In a year where virtually every major art fair and event has been digitized or canceled due to COVID-19, the New York design community has proven the show must go on, at least locally. With Art Basel Miami Beach’s 2020 edition now online, December certainly looks more than a little different, even if its sister fair Design Miami/ is still opening its doors from November 27 to December 6.
But for those unable to travel or seeking inspiration that can be safely accessed in the New York area, an impressive lineup of shows promises the same thrilling mix of established and emerging designers from across categories and continents. Below, discover Galerie’s must-see exhibitions, many of which feature never-before-seen works, as well as an exciting new venue in Manhattan’s Design District.
A selection of pieces by Franck Evennou on view at Bernd Goeckler. Photo: Courtesy of Bernd Goeckler
French artist Franck Evennou’s creations are also on view at Maison Gerard. Photo: Courtesy of Maison Gerard
Not only does this represent French artisan Franck Evennou’s first solo show in New York, but it is also the first joint exhibition between 10th Street neighbors Maison Gerard and Bernd Goeckler. Both galleries will present Evennou’s contemporary, nature-inspired bronze furniture, including new works, in person and online. To make Evennou’s creations more accessible for visitors seeking outdoor art experiences only, Bernd Goeckler will activate their windows with a selection of the designer’s nesting tables, poufs, light fixtures, and more.
When: December 1–23
Where: 30, 43, & 53 East 10th Street
Appointments: Visits are by appointment only and can be made by calling 212-777-8209 or emailing info@berndgoeckler.com (Bernd Goeckler) or calling 212-674-7611 or emailing home@maisongerard.com (Maison Gerard).
An installation view of “What Would Have Been” at Friedman Benda features works by Misha Kahn, Raphael Navot, Adam Silverman, Jonathan Trayte, Ini Archibong, gt2P (Great Things to People), and Bruno Gambone. Photo: Daniel Kukla, Courtesy Friedman Benda
Determined to make up for its myriad talents whose works lost their intended platform due to pandemic-related closures across five continents, Friedman Benda is presenting a vivacious design extravaganza. Wide-ranging works from over 30 studios are featured, including those by late greats like Wendell Castle and Ettore Sottsass, plus well-established names, such as Gaetano Pesce, Daniel Arsham, the Campana Brothers, Marcel Wanders, Faye Toogood, and OrtaMiklos. Also featured are new pieces commissioned for festivals and art fairs, which like all items in the show, can be viewed online or in person.
When: November 5–December 12
Where: 515 West 26th Street
Appointments: Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 212-239-8700 or emailing gallery@friedmanbenda.com. Guests will be required to wear masks, sign a COVID-19 release, and submit their contact information. Friedman Benda reserves the right to take visitors’ temperatures upon arrival and/or deny entry to any visitors at our own discretion.
R & Company’s "An Affair to Remember" exhibition features three distinct spaces emulating three different major art and design fairs. This room with pieces by Wendell Castle, Rogan Gregory, Sam Maloof, and Jon Brooks represents TEFAF. Photo: Joe Kramm, Courtesy of R & Company
In its singular New York location, R & Company presents three spaces each reflecting three major fairs’ distinct identities. “Booths” representing TEFAF, Salon | Art + Design, and Design Miami/ are comprised of pieces by an all-star lineup, including the Haas Brothers, Wendell Castle, Rogan Gregory, Hun-Chung Lee, Katie Stout, Johnny Swing, Joaquim Tenreiro, and Pierre Yovanovitch. Synergies between the artists’ works abound, as does a feeling of much-needed excitement and optimism in what has been an unprecedented year for the arts community. The R & Company Archives will additionally showcase maquettes documenting the creation of the gallery’s booths over the last 20 years, as well as images from the fairs.
When: November 17–January 14, 2021
Where: 64 White Street
Appointments: Reservations are preferred and can be made via email at R@r-and-company.com or phone 212-343-7979.
An installation view of the 50-plus lamps comprising “Verre Lumiere” at Demisch Danant. Photo: Max Burkhalte, Courtesy Demisch Danant
Demisch Danant’s first exhibition in New York dedicated to Verre Lumiere continues the gallery’s exploration of midcentury French design that connects postwar and contemporary advances in form and technology. More than 50 rare lamps on view tell the story of the prestigious French lighting firm, which was created in 1968 by Max Ingrand, the famous French master glass worker and decorator. In the years since, the company distinguished itself through exceptional craftsmanship and highly efficient prototyping, which translated into some of the period’s most modern designs.
When: November 16–January 8, 2021
Where: 30 West 12th Street
Appointments: All visitors must enter the gallery wearing a mask (masks can be provided upon request) and must clean their hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water (provided by the gallery) upon arrival. A maximum of three visitors in the gallery at a time is required to maintain appropriate social distancing. Visitors may schedule an appointment in advance to secure a preferred time but emailing info@demischdanant.com or calling 212-989-5750.
In this view of “Chapter One,” Room57’s inaugural exhibitions, works by Robert Motherwell, the Campana Brothers, Danni Pantel, Roxanne Jackson, and Brecht Wright Gander, among others, are featured. Photo: Courtesy Room57
The brand-new Room57 Gallery has opened with a captivating show combining blue-chip artists, such as Helen Frankenthaler and Robert Motherwell, with emerging talents in both fine and decorative arts. Rather than the traditional white-box gallery, Room57 is designed to resemble a home where visitors can properly envision how they’d live with such items on display. In addition to pieces by KAWSxCampana, ATRA Form, and Brecht Wright Gander, Room57 has partnered with Free Arts NYC to highlight and support up-and-coming talents with their Youth Arts Collection—all of the proceeds from these works will go to the artists.
When: November 19–February 14, 2021
Where: 235 East 57th Street
Appointments: Room57 Gallery is open to walk-in visitors or by appointment, which can be scheduled by emailing josh@room57gallery.com.
