DAY 2 – Design Miami and the Elle décor show House
Today I visited Design Miami, a global forum for 20th and 21st century furniture, lighting, and objets d’art. I was delighted by the innovative designs: some were gorgeous, some were clever, many were both. [1] Entering each booth was like stepping into someone’s home, detailed with moldings, ceilings, and carpets, carefully chosen to compliment the furniture designs housed within. [2], [3] I was especially taken with The Growth Chair by Mathias Bengtsson, [4] made of cast bronze, designed with a computer program that mimics identically the growth of plant life, and Francois-Xavier’s bronze and wool sheep, an iconic work of equal parts artistry and whimsy. [5] I very much enjoyed the contrast of organic materials and stainless steel in a sculpture made by Maria Pergay. [6]
I loved the artbook Booth, which had great new publications on display such as Tom Bianchi’s Fire Island Pines, Erwin Olaf’s Own, and a beautiful monograph by Hans Feurer. [7] I was especially interested in Jacques Henri Lartigue’s A Sporting Life, an album of photographs of the leisure activities of France’s upper and middle classes. I am a big fan of Lartigue; I find his work dynamic and delightful. [8]
For lunch, we stopped at The Raleigh Hotel, [9] which is glamorous but without attitude. It was recently renovated, tastefully, and remains historic as it ever was. One of the great things about Miami Beach is that while every style has its moment, the Deco-influence is apparent throughout. Authentic and modern, there are tiny treasures to be found on every shelf. [10] The pool at The Raleigh is one of the best in Miami and as I ate my kale salad, I watched synchronized swimmers practice for a party that evening.
Miami Project VIP and Collectors Preview began as the sun began to set. I didn’t have much time to explore, as our booth was filled with a constant flow of people. I did notice that the colorful works exhibited mirrored the vibrancy of Miami: [11], [12], [13], [14]. Around 7:00, I popped over to the Elle Décor Modern Life Concept House on Sunset Island, which was masterfully designed by Samuel Amoia. Elle Décor paired top designers, selected by the magazine’s editorial team, with prominent lifestyle brands. Steven Kasher Gallery provided the photography for the house, and I was very happy to see the result of our work. [15],[16], [17].
Andi Potamkin
FESTIVAL
Art Basel – Miami Beach
December 5-8 2013
Miami, USA
https://www.artbasel.com
