My Highlights from FOG Design+Art 2014
My Selection:
Ed Ruscha, Motor City, 2009, at Crown Point Press
As a car junkie, it’s quite fun to see Ed Ruscha’s take on Motor City USA’s most-storied automotive brands and vehicles. I wonder how Ruscha envisions these seven pieces being hung. Is there a story or lesson to the hanging? And, is Ruscha trying to say something about these storied brands?
Richard Serra, Paths and Edges #6, 2007, at John Berggruen Gallery
Wouldn’t you love to own a Serra?! Did you know that he was born in San Francisco?
Paulette Tavormina, Peaches and Morning Glories, 2010, at March
Paulette Tavormina’s photographs are incredible nods to 17th-century Masters’ works. Her photographs of food are always incredibly beautiful and provocative—and quite stunning.
Christophe Côme, Oblique Screen, 2003, at Cristina Grajales Gallery
As both a fine artist and furniture designer, Christopher Côme’s pieces are always eclectic and bold. This iron and glass piece is fantastic reinterpretation of screens as we known them.
Ed Wormley, Model No. 5522 - Companion Chair from “The First Lady Series”, circa 1950, at Converso NY
One of America’s most iconic furniture designers is Ed Wormley. He re-imagined how pieces could and should function in the modern era. His iconic design is as fresh today as it was 50 years ago. His design never screams “incredible mid-century.” His work is truly timeless. This white cherry wood chair is delightful and a stand-out. Given that the velvet is original, it’s probably really soft.
Yoshitomo Nara, When You Feel So Sad, 2012, at Blum & Poe
It’s so easy and fun to spot a Nara—his subjects are always children drawn confidently with soft and round lines. Whereas most of Nara’s drawings juxtapose childhood innocence with societal evils, this piece is clearly different and unique. In this piece, it’s only the child.
Chuck Close, Phil I (White), 1982, at John Berggruen Gallery
I believe this painting is of Philip Glass, the great American composer. This painting is done in Chuck Close’s gridded approach, which is iconic and highly memorable. Aside from being one of America’s great painters, printmakers and photographers (his approach is photo-realistic), he is a warrior and fighter. Close suffered a seizure in 1988, which left him paralyzed. Despite being paralyzed, Close has continued to work, create and live as one of our country’s greatest artists.
Beauvais Carpets, #G0560tu--Fostat, at Beauvais Carpets
Given Beauvais’ artistry and incredible breadth (antique floor coverings, new carpets, tapestries, etc), I am fascinated by their offerings and innovation. This wool knotted-pile floor covering looks every bit luxurious as it does unique and special. I can imagine it in a variety of spaces and believe that it’s versatile enough to properly suit the most discerning of clients.
Alessandro, Hand Lacquered Desk by Alessandro for Baker, 1979, at Christopher Anthony Ltd., Inc.
Interestingly, in 1979 Alessandro (Alessandro Gabrielli Gambalogna) created a special collection of 25 pieces for Baker Furniture. As you can imagine, this partnership was ahead of its time—particularly the notion that many were finally able to afford an Alessandro piece. During this time, Alessandro’s pieces were seen as avant garde or progressive. Today, his pieces fit in beautifully and effortlessly into many spaces.
Shinpei Kusanagi, Lamp, 2009, at Altman Siegel
This piece by Shinpei Kusanagi immediately caught my attention. When I look at, I can envision so many different things. And, that’s what’s so special about this piece—the possibilities, the ability to dream, and the opportunity to get lost for a moment or two.
