One of the leading lights of the Bay Area’s next generation of interior designers, Eche Martinez, a Buenos Aires native now based in San Francisco, is known for the international élan he brings to his residential and commercial projects. Here, he shares his three favorite works at Art Market 2016.
“Though originally born in Michigan, to me Jason Middlebrook’s work is intrinsic to the Bay Area mindset. For this 2015 piece, he applied a bold sprayed pattern to a cherry wood slab—its raw and refined, natural and artificial, high and low—that balance is to me what our beloved Bay Area stands for.”
gallery16.com
“I’m obsessed with designers who create mind-blowing editions that question the limits of the artist’s work and the value of ‘produced’ objects. Paris-based designer Ao Gitsune does exactly that with his gilded, 3D-printed faceted shape. Reminiscent of a human skull, it levitates via an electro-magnetic force. I need one, NOW!”
murielguepingallery.com
“Dutch photographer Hendrik Krestens’ daughter has been his muse from a very early age. In this series, Krestens blurs the lines between photography and painting, documenting his daughter in fashions reminiscent of a Vermeer.”
jenkinsjohnsongallery.com
Interior designer Catherine Kwong epitomizes quiet glamour. Her spaces are defined by an elegant modernism, combining refined lines with an urbane palette—an aesthetic that is an extension of her own personal style. That chic sensibility, paired with a reputation for being one of the nicest people in the industry, has made her one of San Francisco’s most in-demand designers.
“What happens when one of the world’s leading art galleries immerses itself in Silicon Valley’s unique culture? Pace Art + Technology set out to explore the confluence of art and technology, and the results are nothing short of groundbreaking. The gallery’s Menlo Park space opened its doors this year with a large-scale, mind-blowing, hard-to-categorize interactive digital experience by Japan-based teamLab. It’s completely gorgeous, and made me re-examine my thoughts on digital art. Up next? Pace brings James Turrell’s influential light sculptures to its Palo Alto space.”
pacegallery.com
“I love Elise Ferguson’s elegant plaster paintings. Her use of color is like a voice speaking directly to you, and the texture of her medium gives each piece a layered, knowing quality.”
artmarketsf.com
“One of my favorite galleries, Johansson Projects, manages to present a wide array of contemporary artists in a way that makes you feel like you were just waiting to find their work. One example is this painting by AlexanderKori Girard. Though it’s clear to see the influence of his grandfather, designer and mid-century icon Alexander Girard, the younger Girard brings a fresh point of view to his modern, graphic pieces.”
artmarketsf.com
One of San Francisco’s top designers, Antonio Martins is known for his cosmopolitan style. A native of Portugal, Martins has designed chic residences and restaurants from the Bay Area to Europe and South America, and his global travels inform his multilayered interiors.
“I can’t be impartial about Vik Muniz as he is one of Brazil’s top artists. His Golden Gate Bridge combines two of my big loves: Brazil and San Francisco! Rena and her daughter Trish are also San Francisco Art Royalty and have truly contributed to creating a better art world.”
renabranstengallery.com
“An incredible video created with self portraits done on an airplane bathroom. Nina uses the props available–airline blanket, toilet paper, toilet seat covers, etc.–to create Dutch-inspired portraits, all to the tune of ‘Under Pressure’ by David Bowie. A must-see!”
cclarkgallery.com
“I am fascinated by Deborah’s photomontages. She photographs classical portraits and then creates incredible images by combining the classical with wild, modern imagery. You may get a Rembrandt on LSD! We are using one of Deborah’s works at the living room of the upcoming San Francisco Decorator Showcase.”
cclarkgallery.com
