5 Collectible Design Shows to See in June 2024
Among them are Jaime Hayon’s wondrous creations at Galerie Kreo to new works by Rafi Ajl at The Future Perfect
1. “Two Bodies” by Rafi Ajl at The Future Perfect | San Francisco
Dazzling works from two different series are poetically united at The Future Perfect’s San Francisco space, in the aptly named “Two Bodies,” a solo exhibition by Berkeley-based designer Rafi Ajl. On display are a collection of recent glass pieces from his “Saguaro Works” series, which includes over 40 vessels that evoke cactus-like forms and a Pesce-esque playfulness. In conversation with them are enthralling wood, brass, and aluminum furniture pieces from his “Erratics” series, which takes its name from glacial rock formations. Stop by through July 19 to witness the dialogue for yourself.
2. “Atelier Wonderland” at Galerie Kreo | Paris
Multi-hyphenate Spanish designer Jaime Hayon has taken over the entirety of Galerie Kreo in Paris for his latest showcase, “Atelier Wonderland,” which is open through the end of July. Here, visitors will be completely immersed in Hayon’s vivid imagination thanks to new Mediterranean-inspired chandeliers that hang from the ceiling, large-scale paintings and Murano mirrors on the walls, and hand-painted ceramics scattered throughout. Each piece was painstaking crafted by Hayon (some in conjunction with skilled artisans) and illustrates the breadth of his multidisciplinary approach, which blurs the bounds between art and design by merging his enthusiasm for traditional craft with the desire to create new forms.
3. “Off by an Inch” at Cristina Grajales | New York
Fast-rising artist Betil Daḡdelen hails from Izmir, a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast whose culture is steeped in fabric arts due in part to a history that includes Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Turkish rule. It might not be surprising, then, that her must-see show at New York’s Cristina Grajales gallery uses that history as a jumping off point to explore the artistry of weaving in creative ways. Case in point is the stunning series of eye-catching chairs that put the tactile beauty and visual splendor of woven textiles in a thrilling new context. Also on view through August 23 are tables, lamps, and decorative accents that bring her unique sensibility to life.
4. “A Room Is an Archive of Touch” at Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery | New York
An ethereal exhibition mixing vintage furnishings and contemporary treasures has gone on view at Tribeca’s Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery featuring a slew of beautiful new works by Grace Atkinson, Jennefer Hoffmann, and Natalie Weinberger. Open through July 20, “A Room Is an Archive of Touch” takes inspiration from essayist Lisa Robertson and her poetic view of interior spaces as a repository of memory. Stop by to see Atkinson’s patchwork tapestries, Hoffman’s stoneware creations, and Weinberger’s bewitching glass sconces—all of which perfectly complement the historic works on view, including a surprising collection of Wedgwood vessels from the 1850s.
5. New Works at Ralph Pucci | New York
There’s always something new to discover at Ralph Pucci’s sprawling New York outpost. Now through the fall, the famed gallery is putting on a group exhibition that includes new pieces by Belgian designer Xavier Lust, wooden furnishings by Chris Lehrecke, woven sculptures by August Lehrecke, a series of female portraiture by Rebecca Moses, and fine art by photographer Antoine Bootz. Lust, in particular, is in rare form, switching up his usual medium of metal for lacquered wood—and revealing a new side of his creativity and expert craftsmanship in the process. Treasures abound at every turn.