Charles Trevelyan ‘Tripartite’ light 2013

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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We have long been fans of Charles Trevelyan’s amazing work and posted about his ‘Outside Within’ light (first image above) in Spring last year http://arte-case.com/2012/04/11/there-was-an-outstanding-array-of-talent-at-pad-in/. On a recent viewing of his current pieces we were fascinated to see how his work had evolved in the last year or so.

With an initial training in engineering and science followed by a year at Les Beaux-Arts where he studied three dimensional design, graphics and sculpture, you can see the play of all these formative influences in Trevelyan’s work. We loved this ‘Tripartite’ light (2013) in patinated bronze. The powerful interaction between the organic and sinuous legs and the striated shape encompassing the light creates a challenging dynamic. The lightbulb within the ‘shade’ is also encased with a striated bronze structure echoing the outer shape which contributes to the homogeneity of the design. The sculptural element is striking and the warm glow from the inner bulb bathes the bronze in a golden light. Truly a magnificent piece.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us for inquiries.

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Vladimir Kagan and his inspirational design work

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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Vladimir Kagan’s work is among the most enduring of the modern designers. The New York Times describes him as « the creative grandfather of a whole new generation of designers ». Born in Germany in 1927 he moved to the States in 1938 and studied architecture at Columbia University before working in his father’s woodwork shop and learning the art of furniture-making on the job. He opened his first shop in 1949.

Kagan’s work, particularly in the 1960s and 70s makes a bold architectural statement and reflects his training in the field. His mid century design pieces are among his strongest and most recognizable. As Kagan himself has said, « Mid century was very original, very meaningful…There was a revolution in design coming out of the depression and war years….Mid century has alot to offer ». This low table in maple, acrylic and glass (circa 1970) is spectacular in its use of contrasting materials and strong linear definition. We love the harmony of the circle shape within the square maple frame and the bold use of acrylic as the base. What a wonderful statement piece this would be in any room.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us for inquiries.

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Jean Royère’s Canapé Ruban

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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This elegant and unique canapé by Jean Royère (1902-1981) looks curiously modern even now, despite being designed in the 1950s. This speaks volumes about the enduring quality of really superb design pieces.

Royère was self-taught and started his design career relatively late in life (in his late 1920s). He travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East and created a body of design work which is original, playfully creative and technically brilliant. In this Canapé Ruban in metal and brass, the combination of the strongly graphic seating shape and the flamboyant circular pattern of the frame creates a harmonious and elegant whole.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us for inquiries.

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Burr Puzzle Stool by You-de Chen and Chin-hua Lin

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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Arresting chaos, then a feeling of graceful flow and symmetry overwhelms the senses upon viewing this chair, followed by the impression of watching a butterfly or blooming flower.  It  is assembled using a version of the more than 7000 year old technique called mortise and tenon. This method traditionally joins two pieces of wood using notches or a hole and peg to create a secure 90 degree angle. In this case long, taking inspiration form the Chines puzzle called the burr puzzle, Chinese designers You-de Chen and Chin-hua Lin assembled, in a particular order, notched pieces of delicately curving aluminum, to create this wonderful design.

(I admit I can’t vouch for it’s comfort but does that matter!)

Designboom has a wonderful right-up on this piece.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us for inquiries.

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The magical world of Claude Lalanne

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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Claude Lalanne (b.1924) takes the natural world as her source of imagery with this fabulous chandelier in bronze, and although technically it is a light it seems more like sculpture. Her unique combination of surrealism and romanticism make her fabulous designs instantly recognizable – and infinitely covetable! Her work is joyful and playful and carries with it a true poetry.

Along with her husband Francois-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008) the Lalannes first attracted attention in Paris in the 1960s through flamboyant commissions from Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. The couple’s first exhibition in 1964 however, ”wasn’t valued at all,” Ms. Lalanne says. “The critics completely ignored us; for them, us making sculptures which had a use was a complete nonsense”.

“They are not furniture, they are not sculpture – call them Lalannes”, the couple said of their work.

