NOMAD, now in its 13th edition, returned to the picturesque winter retreat of St. Moritz breathing life into the historic walls of the former Hotel Eden with a dynamic convergence of contemporary art and design. Under the visionary stewardship of Giorgio Pace and Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, NOMAD emerges as a paramount assembly, uniting luminaries in the realms of art, collecting, architecture, and design within an immersive and meticulously curated environment.
The 13th Edition of NOMAD Arrives in St. Moritz
This edition presented an expansive program, featuring a diverse line-up of 25 galleries and 9 special projects, events, and talks, each a testament to NOMAD’s unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence, taking place February 21-24. Furthermore, NOMAD remains committed to sustainability, championing practices that seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary aesthetics, thus forging a path toward a more environmentally conscious future in the realms of art, architecture, and design.
Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte and Giorgio Pace, the founders of NOMAD. © De Pasquale+Maffini © NOMAD.
Amidst the vibrancy of this sophisticated fair, the esteemed founders of NOMAD, Bellavance-Lecompte and Pace, offer insights to Whitewall on NOMAD St. Moritz 2024, as well as the fair’s development since inception. Bellavance-Lecompte, renowned for his pivotal role as a curator and founder of Carwan Gallery in Beirut and Athens, brings a wealth of experience in promoting contemporary architects, artists, and designers, shaping cultural narratives, and fostering artistic exchange.
Meanwhile, Pace, distinguished for his tenure as a researcher and curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape. Acclaimed as an art and luxury brand specialist, Pace’s collaborations with prestigious entities like the Venice Biennale and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum underscore his commitment to innovation and excellence. Together, their unique perspectives and visionary leadership shape NOMAD’s trajectory toward new realms of creativity and distinction.
© De Pasquale+Maffini © NOMAD.
WHITEWALL: What inspired the inception of NOMAD’s presence in St. Moritz, and how does the choice of this location elevate the experience of the fair?
NICOLAS BELLAVANCE-LECOMPTE: It all started with a love for the Engadin and for the arts. Giorgio’s relocation from the bustling streets of New York City to a quaint village nestled in the Engadin Valley revealed a harmonious blend of nature and artistic expression. The decision to establish NOMAD in St. Moritz stems from this symbiotic relationship between the serene surroundings and the creative energy found within them. Over the course of seven editions, NOMAD has evolved into a “diamond event” of the valley, much awaited by both locals and visitors alike. This choice of location not only elevates the stature of the fair but also enriches the overall experience, offering attendees a unique fusion of cultural immersion amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
WW: How does NOMAD curate galleries and projects for its St. Moritz fair, and what criteria inform this selection process?
NICOLAS BELLAVANCE-LECOMPTE & GIORGIO PACE: There are two categories at NOMAD for exhibitors: they can take part as a GALLERY or with a SPECIAL PROJECT. To be included as a gallery, a physical exhibition space and a consistent artistic program of at least three years are necessary. The special project category includes everything else – the wonderful new concepts and collaborations across design, art, and jewelry that our showcase is a patron of. Every single proposal is evaluated by our board and selected in order to bring the most special and exclusive experience to the visitor.
Installation view of Chahan Gallery and Sorry We’re Closed at NOMAD. © De Pasquale+Maffini © NOMAD.
WW: Could you explain the impact of collaborating with Cabana as both an exhibitor and official media partner for NOMAD St. Moritz 2024?
NB-L & GP: CABANA‘s role as both an exhibitor and official media partner for NOMAD St. Moritz 2024 holds significant impact. This collaboration underscores a shared appreciation for aesthetics and craftsmanship between NOMAD and CABANA, fostering a dynamic synergy that enriches the event experience. Similar to previous partnerships, such as with Architectural Digest last year, this collaboration allows for the creation of immersive educational opportunities, inviting visitors to explore and engage with the distinctive worlds of NOMAD and CABANA.
Installation view of CABANA at NOMAD. © De Pasquale+Maffini © NOMAD.
NOMAD Focuses on Sustainability and Craftsmanship
WW: How does NOMAD effectively merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics to advance sustainability in art, design, and architecture? Could you provide examples?
NB-L & GP: NOMAD establishes a unique dialogue between gallery works and a very personal context, creating a community of individuals looking for a different experience. Since 2023, NOMAD has been encouraging proposals that incorporate a focus on sustainability, which we believe is a vital part of the rapidly evolving world of art and design. From using recycled material to traditional craftsmanship, we have now seen more than 10 sustainable projects.
Installation view of Nilufar Gallery booth at NOMAD. © De Pasquale+Maffini © NOMAD.
WW: Could you shed light on the significance of selecting the former Hotel Eden as the venue for NOMAD 2024?
NB-L & GP: The former Hotel Eden was an absolute surprise for us and for those who visited us. At the same time, it is a historic hotel and an evolving place. We were extremely happy to take over this location and offer St. Moritz visitors a unique experience, very different from what they would usually find in the Engadin.
The Former Hotel Eden, the venue for NOMAD 2024. © De Pasquale+Maffini © NOMAD.
WW: What influenced your decision to partner with architect Giuliano dell’Uva for the design of the NOMAD welcome area and Stüva restaurant? How does his unique aesthetic contribute to the ambiance of the event?
NB-L & GP: We have been following Giuliano’s evolution in recent years, and after a discussion, we discovered that we share the same passion for Engadin. Recognizing the synergies between his design ethos and the envisioned atmosphere of NOMAD, we concluded that Giuliano dell’Uva was an ideal collaborator for our project. His distinctively clean and elegant aesthetic promised to harmonize exquisitely with the rustic allure of the former Hotel Eden, creating unique and refined spaces.
© De Pasquale+Maffini © NOMAD.
WW: How has NOMAD in St. Moritz evolved to balance exclusivity with local accessibility? What are your future visions for maintaining the fair’s elegant reputation while exploring new destinations?
NB-L & GP: NOMAD is by invitation only but accessible to everyone. We encourage local people to come and be curious about the different installations. While the destinations may make it seem exclusive, our goal is to be open to everyone who is willing to discover more about arts and design. In our next destinations, we will aim to maintain the same concept.
