In Basel, Design Miami / celebrates its 10th fair with the most dynamic gallery presence to-date, designers of the future award presentations, bold cultural initiatives and a new connection with Art Basel.
This edition of Design Miami/ Basel is marked by a substantial increase in returning galleries, together with a mix of first-time exhibitors, all of whom represent the world’s leading galleries specializing in limited-edition design.
The vibrant, international mix of thirty-one historic and contemporary galleries, coupled with a bold cultural programme has led the event to expand onto two floors of Hall 5 in Basel’s Messeplatz. The entire ground floor will now be committed to the expanded gallery presence while the airy mezzanine will host the cultural programming, sponsor initiatives and Design On/Site, a showcase of individual designers’ work presented by progressive contemporary design galleries, introduced at Design Miami/ in December 2009.
Design Miami/ Director Ambra Medda comments, “This is the most important show we’ve ever had with a level of quality, maturity and substance that will offer a perfect balance of commerce and culture.”
The overall design of the fair will be elegant yet lively, with architect Mia Hägg collaborating with MadeThought, creators of the fair’s visual identity, to design the exhibition space. The “industrial” architectural integrity of Hall 5 will be celebrated while simultaneously providing a sophisticated finish, reflecting Design Miami/ Basel’s distinct balance of substantive quality and youthful energy.
Building on the radical introduction of 19th-century specialist Galerie Perrin in June 2009, Design Miami/ Basel has invited two additional galleries to offer a broader historic context for design. Galerie Anne-Sophie Duval (Paris) will present a selection of rare Art Deco works. Didier Aaron et Cie (Paris) will debut a compelling presentation of 18th-century pieces in an environment created by acclaimed French designer Jacques Grange. “At a time when the boundaries of art, architecture and design have become blurred, the gallery, through its presence in Basel, intends to challenge traditional categorization and show collectors how to fully incorporate the eighteenth century into the world of contemporary art and design,” explains gallery president Hervé Aaron.
“Many of the historic designs these galleries will show are strikingly modern while exquisitely made. They are part of a craft tradition which we are still celebrating at Design Miami/,” Medda comments. “By inviting these three specific gallerists we are opening a window onto a new world for many of the visitors who attend the fair.”
These significant historic works will complement the mix of important contemporary and 20th-century design presented by the world’s leading galleries. Among them, Design Miami/ Basel welcomes the return of a record number of internationally recognized contemporary galleries including David Gill Galleries (London), Galerie Kreo (Paris) and Contrasts Gallery (Shanghai).
“Our decision to come back to Basel was based on the understanding that Design Miami/ is becoming the leading international fair for design and will present the best galleries in the world. The challenge of showing work alongside design from 18th century through today definitely motivated us,” said Didier Krzentowski of Galerie Kreo.
This eclectic approach will also be reflected in the cultural programme of this year’s fair, which will advocate a cross pollination of different fields, such as art, fashion, science, music and architecture. Hall 5’s mezzanine level will be alive with solo exhibitions, energetic dialogue, custom commissions and lounges.
In addition to the Design Talks, which bring together collectors, patrons, gallerists, designers and journalists to discuss the dominant themes of each show, and the highly anticipated Designers of the Future Award commissions, the mezzanine will feature Design On/Site, a curatorial initiative in which maverick galleries are invited to present an installation focused on new work from one designer or studio. On/Site creates an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a designer’s world while showcasing recent innovations in contemporary design.
For the first time, these programmes will be located on the mezzanine of Hall 5 along with cultural initiatives presented by principal sponsor, HSBC Private Bank. In addition to expanding on its Connection Collection, that began in Miami in 2009 and which will be present in Basel in its second edition, the bank will also be hosting the VIP lounge for the duration of the show. Exclusive automotive sponsor Audi will once again showcase two breathtaking iconic Audi models, the subcompact A1 and the A8 luxury sedan, in an innovative design setting with the title “Lucid Flux“ by Moritz Waldemeyer.
This June, Design Miami/ Basel and Art Basel will demonstrate their strengthened partnership by literally bridging the gap between the two fairs, with the opening of the walkway between Hall 5 and Hall 1 which houses Art Unlimited.
Design Miami/ Basel 2010 confirms once again that it is the only fair of its kind. With a unique presentation which ranges from 18th-century work to limited-edition contemporary design from around the world, Design Miami/ Basel is the global forum that attracts the best international critics, collectors, designers, galleries and curators. Both serious in its curatorial intent and in its playful desire to challenge established notions, Design Miami/ Basel is an essential calendar fixture for the international design community.
Entrance:
Show Admission: CHF 20
VIP Opening (registration req.):
Monday June 14th 2010
12 – 22 hrs.
Regular Show Hours:
Tuesday June 15th 2010
11 – 19 hrs.
Wednesday June 16th 2010
11 – 19 hrs.
Thursday June 17th 2010
11 – 19 hrs.
Friday June 18th 2010
11 – 19 hrs.
Saturday June 19th 2010
11 – 19 hrs.
Address:
Design Miami / Basel 2010
Hall 5 Messe Basel
Basel
Switzerland
Source: www.designmiami.com
Permalink
