Michael Graves is feted with a retrospective in New Jersey
Fifty years may now be an obligatory cornerstone in life, but five decades in business is still truly a marvel. Architect Michael Graves is one of few who can celebrate that professional milestone, and is justly the subject of a retrospective now running at Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre not-for-profit sculpture park located in Hamilton, New Jersey. 'Past as Prologue' not only presents some of Graves' most seminal architecture and product design work, but also features never-seen-before sketches, drawings and artwork that chart his creative evolution right up to present day.
Taking over several buildings in the park, as well as occupying its grounds, 'Past as Prologue' lovingly juxtaposes Graves' architectural and design accomplishments with unexpected works of art. From intricately detailed models of Denver Central Library (1994) to his iconic 1984 tea kettle for Alessi and his range of bowls for Stuben Glass, Graves' breadth is remarkable. In addition to products, models and furniture, the exhibition offers a rare insight into Graves' working process with sketches of recognisable projects in progress, including one of Taiwan's National Museum of Prehistory.
Visitors can also get an in-depth look at the Linear City project, which Graves worked on together with architect Peter Eisenman back in the 1960s, long before either architect had gained recognition. The series of pencil and pastel sketches articulate an urban plan comprised of two parallel strips, one for industry and the other for homes, retail and services. 'Reminiscing over 50 years of projects is wonderful for me, but I am most excited about how the future of our practice is evolving from the energetic collaboration of our disciplines,' Graves said.
There's plenty of Graves on view in New York City too; Studio Vendome is in the midst of showing a collection of his landscape and still life paintings. Curated by Jane Adlin, who was an associate curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the exhibition comprises over 60 works that highlight Graves' favoured places, such as idyllic countryside vistas and the Mausoleum of Helena in Rome, as well as intimate still life compositions - a true reflection of the places and spaces he once inhabited. Together, both shows form a holistic tribute to one deeply creative soul.
ADDRESS
Grounds for Sculpture
18 Fairgrounds Road
Trenton
New Jersey
Studio Vendome
330 Spring Stre
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Pei-Ru Keh is a former US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru held various titles at Wallpaper* between 2007 and 2023. She reports on design, tech, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru took a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars, actively seeking out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.
-
‘LA Gun Club’: artist Jane Hilton on who’s shooting who
‘LA Gun Club’, an exhibition by Jane Hilton at New York’s Palo Gallery, explores American gun culture through a study of targets and shooters
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Kim Jones’ Dior Men accessories channel the rebellious spirit of the Buffalo Collective
Agitator and establishment meet in Kim Jones’ S/S 2024 Dior Men accessories, inspired at once by the house’s history of haute couture and Ray Petri’s 1980s Buffalo Collective
By Jack Moss Published
-
Hotel Rakuragu is a tiny but mighty modern escape in Tokyo
Hotel Rakuragu, brought to life by Kooo Architects, lies within an 80 sq m plot in the area of Chuo-ku
By Danielle Demetriou Published