Swedish Fauteuils by Alf Svensson from 1950
1930s Canapé recovered in sheepskin
Back view
If you get a chance to see this exhibition, grab it! Laid out over two floors and showing over 100 works, it explores the important contributions of women to modernism in postwar visual culture in the 1950s and 60s. At the time, the fields of architecture, painting and sculpture were dominated by men
but certain pioneering women had a notable impact using alternative materials such as textiles, ceramics and metals. The beauty and strength of this exhibition is the explosion of ingenuity, resourcefulness and determination of these women designers and the space they carved out for themselves. While dealing with skepticism from manufacturing and engineering peers, they persevered and revealed the possibilities inherent in exploring alternative and unconventional mediums, opening up the field of decorative art to exciting new horizons. They made it happen!
Belly Button Room Divider (1957) by Eva Zeisel
Eva Zeisel (born 1906 Hungary – 2011 New York City). You can see Zeisel’s light touch and playful sense of humor in the both the title and the joyous use of bold color in this room divider. Made of metal rods and ceramic with cheerfully colored glazes (manufactured by Mancioli), this screen sings of optimism and the joy of being alive.
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‘Resilient’ chair (1948) by Eva ZesielZesiel worked in, and explored, a variety of mediums including chrome-plated steel and cotton in the ‘Resilient’ chair above and plexiglass in the renowned ‘Cloverleaf’ salad bowl and servers (below). For the latter Zeisel adapted materials and technology originally developed for the windshields of wartime flighted planes. The flowing curved lines are an irresistible invitation to touch and echo the human form.
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‘Cloverleaf’ salad bowl and Servers in plexiglass by Eva Zeisel~~
Textile panel by Sheila HicksThis textile panel was made for a recent reconstruction of an installed design made by Sheila Hicks (b. 1934) in 1967 for the Ford Foundation in New York City. The interior architect, Warren Platner had hired Hicks to design panels for the auditorium and the boardroom and, using linen, silk and plexiglass, she created these warm and subtle patterns where the geometrically precise lines of golden silks create thick circles on the linen.
They served the function of creating a warm and soothing environment without distracting from the activities going on in the rooms.
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Wire sculpture by Ruth Asawa (1926-2013) Asawa’s sculptures achieve the seemingly impossible – defining space without creating mass. On a trip to Mexico she had learnt the traditional techniques for working in wire which became a key element in her work. The transparency of her pieces reveals interior forms, suggesting an embryo within the womb, or a seed within the pod – life within. There is a primeval sense of nurturing and at the same time a very sensual aspect to her work – the earth mother and the sensuous woman.
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Ceramic bowl (1950s) by Edith Heath (1911-2005)
Edith Heath’s ceramics exemplify the relaxed yet elegant style of midcentury modern California design. Heath’s research in clay bodies and glazes led to durable stoneware forms with rich, speckled surfaces and opened the path for the exploration of this largely unexplored medium (at the time).
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Sofa by Hella Jongerius (2013) for the United Nations Delegates’ Lounge Hella Jongerius’s sofa design for the United Nations Delegates’ Lounge shows deliberately mismatched buttons – the very opposite of tidy and corporate, reminding us of the element of personal creativity within an essentially political space.
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The Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019.
We dropped into the Gagosian Gallery on Madison to see the powerful exhibition ‘Franz West: Mobelskulpturen/Furniture Works’. West (1947-2012 Vienna) favored the viewing of art as an interactive experience – his aim was to transform galleries and public spaces into engaging aesthetic experiences. To this end he started creating the first ‘Passstuckel Adaptives’ (ergonomically inclined) objects in the 1970s and the public were invited to pick up the pieces and handle them. In the early 1980s West began to produce ‘everyday adaptives’ (chairs, divans, tables and lamps).
Transcending the established status of art as pure objects for contemplation, the furniture works in this exhibition were designed as constituents of sculpture which fulfill a practical function. We were encouraged to sit on the linen-covered chairs and divans (actually very comfortable!) and feel the cardboard legs of the tables. The rarified atmosphere of many exhibitions – the ‘look don’t touch’ element – was entirely removed fulfilling West’s objective.
These table legs were in fact cardboard tubes.
Gagosian Gallery, 980 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10075.
We stopped by out of curiosity to see this installation of Fontana Arte lighting at Deyrolle this week.
In this setting of intense visual stimulation, the purity and minimalist nature of the lighting forms on view complimented and highlighted the animals in a way that seemed respectful and right. This is great functional lighting with beautiful clean lines that make a subtle statement of strength.
In the beautiful airy rooms of the Joseph Gallery in 123 rue Turenne in Paris we often find thought-provoking design. For Paris Design Week they are presenting a fresh and varied selection of pieces with some familiar names and other less so. The pieces are displayed with plenty of room around each work so you can view from every angle which is something we appreciate. There’s nothing worse than a cramped exhibition where the pieces can’t breathe!
These beautiful low ‘Zick Zack’ tables by Olga Bielwaska are each laser cut from a single sheet of steel. The graphic geometric structures create a playful pattern of light and shadow. We thought they looked particularly striking under the Punkt spun copper hanging lights also by Bielwaska. The conical shaped, light-reflecting copper lights create delicate silhouettes grounded by the dark circular piece of slate above it. Slate and copper – a perfect marriage of materials.
The Modulable 28 table by Béatrice Blanchard
The Modulable 28 table, so-called as it consists of 28 pieces, is made of beautiful oak and white-gold. For its creator, Beatrice Blanchard, the choice of materials is intentional and relevant. The connotations which the white gold carries with it are pertinent – both as a safe ‘refuge currency’ value sitting in a bank vault and as a precious and aesthetic form of personal decoration stored in jewelry boxes. There is a solidity in it reflected also in the mighty oak wood. And yet Blanchard chooses these materials to make a table in the form of a popular game. The white gold is worked with a surface texture resembling galuchard which Blanchard has called galuchette. The pieces (each weighing 20 kilos) work together with no form of mechanism or screws as the weight of the pieces serves to anchor them in place.
‘Silver Chair by Béatrice Blanchard
You see a conceptual dichotomy again in Blanchard’s ‘Silver chair’. There is a play here between the low cost copper and leather and the valuable silver discs on the seating. The chair structure is that of a very simple mainstream beach chair seen frequently on hundreds of beaches but this one is decorated with expensive silver discs. A twist in the telling! The chair is not usable but we were told that Blanchard may explore the design further and produce it as a functional chair.
‘Urban Philosophy Chair by Nissa Kinzhala of NN Design Band
When is a chair more than just a chair? Here Nissa Kinzhalina of NN Design Band has created an optical allusion with her ‘Urban Philosophy’ chair. Made of transparent acrylic, only some of the edges are lined with black metal and so depending on where your viewpoint is, you will see the frame in the form of a traced rectangle or an irregular polygon. The effect is mesmerizing.
The ‘Random’ light by Miranda Watkins is made up of perspex panels each attached by a single fibre which encircle and move around a central light source. We love the way the movement of each panel is subtle and creates a delicate elegance which belies the solid silhouette of the light when seen as a whole. It was first created in 2004 and Watkins has explored the core concept with models using anodized aluminum panels as well as perspex.
Stay tuned – lots more to come in the next few days from us during this #Parisdesignweek!
Galerie Joseph, 123 rue de Turenne 75003 Paris
One can’t help but sense the lofty ideals, optimism about the future and nationalistic pride embodied in the grand Modern gestures of the Palais d’Iena. Designed by Auguste Perret for the Exposition Universelle de 1937, it includes a monumental sweeping staircase in concrete at one end of the lobby, which is the size of a soccer field, and windows each the size of small swimming pools.
Thus we felt visually stymied and underwhelmed when presented with the gray cement blocks that were designed to hide the ‘future’ interiors of several very impressive and important interior design firms for this latest edition of AD Interieurs.
However, once inside the interiors held presented some inspiring experiences.
Gwenael Nicolas’s ‘le salon de perception’ (salon of perception) presents pieces that elegantly transform from beautiful abstract sculpture to functional canapés, consoles and low tables. (These pieces would live so well in the lobby of this building!)
‘le salon de perception’ film clip (30 secs)
Imagine a dance party amongst the sculptures and as the crowd grows tired the room can be transformed into an elegant lounge!
