannis Varelas and a neon sign by Olga Migliaressi-Phoca. A notable design element is a sinuous white light tube by the architects. The menu, curated by chef Pavlos Kiriakis, features dishes with no specific provenance, such as chicken with miso beurre blanc and truffle, and wild mushrooms with white chocolate béarnaise. Tsangrides intends to open a wine bar nearby. Julian Hagood and Jake Santelli opened Harry’s Guest House, a two-room hotel in Seattle’s Capitol Hill, inspired by their neighbor Winnie. The Dutch Colonial home was purchased from Winnie, whose drawings and wooden writing desk are now integrated into the hotel’s design. One suite is named after Winnie, and the other after the couple’s dog, Lucy. The interiors combine vintage and contemporary furniture and textiles, featuring a 1940s hand-carved wardrobe and Zak+Fox fabrics. Guests can also enjoy in-room dining from Harry’s Fine Foods, Hagood’s adjacent restaurant. Artists Julia Dault and Hannah Whitaker launched Signs Point to Yes, a line of hand-painted apparel. Their sweatshirts and pants feature designs like metallic tulips, sherbet-hued confetti, and smiley (and sad) faces, often painted using ketchup bottles to achieve a gestural, imperfect style. The brand name, inspired by a Magic 8 Ball, conveys a sense of optimistic humor. The artists selected comfortable cotton garments as their canvases, recognizing their popularity during the pandemic and their continued appeal beyond loungewear. #SculpturalFurniture #ArtExhibition #Design #ArtGallery #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Restaurants #Hotels #Fashion

Boston City Hall, a prominent example of Brutalist architecture, is often perceived as an 'eyesore' due to its stark concrete design. However, a group of experimental artists from the Boston-based collective Mobius is transforming this perception through an elaborate art installation. Marilyn Arsem, a Mobius member, expresses awe at the building's vast, open lobby and its unique architectural features, including windows soaring nine stories high. She notes the striking contrast between the building's imposing exterior and the intriguing details within. The Mobius collective is preparing for a May 25 installation that will involve 13 artists working in various mediums, aiming to breathe new life into the solemn gray interior. Jane Wang, another Mobius member, details some of the planned performances. One piece by Joanne Rice and Tom Plsek will feature a trombone and tap shoes, with Plsek starting on the fifth floor, creating an acoustic interplay throughout the building. Performance artist Sandrine Schaefer will manipulate the speed of the escalators to alter visitors' sense of time. Wang herself will be knitting an abstract wire sculpture over four hours and will project a video, a collaborative effort of 95 artists and 21 composers, onto a lobby wall. Wang admits that while she still finds the building aesthetically challenging, her involvement has fostered a sense of fondness for it, recognizing its unique personality and pockets of beauty. She describes it as an "ugly, beautiful thing," highlighting the complex emotional response it evokes. Patty McMahon, the city registrar who has worked in Boston City Hall for nearly 30 years, is well aware of the building's polarizing reputation, often hearing it described with terms like "wet cement" and "hideous." She acknowledges the impracticalities of the Brutalist design, such as the difficulty of hanging decorations on concrete walls, exposed wiring, and the lack of windows on her floor. McMahon notes that different administrations have approached the building's challenges differently, with the current Walsh administration focusing on making it more comfortable, pretty, and light. This effort is part of the 'Rethink City Hall' initiative, a city planning project aimed at reimagining the building's use and public perception. Chris Grimley, a historical consultant from the design firm over,under, is involved in the 'Rethink City Hall' project. He explains that the building's original design was intended to promote openness and accessibility, allowing people to move freely through its various spaces, including an elevated courtyard with skylights. This design reflected high-minded democratic ideals, part of a larger urban renewal effort to revitalize downtown Boston and restore public trust in government. However, neglect and modern security concerns, particularly post-9/11, have led to restricted access, reducing the building to a single entry point. Grimley believes the civic spirit of the building can still be revived, which is where the Mobius artists play a crucial role. Artist Jesse Kaminsky describes his contribution: a "tentacular, low-level inflatable sculpture" made of colorful Tyvek. This piece, inspired by early science fiction, will undulate with a fan and seep over a ledge, introducing a sense of comical unease into the building's severe environment. Kaminsky aims for his soft, floppy, and forgiving sculpture to contrast with the building's inherent order and severity. He views the project as an opportunity to introduce something uncertain and acknowledges the possibility of failure, which he considers vital for the creative and even municipal process. For the Mobius artists, Boston City Hall, despite its perceived flaws, has become a rich source of inspiration, demonstrating that even a controversial structure can be reinterpreted and found worthy of appreciation. #BostonCityHall #BrutalistArchitecture #ArtInstallation #MobiusCollective #UrbanRenewal #ArchitecturalRedesign #PublicArt #CityPlanning #CreativeProcess

