From the framer to the store…
The fun and challenge of having a new batch of framed artwork at Aero is deciding how to display it. As discussed in the previous story, I had a group of photographs by Michelle Arcila framed to sell at Aero. I often have a general idea ahead of time of how the pieces may be grouped together and where they may be hung, but there is always some amount of improvisation after seeing the finished framed art in person. I work with my creative merchandising team to come up with fresh ways to display the new pieces, and the arrangements frequently change as the art is sold.
The dark frames of this group immediately grab your attention as you approach the stairs to Aero’s downstairs gallery. They work well together, and the asymmetrical arrangement keeps the group from looking too formal.
We have a system of custom hanging rods at Aero that allow for movable display along the brick wall. Though the art at the store is often shown in groups, this large, moody piece feels nice hanging on its own.
I removed one shelf from my Marielle Bookcase for Hickory Chair in order to display a framed photograph.
Art can often help dictate what should surround it. This piece is by my long-time friend, artist Laura Resen. The cool colors and gilded silver frame are complimented by the grey finish on the cabinet, and they draw in the other light, silver accessories.
Art of many different mediums, framing styles, and sizes can all be drawn together in a gallery-style grouping. I initially began hanging art this way in my apartment, and naturally the style made its way into my store.
To my apartment walls…
As my personal art collection began to grow, it became an important driving factor in the style renovation of my apartment – from minimal to maximal. The walls are mostly full now, and restyling my large bulletin board allows me to keep the mix looking fresh, but I still occasionally have the inspiration to add another piece to the more permanent wall display.
I recently acquired an aquatint by Robert Motherwell in beautiful amber and cream colors. It has a prominent vertical character that helps anchor a higher point on the wall.
On the portrait wall opposite my bulletin board I added several new pieces, including beautiful works by Wilhelm von Gloeden and Paul Cadmus. And to change the overall rhythm I’ve also included two enlarged and abstracted prints of fingerpaintings by my goddaughter, Tessa. Here you can see the pieces gradually being added and shifted around the wall until the right balance is found. To learn more about how this portrait wall originated, and how I select and place artwork for clients’ homes, you can visit this Design Study on living with art.
Hanging ideas don’t always have to become reality. I toyed with adding two pieces to the wall above the terrace door, but I in the end decided to leave it as is.
A wide view of the portrait wall
For a simpler vignette, I leaned this oil painting on top of the dresser between the tall windows. As a lone piece it makes a strong statement. I purchased this particular painting from Joel Mathieson, one of my favorite antique dealers in New York – and the person from whom I bought my original Emma Chairs.
Finally, having the tall ladder on hand afforded us the opportunity to capture this unique perspective on the apartment, in the midst of an art installation.