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This is the interior created by Studio Dimore. They are so in touch with this balance between the future and the past. How is it that this interior evokes the 70s so strongly while feeling contemporary at the same time? The colors and symbols evoke just enough nostalgia – without anything close to kitch – to make us comfortable about being presented with something new, such as the table. It is all part of the same narrative of elegance and courage.
The table is a design by the studio paying homage to Charlotte Perriand (the legs). The chairs are the iconic superleggera by Gio Ponti – covered in silk! And the walls – they are silk, too! Touching them brings the room alive – it goes from being purely a visual feast to a sensual experience. Et voila, we have entered into the future as seen by Dimore Studios – outstanding!
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These sculptures presented by Annabelle Stanislas Architecture are challenging. They are lava made in fine layers to create a very complex affect. Placed near cactuses in a bed of white rocks these sculptures came alive as ‘desert flowers’.
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These rubber ‘Dancers” by Aurelie Hoegy are presented at Now!Le Off – part of Paris Design Week.
This young French designer, who is a graduate of the famous Design Academy Eindhoven “pushes the limit between contemporary design and art, exploring the role of “hybrid design” in today’s culture.” Her work here imposes a strong sense of movement onto our stagnant idea of seating. This forces us to reevaluate the importance of comfort and familiarity of traditional seating versus the excitement and energy proposed in these forms. They have metal structures under the rubber surfaces and can hold a body like a traditional chair. They obviously don’t invite you to curl up in them but rather pause for a minute to adjust the strap your high heel before heading back out into the dance of life!
In our opinion, Hoegy’s work is in a completely different league than the other work we saw presented at this fair this year.
It’s only Tuesday! Much more to come as we cover the best of #ParisDesignWeek! Ciao!
The vernissage ‘Are you talking to me’ of ‘Meet my Project’ on Friday night at the Musée des Arts Decoratives was buzzing with talent and energy. The theme was ‘Design et Langage’ and among the 35 talented designers represented, a few really grabbed our attention. Nocod Design Studio, made up of the charming and creative team Baptiste Dosne (interior designer) and Floriane Dosne (architect) were showing their Narcisse collection. We loved these chairs representing the dark and light sides of our characters or day and night as Baptiste explained to us, with their sensual curves and simple but bold structure. Highly covetable! Also noteworthy are their beautiful mirrors and the ‘Totem’ candlesticks (see below).
Nocod Design work combines architecture, scenography, product design and graphic design (Swarovski, Cartier, Maiyet, Vuitton, Elie Saab).
Narcisse Collection, Nocod Design
Narcisse Collection, Nocod Design
Narcisse Collection, Nocod Design
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This ‘Chill Tisch’ low table (2015) in layered glass and borosilicate glass by Swiss-based Egli Studio stopped us in our tracks. The color of the glass changes according to the view angle creating a vibrant dynamism. Concentrating on the value of the material, Egli Studio experiments here with the aesthetic, dimensional and construction possibilities inherent in the glass to astounding effect.
Dutch designer Teresa van Dongen’s beautiful ‘Lumi’ light combines water and glass to create reflections and movement. The effect is mesmerizing. As Teresa explained, each piece is in effect unique as the inner glass ‘bubble’ containing the light bulb is handblown and consequently always different. Teresa will be exhibiting at Dutch Design Week (October 17-25). Her work is well worth exploring.
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This sleek ‘Banc Miroir’ 2015 in polished inox by ‘designer sculpteur’ Cecile Planchais was attracting a lot of well-deserved attention at the show. Specialised in urban design, Planchais’s work concentrates on durability tied to aesthetic beauty. Check out her drinking fountain (‘Arceau’ or ‘O’Claire’) on her site – it is installed around the city of Paris and Luxembourg.
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DT1B table and DC1 chair from the Dolmen Collection by French design company OStudio. The table is in marble with two of the legs in inox and the third in solid ebony. The chair is in inox and solid ebony from Mozambique. There is an elegance in both pieces combined with a fine sense of balance. The photo truly does not do them justice. Fabulous!
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The metal ‘fabric’ surrounding the light source in the ‘Eye of the Light’ creates a luminous texture to encircle and reflect the light. The effect is like light reflected on the surface of water. Created by Polish designer Margorzata Mozolewska, this design project was supported by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage ‘The Young Poland’.