The Vestibule, an art gallery in Ballard, Seattle, has reopened in a new location, evolving from its original concept as a live/work space that doubled as an Airbnb. Created by Kascha Semonovitch and John Snavely, the initial Vestibule combined an art gallery with a short-term rental. This unique model allowed guests to "live within the art" and provided a sustainable funding mechanism for exhibitions through Airbnb rental fees. Semonovitch and Snavely emphasized their commitment to "public life," choosing to invest in a shared art space rather than a private collection, focusing on exhibiting art not confined to material, possessable objects. The original Vestibule, known for its vibrant art openings, required Semonovitch to frequently transform the space from a gallery to a more conventional Airbnb setting within a tight 24-hour window after each show. This demanding process involved removing furniture, painting, installing art, and then reverting the space back for rental guests. The decision to transition to Vestibule 2.0 was driven by the desire to continue supporting artists in North Seattle while eliminating the logistical challenges of the dual-purpose space. The new Vestibule 2.0 is located at the corner of 15th Ave NW and NW 60th St. While it no longer includes an Airbnb component, the larger space offers an expanded canvas for artists and allows Semonovitch to host more exhibitions. A distinctive feature of the new space is the "banana art" in the bathroom, an idea that originated from Semonovitch's six-year-old child and has since evolved into a humorous commentary on art and commerce, complete with a Spotify playlist of banana-themed songs. Semonovitch, also a writer and poet, actively seeks out visual artists for future collaborations. She discovers new talent by attending various art shows at galleries, schools, and organizations like 4Culture, and maintains a keen interest in artists she admires and their subsequent work. She has recently conducted numerous studio visits and expressed interest in showcasing installations by Tyna Ontko and Jia Jia, as well as collaborating with Michael Swaine of Futurefarmers. Demonstrating a commitment to democratizing access to the art world, Semonovitch issues open calls for submissions, such as the upcoming "carbon" exhibit. She believes that small galleries like Vestibule play a crucial role in providing opportunities for artists. Semonovitch also contemplates an exhibition exploring the intersection of faith and art, noting how many artists, particularly in a secular city like Seattle, have complex relationships with religious upbringings or spiritual practices that influence their work, even if these topics are often unspoken within the art community. Vestibule 2.0 commenced its new chapter with "Dinner with Agnes Martin," a group exhibition featuring artists such as Amanda Salov, Emily Gherard, Emma Royer, Ilana Zweschi, Lakshmi Muirhead, Season Evans, and Sharon Arnold, characterized by its textual and textural depth. The upcoming exhibition, Allyce Wood's "Soft Systems," will feature tapestries and open-studio weaving hours. Semonovitch draws inspiration from previous influential Seattle galleries like True's Western Bridge, Lawrimore Project, and The Alice, and acknowledges contemporary venues like Greg Lundgren's Museum of Museums, positioning Vestibule as a significant contributor to Seattle's current art scene. #ArtGallery #SeattleArt #Ballard #KaschaSemonovitch #JohnSnavely #ArtistCollaboration #Exhibition #CommunityArt #LocalArtScene

This article, a "Letter from the Editor" by Hanya Yanagihara, discusses the philosophy of interior design, particularly emphasizing the value of personal expression and individuality over highly polished, decorator-driven aesthetics. Yanagihara describes the continuous process of discovering unique residences for publication in T Magazine, highlighting that while many stories come from traditional sources like publicists and architects, the most captivating ones are often found serendipitously. She recounts a specific instance where an editor, Nick Haramis, researching artist collectives, stumbled upon Espace Aygo. This collective of young art-school graduates transformed a dilapidated Brussels townhouse into a unique living space by designing and crafting almost every element themselves, from a sink fixture made from a pétanque ball to a tub from urethane rubber. The discovery of Espace Aygo is presented as a pivotal moment for the magazine, offering a refreshing contrast to the prevailing trend of overly refined interior design. Yanagihara posits that a truly memorable home is not one that adheres strictly to conventional politeness or current trends but rather one that reflects the distinct vision and hands-on effort of its inhabitants. The Espace Aygo residence exemplifies this philosophy, showcasing that authenticity, imagination, and a personal point of view are more