Last week, Design Miami, the world’s premier design fair, exchanged Southern Florida for Southern California, settling in a historic Los Angeles mansion by late architect Paul Williams. This landmark event demonstrated the rising interest in decorative arts and challenged the traditional format of art fairs. Unlike most trade shows held in convention centers, Design Miami opted for a residential setting, displaying lamps, chairs, tables, and more in real rooms inhabited by real people. Some art was even placed in the shower, blurring the lines between art and everyday life.
Jesse Lee, the fair’s chairman, expressed his excitement about the new setting. He believes it offers a more natural environment for collectors to visualize the artwork in their own homes. This organic approach also allows galleries to showcase their pieces in a more authentic space.
During the fair, several artists and artworks garnered attention. California-based artist Carmen D’Apollonio, known for her playful riffs on human forms, showcased home décor pieces that resembled contemporary interpretations of ancient sculptures. Her lamps resembled a Venus of Willendorf discovered in West Hollywood, while her planters featured modern twists on Greco-Roman designs.
Another standout artist was Eric Roinestad, a California native who cast neon road signs from iconic West Hollywood nightlife spots like Chateau Marmont and Whisky Go Go. By removing them from their vibrant context, he preserved their iconic status in a muted Bauhaus style.
Bower Studios and Genesis Belanger, based in New York, collaborated on a series of mirrors that both revealed and obscured reflections. Bronze curtains, pulled back by etched manicured hands, flanked the glass. This piece explored femininity through the lens of 1950s American advertising.
Lithuanian artist Barbora Žilinskaitė presented her “Mr. Judgy” mirror, which aimed to evoke both boldness and fun. Stout, known for her claymation-style “Girl Lamps,” embraced vases during her pregnancy and created a stunning vase with gilded pastel flowers protruding from a baby blue facade.
The historic Los Angeles mansion provided a unique backdrop for Design Miami L.A. 2023, offering a fresh perspective on showcasing decorative arts. The fair highlighted the growing interest in the industry, challenged traditional formats, and showcased the talents of emerging and established artists.