I have always found their practical unpretentious approach hugely refreshing in their ability to desacralize art and design while creating whimsical and creative masterpieces. This light speaks of Ms Lalanne’s joy in life.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us with inquiries.

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Triptyque Drive Oneoff by Jonas Fernando Pires

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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The young Paris-born designer, Jonas Fernando Pires opened his own gallery last year on the left Bank and is producing some truly sensational work. Heavily inspired by the minimalism of Mies van der Rohe’s work and the graphic lines of architect Tadao Ando, Pires’s preferred materials are steel and cement, reflecting his architectural influences. In his limited edition light ‘Triptyque Drive Oneoff’, he aims to create an ‘impression of speed within an interior like the lighting you find in tunnels’ and the dynamism and energy produced is almost palpable. In this piece Pires explores perspective and volume using light and shadow and I love the feeling of movement and the way the light opens up the interior.

Pires’s first exhibit in the United States was with the French Design Connection hosted by the Chambers Hotel in NYC during ICFF in May this year and at Pavilion in Chicago in June.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us with inquiries.

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French Design from the 60s and 70s

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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Daniella Ohad is a NY-based design historian who we met briefly at Design Miami last December. She graciously included us on a tour she was giving to some of her students that highlighted her favorite design pieces at the fair. She teaches a course each year on Collecting Design at the NY School of Interior Design.  This fall she has added a session about French design of the 60s and 70s, which will focus on collecting furniture by Gabriella Crespi, Maria Pergay, Pierre Paulin, and Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. We have written several posts on the work of these designers and encourage you to explore them (links below) and learn about them.  And check out Daniella’s class!

Artecase links to French designer’s work form the 60s and 70s:

http://arte-case.com/2013/06/06/pierre-paulin/

http://arte-case.com/2012/04/18/we-attended-the-vernissage-for-the-maria-pergay/

http://arte-case.com/2012/07/13/more-fabulous-design-by-francois-lalanne-this/

http://arte-case.com/2012/07/13/canopy-bed-sculpture-by-francois-lalanne-in-an/

Image courtesy of Wright Auction

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Francois Azambourg Chair and Ottoman

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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Francois Azambourg’s flexible’Sandwich chair and Ottoman’ designed in 1999 were innovative and resourceful in the thoughtful choice of materials. Made of birch plywood and natural foam rubber, this chair was included in the 2000 VIA Design.3 show at the Centre Pompidou as an important piece of contemporary French design. The ergonomic materials used by Azambourg and his visionary and scientific based approach to design really draw me in. The flowing lines here and wonderfully amorphic shapes make objects of irresistible allure while looking really comfortable. Infinitely covetable!

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us with inquiries.

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‘Sculptures Utiles’ by Bruno Romeda at Galerie Dutko

Posted on by February 20, 2014

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Galerie Dutko’s current exhibition of around 20 works by artist and sculptor Bruno Romeda (b. 1933) has the intriguing title ‘Sculptures Utiles’. Influenced by the minimalist pieces of Carl André and Donald Judd, Romeda’s work in patinated bonze is based on three basic shapes: the square, triangle and circle. Inspired by primitive geometric forms these works exploit the solidity and volume of the bronze structure while creating strong lyrical patterns with shadows resulting in pieces that are discreet, monumental and noble. It is their stark simplicity of form that appeals to me combined with the surface texture of the bronze reminiscent of fossilised lava.

The exhibition at Galerie Dutko, (Ile Saint Louis) continues until 31st July.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us with inquiries.

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Benjamin Graindorge’s Amazing Oak Bench

Posted on by February 20, 2014

 

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This is Benjamin Graindorge’s amazing oak bench that travels from a trees natural state at one end to an elegantly refined functional seat at the other end. When I look at this I have the sensation of experiencing how the designer can envision his idea within his minds eye while looking at the raw material. The visual balance between rough and smooth, wild and tame, and dark and light is thrilling!

This bench was created in 2011 and made an appearance at Design Miami this past June.

We can source work by this designer for you. Contact us with inquiries.

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