Grace Farms fills its designer home with a shining collection of site-specific art
The community-geared Grace Farms in New Canaan, Connecticut, which opened earlier this month, might be best recognised for its stunning ‘River’ building and untainted natural landscape, but within the SANAA-designed structure’s curving glass walls and nestled around its grounds is an equally noteworthy collection of specially commissioned artwork to be discovered.
Dedicated to bringing together communities, exploring areas of justice and spirituality and pitting itself as a center for learning, Grace Farms and its foundation have created a space armed with facilities that well surpasses other community-oriented gathering spaces. Its art collection is no different, with pieces from Thomas Demand, Olafur Eliasson, Teresita Fernandez, Susan Philipsz and Beatriz Milhazes on display.
Grace Farms’ collection has been curated by its curatorial advisor Yuko Hasegawa, chief curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo and a regular collaborator of SANAA’s. 'Art is both an opportunity to share an experience with others, and an pportunity for self-reflection,' she states. 'One of the key elements discussed during the conceptual process of this project was how best to bring together SANAA’s architectural language with the works on view.'
The results couldn’t be more in tune with the impression that Grace Farms leaves behind. In the library, two large photographic pieces by Thomas Demand, ‘Farm 56’ and ‘Farm 88’, depict the design evolution of the River building through SANAA’s architectural models – very much in the same vein of what Demand presented at his recent 'Latent Forms' exhibition in London. 'My contribution tries to show the richness of the creative process and the eminent role modeling played in the design of the building in which the work is installed,' the artist says.
In the dining hall, known as the Commons, Teresita Fernandez has created ‘Double Glass River’, a fluid configuration of small glass cubes installed on a curved wall that reflect different views of both the viewer and the surrounding landscape as its passed. Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Mat for Multidimensional prayers’ – thick woven mats made from Icelandic sheep’s wool - cuts a poignant figure on the stage in the building’s Sanctuary, while a sound installation by Glaswegian artist Susan Philipsz that’s inspired by musical annotation originating from Conneticut fills the air around a small pond in the woods.
With new site specific pieces from Eliasson and the Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes to be unveiled in 2016, there will be even more reasons to keep coming back for a visit.
ADDRESS
Grace Farms
365 Lukes Wood Road
New Canaan, Connecticut
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.
-
Two new books examine the art of the logo, from corporate coherence to rock excess
Pentagram’s new book reveals 1,000 brand marks, while the art of the band logo is laid bare in Logo Rhythm
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Art, culture, watches & jewellery editor Hannah Silver’s gift guide
From a Beryl Cook cushion to an offbeat diamond ring, there's something for everyone on this Wallpaper* editor's gift guide, embracing art, culture and style
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Feldspar makes its mark on Mayfair with a festive pop-up at Corinthia Hotel
Devon-based bone china brand Feldspar makes its first foray into shopkeeping with a pop-up at London’s Corinthia Hotel. Ali Morris speaks with the founders and peeks inside
By Ali Morris Published
-
Olafur Eliasson's new light sculptures illuminate Los Angeles
Olafur Eliasson's new exhibition, 'Open,' at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, includes 11 new pieces
By Hunter Drohojowska-Philp Published
-
WeTransfer announces Olafur Eliasson as its new annual guest curator
Artist Olafur Eliasson becomes the latest guest curator for WeTransfer’s WePresent creative portal
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Olafur Eliasson inaugurates Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo
Olafur Eliasson marks launch of Azabudai Hills Gallery, in Tokyo’s major new district, with a show of elemental strength
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Olafur Eliasson saturates Palazzo Strozzi in VR, illusion and Renaissance rationality
In ‘Nel Tuo Tempo’, a major show at Florence’s Palazzo Strozzi, Olafur Eliasson bends perceptions of Renaissance architecture through dazzling site-specific installations
By Will Jennings Last updated
-
Culture, creativity and concrete in Reykjavík
Perfectly located between North America and Europe, Reykjavík has become a cultural pitstop for collectors, attracted by the Icelandic capital's vibrant art scene, emerging gallery spaces, and striking architecture
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated
-
Olafur Eliasson’s AR app sees kids speak up for the planet
The Danish-Icelandic artist’s augmented reality Earth Speakr initiative puts children at the core of the climate change discourse
By Harriet Lloyd Smith Last updated
-
Olafur Eliasson’s climate-centric show takes Tate by storm
The Danish-Icelandic artist’s summerlong Tate Modern takeover begins with far-reaching retrospective and Terrace Bar treats
By Elly Parsons Last updated
-
Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Ice Watch’ confronts Londoners with the realities of climate change
By Elly Parsons Last updated