By Lauren Jade Hill
Synergy by Gloria Cortina 2016 at Cristina Grajales Gallery
Design Miami/ is already pegged as the global forum for design, but this year’s Basel edition is set to be the most international yet with 46 galleries lined up, representing the artists and designers of 11 countries; each of these celebrated art fairs brings together influential collectors, gallerists, curators, critics and designers from around the world. Run alongside Art Basel, the design fair takes place each December in Miami and each June in Basel, Switzerland. As a result, Design Miami/ has become known as the premier event for exhibiting, discovering and collecting design pieces.
With representatives from such a range of locations – including the first appearance by a South American gallery, the Mercado Moderno in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – the range of design promises to be more diverse than ever in its aesthetics, with influences from a variety of periods; the inclusion of Art Deco and Art Nouveau inspired work is a notable addition to this year’s program, owing to the participation of gallerist Robert Zehil of Monaco whose collection spans 20th century design and decorative arts, with fine art jewelry featured alongside contemporary works from the 21st century.
Namoradeira rocking chair by Jose Zanine Caldas 1970 at Mercado Moderno
The diverse offering of collectible design is then being contributed to by New York-based Lee Siegelson who specializes in precious gemstones and rare jewelry, and Gallery ALL of Los Angeles and Beijing, which aims to introduce collectors to cutting-edge and experimental design collections. Christ & Gantenbein architects will then be showing their first foray into furniture design.
Solo shows of note include a centenary exhibition of the designer Ettore Sottass’ work by Friedman Benda of New York, and a showcase on the Art Deco designer Andre Sornay’s work by Alain Marcelpoil from Paris. Galerie Patrick Seguin will then be showing a monumental work by Jean Prouve, in the form of a demountable house from 1944 that will welcome visitors to the gallery program.
Design Curio – an exhibition platform inviting designers, curators and gallerists to present their cabinet of curiosity at the fair – is set to return to this year’s edition of Design Miami/ Basel, too, with participants to be announced closer to the time.
Related
Design Miami/ Basel is set to take place from June 13 to 18 2017, alongside Art Basel. Go over to basel2017.designmiami.com to find out more.
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