We are often asked by clients to assist with curating unique pieces of art, and sometimes even entire collections for their new homes. Art comes in many forms, and contemporary art requires more consideration than simply hanging a painting on a wall or finding a place for a sculpture.
An example of this kind of thoughtful consideration for contemporary art was the acquisition of an artwork by Berlinde De Bruyckere called ‘Romeu My Deer’ for a project in Albert Park. This particular artwork was procured for the client by our Design Director Broderick Ely during a trip to London from the Hauser & Wirth Gallery.
As the project was still in it the early stages of construction when the artwork was purchased, it allowed a more dramatic intervention with the actual structure of the building to take place to integrate the piece into the living space.
A physical niche was created in the actual brick-work of the structure which was plastered then lined with a rough hessian cloth as a backdrop for the delicate sculpture. While works of this ilk are rarely seen out of public galleries or large institutional collections, the artwork was able to be integrated seamlessly into the building in a purposeful way.
With interest in contemporary art becoming more widespread, we find there is an increasing demand for these interesting art pieces to be incorporated into residential homes. For the artistic interventions to be the best they can be, art works and collections should be considered in the architectural designs early on for maximum impact.
Berlinde De Bruyckere is a Belgian sculptural artist who specialises in mediums such as wax, wood, wood, horse skin, hair, and more recently blankets. Bruyckere is best known for her often haunting artworks that explore the vulnerability and frailty of the human body and emotions.
Photography courtesy of B.E Architecture