A Preview of Design Miami/Basel
TLmag offers a preview of the 17th edition of Design/Miami Basel, opening on June 12th, in the iconic Basel Messeplatz. The fair will present an intimate look at historic works alongside contemporary masters, giving insight into the current collectible design market.
Design Miami/Basel returns for its 17th edition with an intimate presentation of 26 galleries dedicated to collectible design. From June 13 – 18, 2023, with a Preview Day on June 12, the fair will take place at the iconic Basel Messeplatz. There will be a mix of new galleries and long-established names presenting historic and contemporary collectible works, as well as a Special Project Satellite by jeweler Caroline Van Hoek, an interactive installation by artist Cyril Lancelin and a presentation by UAE based Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council.
Focusing on a ‘return to its origins’, the fair puts into context the importance of historic design in the contemporary market. As Grela Orihuela (Senior VP of Fairs), says: “This special edition of Design Miami/ Basel presents an exciting opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of our flagship Swiss edition. Together with our participating galleries, we look forward to celebrating the fair’s history as a platform that has helped uncover and establish some of the greatest names across both historic and contemporary design, while continuing to spotlight new and emerging talent”.
Overarching themes give a contextual structure to the presentations this year. “The Past in Focus: The Leading Historic Design Masters” features notable names including Galerie Patrick Seguin (Paris), who will bring a selection of historic, collectible design by Jean Prouvé, and Galerie Gastou (Paris), which makes its debut at the fair this year, presenting an eclectic array of works united by themes of brutalism and surrealism.
“The Evolution of Design History: From Past to Present”, reflects on the impact of the past on the present. Friedman Benda (New York) presents “Iconoclasts and Icons”, a survey exhibition showing the evolution of contemporary design over eight decades, through ten visionary designers. Mouvements Modernes (Paris) will present a booth charting the evolution of design history from the late 20th century to the present day with works by Garrouste & Bonnetti, Fabien Petiot and Daniela Busarello, among others. As Marc Benda, says: Design Miami is a meeting place bringing together artists and designers, collectors, and long-time friends. It is a crossroad of disciplines where we can show the best and most exciting works and take risks with new expressions. ‘Iconoclasts and Icons’ seeks to represent the chaos of contemporary design, distilling the explosive creative forces unleashed by the unending possibilities in our field.”
The third theme, “Materiality, Form and Innovation: The Intimacy of Craft & Design,” “spotlights an appreciation for craftsmanship and technical accomplishment of designers past and present.” Pierre Marie Giraud (Brussels) will present new artworks and hand- picked collectible designs from leading artists in ceramics and glass, such as Kristin McKirdy, alongside a selection of Japanese crafts including lacquer and bamboo; Experimental art studio, STUDIO TERRE, will present LOLA (2022), a hanging room divider made from Murano glass beads and terracotta powder while Galleria Antonella Villanova (Florence) celebrates craft through spotlighting the work of internationally-known jewelry artists.
Additional programming highlights include jeweler Caroline Van Hoek whose project, “At the skatepark”, will feature works of jewelry inspired by skate parks, from their shapes to their youthful atmosphere; Artist Cyril Lancelin will present “Flap” (2023), an interactive artwork that explores the relationship between the viewer, the artwork and technology, and UAE-based Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, which works to preserve indigenous craft heritage in the region presents Traditional Methods in Modern Design.
Participating galleries: Foreign Agent, Friedman Benda, Galerie DOWNTOWN Francois Laffanour, Galerie Eric Philippe, Galerie Gastou, Galerie Jacques Lacoste, Galerie kreo, Galerie Maria Wettergren, Galerie Matthieu Richard, Galerie Meubles et Lumières, Galerie Mitterrand, Galerie Pascal Cuisinier, Galerie Patrick Seguin, Galerie SCENE OUVERTE, Galleria Antonella Villanova, Galleria Rossella Colombari, Gokelaere & Robinson, Jousse Entreprise, Ketabi Bourdet Design, Lebreton, Morentz Gallery, MOUVEMENTS MODERNES, Pierre Marie Giraud, Thomas Fritsch-ARTRIUM, Thomsen Gallery
Design/Miami Basel Schedule of Events:
Monday, June 12: Preview Day/ By Invitation Only
Collectors Preview, 12–6pm
Public Days: June 13-18
@designmiami