Venetian art and lifestyle experience
May 9th – November 24th 2019
Beyond suggesting the house of a contemporary collector, the exhibition installed at the Abbazia di San Gregorio by Chahan Minassian, reveals an important and characteristic aspect of the “haute-couture” atmospheres that he creates: the integration of contemporary artwork, celebrating the know-how of artists he defends; and more importantly the curation of exceptional masterpieces.
This month, we highlight the bronze sculptures presented at the abbey, and therefore the artists who designed them.
Marie Khouri is a Canadian artist of Lebanese origin whose sculptures reflect her multicultural connections, but also her passion for innovation and spontaneity. Influenced by Henry Moore and the technique of direct carving, the sculptures are realized without preliminary study, in order to let Mary’s creativity express itself.
Each sculpture is formed through an extensive hands-on process that employs traditional sculpting techniques alongside contemporary innovations in material and building standards.
Her timeless and unconstrained forms remain firmly situated in the contemporary moment, pushing the barriers of the medium where the surfaces reveal the entire process and the finished sculpture reveals the evolutionary method by which it was created.
Often of biomorphic form, they are inspired by the natural growth of organic matters. The Vessels in the vestibule of the abbey and the first dining room are a spectacular example. These works were commissioned by Chahan for this installation, perfectly match with the atmosphere along with the sculptural benches of Arumi Klossowska de Rola like the lion presented in the dining room.
This artist, daughter of the painters Balthus and Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, has created a universe and a very personal signature.
From jewelry to furniture design, she is driven by a certain fascination for material.
It is ancient Egypt and its beliefs that inspired Harumi to create these bronze benches and artistic sconces referring to the mythological gods: Sobek, the crocodile symbol of fertility, or Sekhmet, the lioness incarnating the war and symbolizing the strength and respect. Covered with 24-carat gold leafs, this sculptural seating becomes a real jewel.
Harumi succeeded in expressing the meaning and spirit of these works through pure and graphic lines that suggest beauty as well as power, and refinement.
Israeli-born artist, based in Paris, Amir Smolnik began his career in fashion as studio director of leather goods, then ready-to-wear and accessories. It is naturally that he has evolved towards art direction and graphic design to finally devote full time to his passion: ceramics and sculpture.
Chahan commissioned several sculptures, presented on Chahan gallery’s booths during international art fairs, and is currently exhibiting one of his bronze works at the abbey. This Pendulum of nearly 80kg, is the first of an edition of 8, produced at the famous Bocquel foundry.
Venetian art and lifestyle experience
May 9th – November 24th 2019
Beyond suggesting the house of a contemporary collector, the exhibition installed at the Abbazia di San Gregorio by Chahan Minassian, reveals an important and characteristic aspect of the “haute-couture” atmospheres that he creates: the integration of contemporary artwork, celebrating the know-how of artists he defends; and more importantly the curation of exceptional masterpieces.
This month, we highlight the bronze sculptures presented at the abbey, and therefore the artists who designed them.
Marie Khouri is a Canadian artist of Lebanese origin whose sculptures reflect her multicultural connections, but also her passion for innovation and spontaneity. Influenced by Henry Moore and the technique of direct carving, the sculptures are realized without preliminary study, in order to let Mary’s creativity express itself.
Each sculpture is formed through an extensive hands-on process that employs traditional sculpting techniques alongside contemporary innovations in material and building standards.
Her timeless and unconstrained forms remain firmly situated in the contemporary moment, pushing the barriers of the medium where the surfaces reveal the entire process and the finished sculpture reveals the evolutionary method by which it was created.
Often of biomorphic form, they are inspired by the natural growth of organic matters. The Vessels in the vestibule of the abbey and the first dining room are a spectacular example. These works were commissioned by Chahan for this installation, perfectly match with the atmosphere along with the sculptural benches of Arumi Klossowska de Rola like the lion presented in the dining room.
This artist, daughter of the painters Balthus and Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, has created a universe and a very personal signature.