crucial to creating a home than significant financial investment. The article suggests that such spaces celebrate ingenuity and creativity, proving that a home's character is derived from the unique perspectives and personal touches of those who live in it, rather than from external influences or a desire for perfection. This approach challenges the commercialization of taste in design, advocating for a more genuine and lived-in aesthetic. Espace Aygo, despite its unconventional and perhaps 'rougher' aesthetic, is celebrated for its wit and imagination, qualities that Yanagihara argues are fundamental to the essence of a home. The piece implicitly critiques the homogenizing effect of professional decorators, where residents' tastes can be overshadowed by external design mandates. Instead, it champions spaces where the creative process and the individual's journey are evident, fostering a sense of authenticity and a strong identity for the home. The narrative underscores that the magazine actively seeks out and values these types of unconventional and personally crafted living environments, viewing them as more compelling and inspiring than those that strictly adhere to prevailing design norms. The article thus serves as a declaration of T Magazine's editorial stance, emphasizing the importance of unique design narratives that challenge traditional notions of interior perfection. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EspaceAygo #ArtistCollectives #DIYDesign #BrusselsDesign #PersonalExpression #AuthenticHomes

This article offers a virtual tour of 14 spectacular homes belonging to renowned artists and architects around the world. These residences, usually open to the public but now virtually accessible, provide a glimpse into the personal spaces and creative environments that shaped these influential figures. The article highlights unique architectural styles, interior designs, and personal touches that reflect each artist's personality and work. The tour begins with Frederic Church's Olana in New York's Hudson Valley, a 19th-century landscape painter's home that blends Victorian and Middle Eastern motifs. Oscar Niemeyer's Casas das Canoas in Rio de Janeiro showcases his signature curves and reinforced concrete, with organically positioned boulders integrated into the design. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin in rural Wisconsin is described as his architectural autobiography, an 800-acre estate that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, features wraparound windows designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape, a meticulously sculpted environment inspired by a 17th-century painting. Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell’s Charleston House in Sussex, United Kingdom, embodies bohemian charm with hand-painted cupboard doors, patchwork chintz curtains, and stenciled paisley walls, complemented by a vibrant garden. Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Mexico City, the site of her birth, death, and many years of her life, is a cobalt-washed residence with chartreuse floors and bright white walls, showcasing local folk art, handmade ceramics, and pre-Columbian sculptures. Auguste Rodin’s La Villa des Brillants in Meudon, France, served as his workshop, business place, and home, filled with dazzling white sculptures. Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner’s East Hampton home has remained untouched since Krasner’s death, featuring paint-splashed floors in the studio and an eclectic interior with a broken anchor and Krasner’s seashell collection. Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in Abiquiu, New Mexico, radiates natural light and includes surprises like a rattlesnake skeleton, along with an extensive potager garden. Clementine Hunter’s modest cabin at Melrose Plantation in Louisiana showcases her prolific artistry, with thousands of paintings depicting daily life. Frederic Church's Olana, a Persian-inspired fortress, is rich with hues of mustard, cherry, and clay, lavishly draped in Turkish rugs and ornate frames. Jim Thompson’s teak Thai-style home in Bangkok, though not an artist's own work, houses an extraordinary collection of traditional Thai art. Sam Maloof’s 1952 California ranch-style home, relocated to Pomona, features treehouse vibes with redwood walls, a hand-carved spiral staircase, and whimsical stained-glass windows. Irma Stern’s The Firs in Cape Town, South Africa, is a colorful collage of portraits and tribal artifacts, painted in mint green, sunny yellow, and and vivid corals. Finally, Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, France, is famous for its poetic interior with a stream of copper pots in the kitchen and lemony yellow dining room, alongside his collection of Japanese art. #ArtistHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #CulturalTourism #VirtualTours #ArtHistory #HistoricHomes #TravelInspiration #GlobalArt

