Diversity and representation are growing in the art world. For Dior’s clients, we’ve compiled notes on this year’s artists to watch, offering the Client Team insights on the latest exhibition trends and talking points to engage their customers.
Frieze New York, 18–22 May 2022
American artist Carol Bove stole the spotlight at Frieze New York this year. Represented by David Zwirner gallery, the artist is known for her bold sculptural work, which is often made of stainless steel. Ranging in price from £164,000 ($200,000, €191,000) to £492,000 ($600,000, €574,000) Bove’s entire collection of works sold out in three hours (source: Artnet).
Venice Biennale, 23 April – 27 November 2022
After being postponed in 2021, the Venice Biennale returned this year with a strong focus on feminism and marginalised artists – 90% of artworks in the main exhibition were by women artists. Sonia Boyce from the UK and Simone Leigh of the US were awarded Golden Lions – the event’s top prize – and are the first Black women artists to represent their countries at the Biennale.
Art Basel Switzerland, 16–19 June 2022
In addition to well-known galleries, this year’s edition of Art Basel Switzerland will welcome artists from further afield. The Jahmek Contemporary Art gallery from Angola and OH Gallery from Senegal will present works at the fair for the first time. Marc Spiegler, global director of Art Basel, says: ‘We have more galleries applying from places like the Middle East and Africa than ever before’ (source: The Art Newspaper).
Continue the conversation: Dior has collaborated with major artists such as Peter Doig and Judy Chicago. Ask your clients, what would be their dream artistic collaboration?
Image: The US Pavilion at the Venice Biennale by Simone Leigh, 2022
Image: La Galerie Dior, Paris
For years, valuable artworks have been finding a home in luxury stores. Now, boutiques are becoming art destinations. Nowhere is this more evident than at La Galerie Dior, where the house’s archives have been opened to the public. With Monsieur Christian Dior starting his career as a gallerist, this opening is a notable tribute.
Taking a different approach, Spanish brand Loewe’s recently refurbished store in Barcelona is a platform for craft and refined materials. The boutique features a bespoke installation by Japanese artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, who has wrapped the interior of the space in 6,000 pieces of tiger bamboo that grows only on the Japanese island of Shikoku.
Looking ahead, we can expect to see digital and non-fungible token (NFT) artworks entering the luxury retail landscape. In January, department store group Selfridges partnered with fashion brand Paco Rabanne and artist estate Fondation Vasarely to sell a series of Paco Rabanne NFTs inspired by the French-Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely’s work.
Continue the conversation: What other cultural events or performances – such as cinema, theatre or ballet – could Dior boutiques host?
With several new museums, galleries and experimental venues, the South Korean city of Seoul is swiftly becoming a new cultural capital – and companies are taking note.
In September, the city will host its first Frieze Art Fair, while global galleries such as König and Thaddaeus Ropac have opened spaces in Seoul in the past year.
Non-commercial spaces are also thriving, with younger, more alternative venues such as Museumhead ensuring that this burgeoning art scene has something for everyone. Elsewhere, experimental arts spaces like Out Sight are provoking conversation. The gallery recently exhibited a show by Korean artist Dew Kim exploring themes of sexuality, gender and BDSM.
Continue the conversation: Ask your clients whether experimental art spaces like Museumhead would be a good location for a runway show.
Image: Museumhead, Seoul
