For its annual exhibition at The Salon Art + Design, Friedman Benda will present, Dialogues, bringing three emerging voices in context with the groundbreaking Italian architect and designer, Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007).
Dialogues will debut ambitious new works by the American designer Misha Kahn (b. 1989), who lists Sottsass’ “willingness to swim upstream against conventional taste,” as an enduring legacy.
With his background as a chef and foundry metal worker, British artist Jonathan Trayte (b. 1980) brings together a wide range of influences into his objects. “I grew up in the 80’s between South Africa and Yorkshire, spending a lot of my childhood in the bush. I had no idea who Sottsass was, but his striking and experimental work permeated through popular culture. His cross-disciplinary approach to design and architecture is an inspiration,” says Trayte.
Switzerland-based designer Ini Archibong (b. 1983) will debut a glass chandelier, Vernus, his first collaboration with the gallery. Archibong states, “Sottsass’ refined forms made me realize, not to fear exposing my inner complexities for the sake of delivering what is expected from me. To be willing to reinvent myself, and to make design with a sense of sensuality.”
