Venetian art and lifestyle experience
May 9th – November 24th 2019
Visiting the Abbazia offers the chance to discover metallic, brutalist sculptural light fixtures and furniture which carry the signature touch of Chahan. Brass, iron, aluminium or bronze are amongst the many materials that artists such as Contini, Main or Laverne have sublimated thanks to their savoir-faire and talent.
Sylvain Contini studied at the Fine Arts school in Paris under the guidance of the Professor of sculpture at the time, César, who became his mentor and eventually took him on as his assistant in his workshop. Contini, inspired by his master’s expertise in the field, then embarked on his own production of sculptures and furniture.
Particularly, he was inspired by the appearance and texture of metalswhich he could create through refining, cutting, melting and polishing techniques. It was these techniques which would lead him to master the challenges of balance and scale inherent in the materials used, without forgetting the process of breaking down and reassembling the materials.
The chair exhibited in the living room of the Abbazia, in addition to the floor lamp in the golden room are a beautiful testimony to this artist’s savoir-faire.
Terence Main, an American sculptor born in 1954, is best known for his moulded metal furniture. His work is inspired by the natural biomorphic forms which often resemble fossils. The aluminium chair in the dining room is a fine example.
Through his work and his style, the artist redefined the limits between art and design. His works are currently part of permanent collections in renowned museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Father and son, Philip & Kelvin Laverne, collaborated between the 50s and 80s, producing exceptional decorative furniture. Each having their own expertise, Philip would take care of the materials and the decorative elements while Kelvin worked on the form and functionaly of the pieces.
Together, they developed certain metalwork techniques, exploring the effect of artistic wear and tear through soil and acid. Their first productions were inspired by ancient civilisations, and often presented scenes from mythology, such as those of the coffee tables on the first floor.
The acid-perforated brass curtains show the result of this outstanding duo’s savoir-faire, which has become a reference for American design.
Venetian art and lifestyle experience
May 9th – November 24th 2019
Visiting the Abbazia offers the chance to discover metallic, brutalist sculptural light fixtures and furniture which carry the signature touch of Chahan. Brass, iron, aluminium or bronze are amongst the many materials that artists such as Contini, Main or Laverne have sublimated thanks to their savoir-faire and talent.
Sylvain Contini studied at the Fine Arts school in Paris under the guidance of the Professor of sculpture at the time, César, who became his mentor and eventually took him on as his assistant in his workshop. Contini, inspired by his master’s expertise in the field, then embarked on his own production of sculptures and furniture.
Particularly, he was inspired by the appearance and texture of metalswhich he could create through refining, cutting, melting and polishing techniques. It was these techniques which would lead him to master the challenges of balance and scale inherent in the materials used, without forgetting the process of breaking down and reassembling the materials.
The chair exhibited in the living room of the Abbazia, in addition to the floor lamp in the golden room are a beautiful testimony to this artist’s savoir-faire.
Terence Main, an American sculptor born in 1954, is best known for his moulded metal furniture. His work is inspired by the natural biomorphic forms which often resemble fossils. The aluminium chair in the dining room is a fine example.
Through his work and his style, the artist redefined the limits between art and design. His works are currently part of permanent collections in renowned museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Father and son, Philip & Kelvin Laverne, collaborated between the 50s and 80s, producing exceptional decorative furniture. Each having their own expertise, Philip would take care of the materials and the decorative elements while Kelvin worked on the form and functionaly of the pieces.
Together, they developed certain metalwork techniques, exploring the effect of artistic wear and tear through soil and acid. Their first productions were inspired by ancient civilisations, and often presented scenes from mythology, such as those of the coffee tables on the first floor.
The acid-perforated brass curtains show the result of this outstanding duo’s savoir-faire, which has become a reference for American design.
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
