Like a museum curator putting together an exhibition, I love to place the works against different backgrounds and with other objects that highlight the colors and shapes in the art.
I am currently designing an art lounge/library for clients with a cutting-edge collection of contemporary art. Two large-scale works will anchor the space. Liz Nielsen’s “Pineapple” (courtesy of SoCoGallery) is a jewel-toned photogram where the artist uses handmade, transparent color gels and filters to create complex and layered compositions teetering between representation and abstraction. Ori Gersht’s “Love Me, Love Me Not” (courtesy of CSI Gallery) depicts a drop of blood as it disperses through milk creating a symbolic representation of the cosmos.
Black lacquered walls provide a sophisticated backdrop for the colorful works, objets d’art, and art books. To play off of the angular shapes and colors of “Pineapple,” we selected multi-colored fabrics with angular shapes that also border on abstraction. The circular shape seen in “Love Me, Love Me Not” is repeated in peacock blue lacquered side tables, orb glass lamps, and a black and white graphic carpet. The brass sunburst chandelier inspired by Tony Duquette brings both the angular and circular elements together.
In addition to highlighting the art, I always like to include antique or vintage pieces into an interior. Here, a pair of Mid-Century Italian lounge chairs will be reupholstered in red to bring out the red tones in the art. A black linen- wrapped cocktail table and deep chartreuse linen velvet tufted sofa will finish off the space. The perfect perch on which to admire the artwork, have a cocktail and plan the next art adventure!