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‘Tavola’ by Elise Som
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Loved this whimsical and biomorphic Torquemada console in wood with oak veneer by Jacques Jarrige for the Valerie Goodman Gallery. His pieces will be showing at the New York Gallery in the next few weeks.
‘Meet My Project’ Musée des Arts Decoratives, Paris 4-8 September 2015
Here are some of the pieces Galerie Joseph will be showing for Design Week. Definitely on our radar! Look out for our coverage on Instagram and Twitter.
‘Ananas’ low table by Ginger & Jagger. Top in marble: Estremoz or Negro Marquina. Metal structure in brass coated in gold, copper or nickel.
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Lighting by Atelier Areti (the super talented sisters, Gwendolyn and Guillane Kerschbaumer).
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The ‘Random’ chandelier in Perspex, stainless steel and nickel plated parts by Miranda Watkins.
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Cubic chair by Belingardi Stefano
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The ‘Modular 28 Fair’ tables on a domino theme in plastic, wood and white gold by Beatrice Blanchard
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All images courtesy of Galerie Joseph
Galerie Joseph 123 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris.
Look out for our coverage on Instagram and Twitter and our blog.
Paris Design Week 5-12 September 2015
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16th century fountain in the Place St Etienne, Toulouse.
We were in Toulouse this week, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in France. Known as ‘La Ville en Rose’ after the distinctive pink stone used in many of the old buildings there, it is a lovely city to wander through with elegant squares and ornate façades decorated with elaborate stone work and sculpture.
We visited the Forum des Antiquaires which is a veritable Aladdin’s cave of treasures. Situated on the Avenue des Etats Unis, it takes a bit of searching through but is well worth exploring.
Praying Mantis light, 1950s by Jean Rispalen. We were excited to find this stunning standing lamp, in great condition, with its very distinctive design. Amazing in any interior.
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Fauteuils and sofa in white leather and plexiglass, 1970s. Infinitely covetable!
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Lamp by Louis Kalff, 1950s.
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1950s desk by Pierre Guariche. Lamp by Cedric Hartman.
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Spanish wall light in aluminum and plexiglass, 1950s. Love the angular design!
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Side tables by Marc Held, 1970s. The image shows two tables stacked. They can be used this way or separately.
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Spanish table lamp, 1970s
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This fun Italian standing light from the 1970s caught our eye.
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Glass vase by Legras, 1910. Signed.
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I was thrilled to find this beautiful 1930s French bar and bought it on the spot! Here you see it in situ in my apartment in Paris, ready for cocktails. The mirrored front panel swivels open to reveal shelves to store glasses. The top is a movable mirrored tray and there are two swivable drink coasters on each top shelf. So chic.
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Also couldn’t resist this beautiful and elegant lamp from the 1970s. It was made by Maison Delmas near Toulouse and is now happily ensconced in my Paris apartment!
If you’re interested in any of the above objects or would like to discuss your sourcing needs, let us know. We’d love to help you!
contact@arte-case.com
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sign up for our weekly newsletter under the banner above!
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Last year we visited the Cours Saleya in Nice for the flea market, which is there each Monday. While it is a wonderful experience full of beautiful objects it is on Rue Catherine Ségurane and Rue Antoine Gautier behind the old port where there is real opportunity to find exciting objects!
Ok, this takes a bit of imagination because things are tightly packed next to others but there are treasures to be found!
This set of four chairs, 1950s
This pair of whimsical 19th century gilt plaster candelabra on red granite bases would look incredible in a contemporary setting.
This green and cream parchment standing bar is in pristine condition. It’s by Italian designer Aldo Tura, whose work is marked by very beautiful craftsmanship. Many of his designs are collectible and they can be found on 1st Dibs sometimes … – granted at much higher prices!
Detail of the interior of the bar … there are square light panels in the bottom shelf.
This speckled mirror console is just decorative and lovely.
I spy a rattan version of Ron Arad’s Magis rocking chair – cool!
A set of seven Limoges vases by Jean Decloquement de Chateauroux.
Objects winding up the ramp of a former parking garage.
This swan bar is another piece by Aldo Turo.
This little art deco magazine rack is so chic!
If you have any questions about the objects above
or you would like help with a search we would love to help you:
contact@arte-case.com