From jewelry to furniture design, she is driven by a certain fascination for material.
It is ancient Egypt and its beliefs that inspired Harumi to create these bronze benches and artistic sconces referring to the mythological gods: Sobek, the crocodile symbol of fertility, or Sekhmet, the lioness incarnating the war and symbolizing the strength and respect. Covered with 24-carat gold leafs, this sculptural seating becomes a real jewel.
Harumi succeeded in expressing the meaning and spirit of these works through pure and graphic lines that suggest beauty as well as power, and refinement.
Israeli-born artist, based in Paris, Amir Smolnik began his career in fashion as studio director of leather goods, then ready-to-wear and accessories. It is naturally that he has evolved towards art direction and graphic design to finally devote full time to his passion: ceramics and sculpture.
Chahan commissioned several sculptures, presented on Chahan gallery’s booths during international art fairs, and is currently exhibiting one of his bronze works at the abbey. This Pendulum of nearly 80kg, is the first of an edition of 8, produced at the famous Bocquel foundry.
Designer and ceramicist
Amir Smolnik was born in 1975 in Haifa, Israel. He moved to Paris in 1997 to study at the École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) and graduated in 2000 with a menswear design degree. Following graduation Amir worked as a ready-to-wear designer for several leading fashion houses, then as a desi gn studio director for a le ather-goods brand.
In 2011 he decided to go freelance in order to diversify his activities. He continued designing clothes and accessories, and at the same time embraced art direction,
graphic design, teaching and more…
Designer and ceramicist
Amir Smolnik was born in 1975 in Haifa, Israel. He moved to Paris in 1997 to study at the École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) and graduated in 2000 with a menswear design degree. Following graduation Amir worked as a ready-to-wear designer for several leading fashion houses, then as a desi gn studio director for a le ather-goods brand.
In 2011 he decided to go freelance in order to diversify his activities. He continued designing clothes and accessories, and at the same time embraced art direction,
graphic design, teaching and more…
His eye: sharp, precise, selective and refined. It’s the eye he uses as an interior designer, decorator, collector, gallery owner, antique dealer and designer.
Of Armenian origin, born in Lebanon, he settled in France in 1976 and has since upheld a very international lifestyle.
Following his Interior Design studies in Paris, his first experience was as the European Creative Director for the prestigious Ralph Lauren fashion house, defining the rhythm of his projects and travels for seven years.
. . .
His eye: sharp, precise, selective and refined. It’s the eye he uses as an interior designer, decorator, collector, gallery owner, antique dealer and designer.
Of Armenian origin, born in Lebanon, he settled in France in 1976 and has since upheld a very international lifestyle.
Following his Interior Design studies in Paris, his first experience was as the European Creative Director for the prestigious Ralph Lauren fashion house, defining the rhythm of his projects and travels for seven years.
. . .
As an interior designer, Chahan Minassian’s first concern is space. He will often redesign the interior spaces in a project to improve their circulation, or to create a desired atmosphere. He combines his talent as an interior designer and a creator of harmony with an appreciation of detail that lends his decors their signature «couture» effect.
. . .
11, rue de Lille
75007 Paris France
+33(0) 1 47 03 47 00
gallery@chahan.com
Open Monday to Saturday
from 11 am to 7 pm
12, rue de Beaune
75007 Paris France
+33(0)1 42 96 88 88
design@chahan.com
Open Monday to Friday
from 10:30 am to 7 pm
Aline Minassian Boré
12, rue de Beaune
75007 Paris France
+33(0)1 42 96 88 88
press@chahan.com
11, rue de Lille
75007 Paris France
+33(0) 1 47 03 47 00
gallery@chahan.com
Open Monday to Saturday
from 11 am to 7 pm
12, rue de Beaune
75007 Paris France
+33(0)1 42 96 88 88
design@chahan.com
Open Monday to Friday
from 10:30 am to 7 pm
Aline Minassian Boré
12, rue de Beaune
75007 Paris France
+33(0)1 42 96 88 88
press@chahan.com