Berlin, like many urban centers, predominantly features buildings in monochromatic shades of brown, gray, and white. Paul Eis, a Berlin-native photographer and architecture student, initiated a project to introduce color to the city's architectural landscape. His work involves digitally saturating photographs of both prominent and ordinary buildings with a diverse palette of pink, orange, blue, yellow, and other vibrant colors. This transformation turns otherwise mundane brown towers into lively, rainbow-splashed structures, and gray apartment complexes are reimagined with bright yellow balconies, rendering everyday architecture significantly more playful. Eis highlights that cities in Germany and Austria, where he sources most of his images, often showcase modern architecture primarily defined by its shape, lacking in color. He points out that this results in less engaging cityscapes due to a monotonous color scheme. His project implicitly questions whether contemporary architects overly prioritize form over color in their designs. He suggests that if a building's color were considered as significant as its shape, cities globally might display a much broader and more vibrant array of hues. While acknowledging that this perspective particularly resonates with those who appreciate color, he also recognizes that minimalists might find colorless modern buildings appealing for their understated quality rather than deeming them drab. Beyond just high-end or famous architectural works, Eis's project also aims to critique the design apathy in housing developments. He expresses concern over the proliferation of often dull housing estates in cities where developers show minimal interest in architectural aesthetics, particularly in terms of color. Through his work, Eis seeks to draw attention to these overlooked aspects of urban design. The article encourages readers who have an affinity for color to view more of Eis's reimagined photos, suggesting that these vibrant images could offer a fresh perspective, making a stark contrast to what might otherwise feel like a black and white existence. #ArchitecturePhotography #ColorInArchitecture #UrbanDesign #ModernArchitecture #BerlinArt #PaulEis #ArchitecturalCritique #VibrantCities #DigitalArt

This design dispatch highlights several key happenings and product releases in the world of interior design and art, focusing on the transition into a new season. It begins by exploring RH's Fall 2023 Collection, which aims to redefine true luxury in a market often saturated with superficial claims. Gary Friedman, CEO and chairman of RH, emphasizes that true luxury stems from exceptional craftsmanship and the quality of materials, citing their use of premium European and American White Oak, Walnut, Indonesian Teak, and the detailed construction of their American-made sofas with eight-way hand-tied springs or Italian-made pieces with engineered foam and exquisite tailoring designed for longevity. The collection features global designers like Australian duo Harrison and Nicholas Condos, who contribute natural pieces in European White Oak, including sideboards, bed canopies, and day beds. British designer Oliver Oulton incorporates Belgian Flax Linens into elongated sofas, while American designer Julie Lawrence introduces organically shaped sideboards and tables made from American White Oak. The aesthetic of the collection promotes serenity through light woods and organic lines, devoid of harsh angles and vibrant colors, encapsulating the idea that luxury is defined by thought, creativity, and rarity rather than just price. Next, the dispatch turns to the art world, detailing an opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire a piece from the renowned artist Cecily Brown. For over 25 years, Brown has been celebrated for her abstract expressionist style, with her paintings, often featuring motifs of women, skulls, skeletons, and still-lives, fetching high prices at auctions. Currently, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is hosting "Cecily Brown: Death and The Maid" until December 3, 2023. This exhibition showcases fifty works from her career. For those wishing to own a piece of Brown's art, a new etching inspired by Jan Brueghel the Elder's 17th-century allegorical series, "The Five Senses," will be available at The Met Store. Edition one of twenty-five will join The Met's collection, with others priced at $8,000, with proceeds supporting the museum's initiatives. The article also introduces a new book from Bulgari, "Beyond Time," celebrating over a century of Bulgari horology. This collaboration with Assouline provides a comprehensive retrospective across 300 pages, featuring contributions from notable friends, ambassadors, and experts of the Maison. A dedicated chapter explores the brand's iconic serpent watch design, which watch collector John Goldberger notes was revolutionary for its combination of wraparound Tubas bracelet with a watch dial. Finally, as the fall season approaches, the dispatch offers a suggestion for entertaining: Sophie Lou Jacobsen's new stemware collection. Inspired by Art Nouveau motifs and the Ecole de Nancy, the collection features glasses morphed into floral designs. While playful, the set maintains an air of sophistication, making it suitable for formal gatherings. The collection is set to launch in October, and readers are encouraged to consider complementary table accessories in preparation for upcoming events. #DesignDispatch #HomeDecor #LuxuryDesign #RHCollection #ArtExhibition #CecilyBrown #MetropolitanMuseumOfArt #BulgariHorology #SophieLouJacobsen #TablewareDesign