Is it just us, or did 2021 fly by? Like so many, we’re still processing the impact of 2020. As we head into the new year, we do find ourselves more understanding of this new reality and finding our footing with what the future may hold.
As we put this issue together in the fall, in-person fairs came back in New York, Basel, London, and Paris, while excitement began to grow for Miami Art Week in December. Masks, open spaces, outdoor preferences, vaccine checks, and negative PCRs are the norm and we’re just fine with that. It’s been a thrill to be back seeing art in person, one we knew we missed, but perhaps didn’t realize how much.
This winter issue is all about embracing that experience. While much of it was still put together remotely, across cities, countries, phone calls, and Zooms, some was done person-to-person, with studio visits and photo shoots, just like in the old days. For our Tom Sachs cover story, we traveled to Paris and Hamburg to witness the artist’s 24-hour “Exchange” and fourth “Space Program” mission. We visited Mickalene Thomas in her New York studio for another cover, between multiple exhibition openings across New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong. And over the summer, we had the rare chance to witness the thrilling, transportive Dior Cruise 2022 show in Athens, set within ancient architecture, against a backdrop of live music and fireworks.
In this issue, you’ll also find visits to Dakis Joannou’s DESTE Foundation in both Athens and Hydra, where the collector continues to follow the lead of the relationships he’s cultivated with artists and curators over the decades. Jean-Michel Othoniel walks us through his dazzling takeover of the Petit Palais in Paris. And Louis Fratino discusses at length his recent foray into the art of printmaking.
As in years past, our annual Experience Issue takes a close look at those shaping the luxury and lifestyle arenas. This time we speak with names like Claire Choisne at the historic jewelry house Boucheron, interior designer to the stars Brigette Romanek, American fashion designer Alexandra O’Neill of Markarian, and leader in lab-grown diamonds Steve Coe. We also hear from artists like Amber Cowan, who embraces a more-is-more aesthetic; Alison Elizabeth Taylor, who has an affinity for intricate detailing; and Nelson Makamo, who has a passion for the color blue.
As we embark on the fresh start that 2022 holds, we invite you to luxuriate in the pleasures and insight offered by even the simplest of experiences, now that we know how precious they are indeed.
Download the full issue HERE.
