With 2020 being the year it's been-I couldn't make it down to Miami this year for Design Miami 2020. Luckily, I was able to catch some peeks at the pieces showcased and scout a bit for our clients! Below are some of my top picks from the show. Take a look!
Katie Stout Double Lady (Roman Embrace) Floor Lamp
This contemporary piece made with ceramic, glaze, paint, and gold luster is part of Katie Stout's "Girl Lamp" collection. This series is described as "naïve pop" and features colorful and playfully posed nude women in obscure positions. Katie Stout's work is featured in R & Company Gallery.
Morten Løbner Espersen, Glazed Pearl 9
Morten Løbner Espersen is a highly renowned Danish ceramics artist with work featured around the world. His focus as of late has been to bring new life to ceramics through vessels. The textures of these vessels are inspired by geographical surfaces. Espersen is featured in Jason Jacques Gallery.
Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé Coatrack
The coat rack above was created by Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouve in response to a need for furniture at the Cité Universitaire in Antony France. They decided to create a piece that was both functional for storage and proportionate to the room size. It is in excellent condition.
Roger Herman, Untitled 90 (White, Yellow, Purple, Blue)
Originally a painter, Roger Herman has recently switched over to ceramic work as his medium of choice. In his own words, "In the ceramics the element of surprise and the unknown is important. Painting is control, ceramic for me is letting go of that control. The best things happen often by accident”. You can find Herman's work in Carpenters Workshop Gallery.
Thomas Barger, Gingham Passion Chair
Growing up gay in an otherwise small conservative town in rural Illinois has been a major source of inspiration for Thomas Barger. His new dining set draws insight from domestic life while giving a modern, sculptured feel. You can see Barger's work in Salon 94 Design.
Chen Chen & Kai Williams Stone Rose Floor Light
This stunning floor light from Chen Chen and Kai Williams was definitely a show stopper. Each rose is made of 10 thin quartz stone petals. The stones were found on the North Shore of Long Island and are estimated to have been deposited 16,000-20,000 years ago. You can see Chen and Williams' work in The Future Perfect.
John Shea Balter
This one of a kind ceramic object was crafted by John Shea. Shea is based in Baltimore and takes an abstract approach to his work. In his own words, he “looks at an object as composed of individual elements as well as a set of relationships.” You can see more of Shea's work in Hostler Burrows.
Hella Jongerius "Diamond Vase" Day
Hella Jongerius' Diamond Vase is a part of a larger series of handcrafted ceramic vases. She has done extensive research on color to create this collection. She works within a number of color palettes to evoke different times of day. In her own words, "My ultimate goal is to oppose the power of colour to the power of form." You can see more of Johngerius' work in Galerie Kreo.
Flavie Audi Nebulous Attrition 2 Table
Flavie Audi's Nebulous Attrition 2 was created as part of her exhibit at TERRA(IN)FIRMA at Nilufar Depot. I was lucky enough to see these at Saloni in 2019. The series focuses on the idea of technology and the environment. She utilizes digital aesthetics and organic shapes to respond to the state of our planet. You can see more of Audi's work at Nilufar Gallery.
OrtaMiklos, Surfing USA Chair
OrtaMiklos created this solo piece to represent California's surf culture nearly 60 years past its prime. The chair poses the question of "where does this idealism of the Baby Boomer generation stand today?" You can see more of OrtaMiklos's work at Friedman Benda.
Misha Kahn A Sponge for Electromagnetic Smog
I feel like I was just recently at Misha's studio, but it was now two summers ago. Sodalite and bronze makeup this one of a kind table. According to design technologist John Maeda, “Misha creates work for a parallel wonderland, where traditional perception of material and structure is pushed to the edges of the room to make space for one big party." You can see more of Kahn's work at Friedman Benda.
These are our top picks, but Design Miami 2020 was full of incredible artists and pieces-as always! I so missed going to see the show in person, but thankful for technology that allows me to get a glimpse at the beauty even from afar. If you enjoyed this-make sure to check out my blog from last week featuring the top picks from Art Basel Miami! See you next time!
