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Nilufar Gallery Opens Treasure-Filled Pop-Up in Los Angeles

‘Squat’ features over 150 design pieces by the likes of Alvar Aalto, Gio Ponti, and Ettore Sottsass

By Geoffrey Montes
Colorful modern dining area with geometric patterns, plants, and a unique wall art installation in a stylish interior setting.
A vignette curated by Derek Castiglioni at “Squat Los Angeles.” Photo: Brica Wilcox

Pioneering gallerist Nina Yashar is bringing her Midas touch to the Golden State. The celebrated founder of Milan’s Nilufar Gallery has landed in Southern California with “Squat Los Angeles,” a temporary exhibition that distills the essence of her timeless creative vision. On view through May 20, “Squat” transforms a 5,400-square-foot Hollywood warehouse with more than 150 vintage and contemporary design pieces. This is the first West Coast iteration of the show, which Yashar has previously brought to Paris, Beirut, Milan, London, and New York.

Spacious modern lounge with eclectic furniture, vibrant lighting fixtures, and a high wooden ceiling.
Squat Los Angeles. Brica Wilcox

For the Los Angeles edition, Yashar tapped buzzy Italian landscape designer Derek Castiglioni to curate one of seven vignettes, each of which is meant to evoke a specific atmosphere. In the entryway, Castiglioni took design cues from the Amalfi Coast, creating a transitional space utilizing an array of his zippy outdoor furnishings. Another striking scene features a scarlet-hued rug by Martino Gamper and spellbinding pieces by Gabriella Crespi and Gio Ponti. There are also important works by Ettore Sottsass, Gino Sarfatti, Joaquim Tenreiro, Bethan Laura Wood, and Michael Anastassiades.

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In addition, a number of bespoke pieces were designed exclusively for Nilufar, among them lamps by Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt and tables by Xavier Lust and Osanna Visconti di Modrone. Leading Italian textile purveyor Dedar provided a series of curtains that delineate the separate spaces within the gallery.

Modern living room with red geometric rug, rattan furniture, shelving with minimal decor, and wood ceiling beams.
A vignette featuring a scarlet-hued rug by Martino Gamper and spellbinding furnishings by Gabriella Crespi and Gio Ponti. Brica Wilcox

Modern conference room with triangular tables, colorful wall art, unique lighting fixture, and metal chairs on a concrete floor.
The polychrome beauty of Ettore Sottsass’s Sun Carpet overlooks a cluster of Massimiliano Locatelli cold-enamel tables. Brica Wilcox

Mid-century modern living room with teal armchairs, black sofa, colorful lamp, and two small tables on a light rug.
On the beige carpet by Ego Vicente, Ico Parisi’s iconic sofas and armchairs embrace the material quality of Massimiliano Locatelli’s Atollo low tables. Framing the space are Michael Anastassiades’s crafted lamps, Claude Missir’s unique piece Yoki4, and Roberto Giulio Rida’s Penta cabinet. Brica Wilcox

Modern office space with shelves, armchairs, unique lighting fixtures, and a wooden desk, enclosed by sheer white curtains.
Michael Anastassiades’s Fontana Amorosa Collection lamps mingle with seating by Alvar Aalto, Augusto Bozzi, and David/Nicolas. Brica Wilcox

“Squat Los Angeles” is on view through May 20 at 830 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles.