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Munich-based jewelry atelier Hemmerle had their introduction to PAD fair this year. Known for their incredible craftsmanship and use of beautiful and unconventional rare materials paired with four generations of jewelry-making knowledge, Hemmerle’s booth does not disappoint. A few gems to keep your eyes out for are their copper and tourmaline earrings, a unique pair of agate and sapphire earrings, and an exquisite beaded necklace made of jade beads and cut-stones over silk.
Image courtesy of Hemmerle.
One can always count on Paris and London-based Galerie Kreo for interesting finds. Especially intriguing this year are vases by Erik Olovsson and a lamp by Studio Wieki Somers. Olovsson combines organic shapes in blown glass set atop mineral stands (rose quartz, marble, or blue stone) to make sculptural vases that play with our perceptions of hard and soft. The ‘Meiyo’ lamp, part of the ‘Mitate’ series by Studio Wieki Somers, is inspired by the design duo’s trips to Japan. ‘Mitate’ is a Japanese concept that signifies the interpretation of an object in a non-traditional way. All seven lamps in the series are a combination of local Japanese craft, images, and rituals, which results in colorful and balanced works.
Image courtesy of the gallery.
Paris-based gallery Jousse Entreprise brings furniture by the likes of legendary designers Charlotte Perriand, Roger Tallon, and Pierre Jeanneret, among others. But what draws you into the booth is their tight curation of ceramics. Two brightly colored Georges Jouve pots catch your eye, while a ceramic installation of American-born, Paris-based sculptor Kristin McKirdy are mounted on the stand’s walls. Gallery owner Philippe Jousse tells artnet News this was the first time they had thought to hang her ceramics up on the wall. It was well worth it.
Image courtesy of Christie Chu.
Hamiltons Gallery, which specializes in photography, turned their booth into a Japanese-style house. Visitors perusing the aisles of the fair first encounter a bamboo-lined wall and a large Nobuyoshi Araki work depicting a geisha with a knife. Once inside, the smell of incense and low lights set the mood for the gallery’s exhibition of three photographers including Nobuyoshi Araki, Daido Moriyama, and Tomio Seike. Also of note is a 1972 Warhol painting of collector and patron Kimiko Powers. It’s no surprise this booth was one of the two that won best stand at the fair.
Image courtesy of Christie Chu.
African head masks, ancient bartering currencies, and ceremonial headpieces adorn Paris-based Galerie Monbrison’s booth. Specializing in African and Oceanic art, the gallery presents an incredible selection of items from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th. To create context, the gallery is also showing photographs taken by pioneering Polish photographer Casimir Zagourski, known for his work on central Africa.
Image courtesy of Christie Chu.
London and Torino-based gallery Mazzoleni brings Italian masters from the Zero group and Arte Povera movement to the fair this year including the likes of Lucio Fontana, Alberto Burri, Piero Manzoni, and Fausto Melotti. Especially eye-catching is a 1969 sunshine yellow Agostino Bonalumi work, where the artist placed circles perpendicular to the canvas to create texture, movement, and form.
Image courtesy of Christie Chu.
Continuing the sunshine yellow theme, Paris-based gallery De Jonckheere brings an iconic ‘cut’ work by Lucio Fontana that draws the fair-goer in. But it is a small canvas next to the Fontana work that keeps you lingering at this gallery’s booth. The 1947 work by surrealist master René Magritte is an homage to the enduring myth of Scheherazade.
Image courtesy of Christie Chu.
Stockholm-based Modernity gallery has all the best 20th century Scandinavian design you would want. From a set of eight chairs by Hans Wegner to multiple lamps by Poul Henningsen, it’s as if they already have your living room and dining room set to go. No decorating necessary. Particularly alluring is a brown leather red-embroidered steel armchair designed in 1930 by Swedish designer Axel Einar Hjorth. It will set you back 27,000 Pounds. This booth will make you think “Sell the house, sell the car, sell the kids.”
Image courtesy of Christie Chu.
PAD London’s opening marks the beginning of another exciting and hectic Frieze week. This year, the art and design fair, which runs from October 3–9 in Mayfair, celebrates its 10th year.
The fair combines modern art, photography, design, decorative arts, and tribal art, creating an eclectic mix of textures and styles by the more than 65 exhibitors, hailing from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
See the eight not-to-miss booths in the slideshow above.