Wiseman Studio breathes new life into a former factory complex in Los Angeles

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The pieces on view date back 14 years to early projects at the Rhode Island School of Design, including Wiseman’s signature ornamental room panels, bronze furniture, and light fixtures
Ahead of their new studio space opening early next year, brothers Ari and David Wiseman celebrated with a one-night only exhibition of the latter’s works. Photography: Mark Hanauer
(Image credit: Photography: Mark Hanauer)

For brothers Ari and David Wiseman, New York City has been a central part of their respective careers; Ari was the deputy director at the Guggenheim, and David’s design practice was represented by Tribeca gallery R & Company. Having recently departed from both, however, the Southern California natives are now working on an ambitious project closer to home: Wiseman Studio, a 30,000 sq ft space slated to open in a former factory complex in Los Angeles’ Frogtown neighbourhood.

The central focus of Wiseman Studio, to be renovated by Ted Porter of Ted Porter Architecture, is David’s independent on-site production and exhibition of his work, with an emphasis on gallery collaborations and opening his doors to the community in order to share his process. Ahead of its early 2018 opening date, the brothers provided a sneak preview of its programme earlier this month with a one-night-only survey amid the still-raw, corrugated metal walls (complete with essential tacos stand al fresco).

White panelled collage room wall

Panelled Collage Room, 2015

(Image credit: TBC)

Though its David’s very first exhibition in Los Angeles, the pieces date back 14 years to early projects at the Rhode Island School of Design. The exhibition feature his signature ornamental room panels, bronze furniture, and light fixtures, including his recent ‘Radial Branch’ chandelier, a cast bronze and sculptured porcelain piece cast from actual fallen tree limbs David has acquired on nearby hiking trails.

For David, the surrounding natural inspiration of Elysian Park and the LA River was part of the location’s draw, as well as the short drive from his house. ‘Seven minutes from my home is ideal,’ he says. ‘I couldn’t think of a better place to build the headquarters for my creative practice.’

Left, ‘Pattern Flare’ table. Two images, Right, sculptural bronze objects.

Left, ‘Pattern Flare’ table. Right, sculptural bronze objects. Photography: Mark Hanauer


(Image credit: Mark Hanauer)

A porcelain owl perches on a bronze fixture.

A porcelain owl perches on a bronze fixture. Photography: Mark Hanauer


(Image credit: Mark Hanauer)

Geometric Lattice Ribbon’ table in bronze

‘Geometric Lattice Ribbon’ table in bronze, 2014, by David Wiseman

(Image credit: David Wiseman)

‘Pattern Double’ mirror in bronze, porcelain and glass

‘Pattern Double’ mirror in bronze, porcelain and glass, 2016, by David Wiseman

(Image credit: David Wiseman)

The pieces on view date back 14 years to early projects at the Rhode Island School of Design, including Wiseman’s signature ornamental room panels, bronze furniture, and light fixtures.

The pieces on view date back 14 years to early projects at the Rhode Island School of Design, including Wiseman’s signature ornamental room panels, bronze furniture, and light fixtures. Photography: Mark Hanauer

(Image credit: Mark Hanauer)

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the David Wiseman Studio website