Architecture, design and art have a natural inclination to live together. With this in mind, three European studios involved with each of these disciplines are bunking down together in Paris throughout the four weeks of Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain (FIAC).
The flat - 350sq m above Avenue Victor Hugo - showcases furnishings from Nilufar Gallery's distinguished stable of designers, in close quarters with artwork from Paris's Balice Hertling and architectural design from Milan's Dimore Studio. What the hosts call an 'artistic occupation' seeks to challenge boundaries - not unlike your average flatmate. In this way the name of the exhibit, 'Squat #1' is apropos.
Far from being a sterile set of untouchable, museum-quality work, the exhibition will be an open platform, as social and hands on as cocktails in the parlour. If it's a success, Nina Yashar of Milan's Nilufar Gallery plans to take the concept on the road, hiring similar flats in cities across Europe in the mould of fashion brands that stage their runway shows in obscure venues to cast a new light on the product.
To drive home the idea in Paris, she's brought in conversation pieces by Gaetano Pesce, Gio Ponti and Martino Gamper that cross eras and styles. They're overlooked by contemporary and historical works by artists including Kerstin Braetsch, Oscar Tuazon and Samuel Richardot. The domestic environment by the team at Dimore itself embraces art and design in its execution.
Each of the collaborators have contributed works, including (clockwise from back wall): wall lights, by Venini, 1975; painting by Francesco Vezzoli; console tables by Gio Ponti, Italy, 1960; pair of ‘Koala’ sofas by Garouste & Bonetti, France, 1990; 'Casa Giardino' armchairs by Giò Ponti; ‘Bla Bardmattan’ rug, Sweden, 1942; ceiling lamps by Hans Agne J; table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, U.S.A., ca 1960; table lamp by Gino Sarfatti, Italy, 1960’s
Clockwise from back: paintings from Balice Hertling; floor lamp by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950; 'Casa Giardino' armchair by Giò Ponti; ceiling lamps by Hans Agne J; hand-knotted wool rug from Persia,1950s; low table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne, USA, 1970; clay vases (on table) by Cristina Carlini
The room also includes a blue sofa from Dimore Studio
Clockwise from back left: wall-mounted shelf by Gio Ponti, Altamira, Italy, 1950-1953; pair of ‘Bergere’ armchairs by Gio Ponti; wall lamp by Paavo Tynell, Finland, 1947; floor lamp by Angelo Lelii, manufactured by Arredoluce, 1950's; untitled artwork by Eva Berendes, 2010; 'Somerset House' project chair unit with in-built shelving, by Martino Gamper; rug by Edward Field, USA, 1970s
In the middle of the same room is a 'Park Lane' coffee table, by Ettore Sottsass, 1983
Clockwise from back wall: Pair of wall lights by Stilnovo; desk with two chairs by Jacques Adnet; 'Tree in the Moonlight' (artwork on desk), by Michael Anastassiades; pair of armchairs by Jacques Adnet; geometric rug by Pierre Cardin
ADDRESS
186, Avenue Victor Hugo
75016
Paris
-
Wild sauna, anyone? The ultimate guide to exploring deep heat in the UK outdoors‘Wild Sauna’, a new book exploring the finest outdoor establishments for the ultimate deep-heat experience in the UK, has hit the shelves; we find out more about the growing trend
-
Highlights from the transporting Cruise 2026 showsThe Cruise 2026 season began yesterday with a Chanel show at Lake Como, heralding the start of a series of jet-setting, destination runway shows from fashion’s biggest houses
-
Behind the design of national pavilions in Venice: three studios to knowDesigning the British, Swiss and Mexican national pavilions at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 are three outstanding studios to know before you go
-
The Nilufar Depot: function and style meet in Milan’s new treasure trove -
SPOT 2013: a bold new ’residential gallery’ curated by Nina Yashar, Daniele Balice & Giò Marconi
