David Wiseman debuts Frogtown Studio

David Wiseman mounted a one night exhibition on 19 August to introduce his brand new studio complex in Los Angeles’ emerging Frogtown neighbourhood. Set for completion next year, the pre-renovated former factory space was used as the perfect backdrop for a distilled yet eclectic retrospective of the craftsperson’s oeuvre, surveying 14 years of work. On view, were pieces developed during Wiseman’s education at RISD as well as his iconic plaster room panels, that were first presented at a solo exhibition during Design Miami Basel. New pieces include a geometric and organic table design, indicative of his method.

The prolific creative is known for an approach that marries decorative arts traditions with new formulations. Wiseman is far from seeing ornamentation as crime. Rather, he views these aesthetic and structural attributes as emulations of nature. With a colour spectrum that favours rich metallic tones and off whites, he has actively reintegrated age-old techniques like bronze-casting through intuitive leaps and experimentation. Wiseman ultimately seeks to create works that represent enduring permanence. The range of application he has explored runs the gamut between detailed porcelain and sculptural furniture.

A new venture between Wiseman and his brother, former deputy director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation Ari Wiseman, Wiseman Studio will expand into the repurposed multi building complex – developed by Ted Porter Architects (New York). Housing both production facilities and presentation galleries, the Frogtown-based studio will play host to the partnerships burgeoning projects. Visitors will not only be able to experience much of Wiseman’s pieces but also witness the process at hand. Presenting his main source of inspiration, a series of gardens will also reveal hidden gems.