Maharam Serpentine Galleries Wallpaper Returns to Frieze New York
In June, Maharam and the Serpentine Galleries will introduce new wallpapers by Beatriz González, Alex Katz, Jean Nouvel, and Raqs Media Collective. Part of the Maharam Serpentine Galleries Wallpaper collection—an uneditioned series created by esteemed artists and architects under the curatorial direction of the Serpentine’s Julia Peyton-Jones and Hans Ulrich Obrist—the four new designs follow upon the success of the inaugural offering by Ai Weiwei, John Baldessari, Marc Camille Chaimowicz, Toyo Ito, SANAA, Rosemarie Trockel, and Lawrence Weiner that debuted during Milan Design Week and launched at Frieze New York 2015.
Reprising the concept of activating key public spaces throughout the fair, three of the Maharam Serpentine Galleries Wallpapers will be installed at Frieze New York: Marc Camille Chaimowicz’s Pavilion and Beatriz González’s Wiwa Stories will greet visitors at the north and south entrances respectively, while John Baldessari’s (Clock/Pizza – Turquoise) will bridge El Rey and Roberta’s, two centrally located cafés.
Frieze and Maharam’s close relationship has resulted in multiple collaborations in recent years, including a 180’-long installation of Shoes by Thomas Bayrle in the entrance corridor of Frieze London 2012 and the recreation of Al’s Grand Hotel, a 1971 project by Allen Ruppersberg, that saw a functioning hotel embedded within Frieze New York 2014. At last year’s New York edition, John Baldessari’s (Nose/Popcorn – Yellow/Green), SANAA’s Watercolor Flowers, Lawrence Weiner’s SAIL ON, and Marc Camille Chaimowicz’s Pavilion were situated at the north entrance, auditorium vestibule, Marlow & Sons café, and south VIP desk accordingly.
Like Maharam Digital Projects, the wallpapers reflect a range of subject matter and styles while utilizing advanced digital printing techniques for complex, high-resolution imagery in a full-color spectrum. Scale is the distinguishing feature: Maharam Serpentine Galleries Wallpapers reflect a traditional framework of modestly sized repeats and a conventional 27” width. Available by the roll at the Serpentine Galleries shop in London or by the linear yard through Maharam, the wallpapers are intended for both commercial and residential use. Durable and easy to maintain, the collection is printed with UV-resistant inks on a washable, latex-reinforced substrate.
The launch is well timed not only with Frieze, but also with an upcoming exhibition by Alex Katz to be held this summer at the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. Featuring recent works along with those from throughout his career, the exhibition opens June 2 and runs through September 11. It will be followed by a solo exhibition by Marc Camille Chaimowicz in the fall.
