Nature / Nurture at Collect Art Fair 2022

23 - 27 February 2022
Overview

These two ideas have been historically cast in binary opposition, an incompatible comparison between human influence and the natural world. Yet there is clearly a pressing need to reassess and learn to value our relationship with the natural. This is a conversation about what our connection to nature actually is, and could or should be.

 

The international artist-designer-makers included in this collection by turn embrace, problematise and re-conceptualise  ideologies of sustainability and conscious sourcing to create beautifully crafted sculptural objects and wall-pieces in materials such as grasses, wood, jute, sisal, willow, and stoneware.

 

 

This exhibition will be presented at Collect 2022, at Somerset House, London, it is a new exploration of our NATURAL ROOM collection. The intention, however, is for it to be much more than a collection: it’s about an approach to living through design that respectfully connects us to the natural world. It aims to create interiors that are of our moment – to focus our thoughts and reflect on our lives - while embodying a long-term vision of how we might live in the future.

 

The artists and designers express our wider society’s growing awareness and concern for our ecological health; this societal movement is of course pivoted on our environmental emergency. The collection raises questions about how we might make meaningful change at a domestic level through the choices we make about our interiors. It asks us to look around our homes and think about why and how we’ve chosen the objects we live with. At the same time, the collection is not meant to be didactic; it is about opening up a conversation and also about introducing these pieces to a wider audience, so that they may appreciate the value of these materials and enjoy design that engages with nature on an essential level. 

 

The curation will highlight Arko’s rice straw constructions, featured here, She uses the material to not only reference her Japanese heritage, but also to highlight the ability of raw materials to provide energy and sustain life on earth through her work, she encourages us to carefully consider the gift of natural sustenance, which will only continue if we respect and nurture a symbiotic and balanced relationship with the earth. Luke Fuller’s work offers a different perspective, urging us to interrogate our often naive or simplified notions of sustainability. His monumental, tectonic works in clay confront us with forms drawn from coal mining, and imagined barren landscapes manipulated to human ends. He focuses our attention on the sheltering of the urban populace, our privilege distancing us from the fundamental means of production and the realities of industry that we rely on. 

 

Adding to the conversation will be Fernando Laposse’s sisal pup bench- part of his sisal series of furniture- recently shown by the Design Museum in London and produced in collaboration with local artisans in Mexico. We will also show Joe Hogan’s hand-woven sculptural baskets and new work from Julian Watts and Ernst Gamperl ahead of their solo exhibitions at the gallery in 2022. 

 

 

Sarah Myerscough will be part of a discussion at the fair on How to acquire and live with contemporary craft 

(in association with House & Garden magazine)

Saturday 26 February, 15.00 (GMT)
Attend online - £8.50, via Eventbrite
Attend in person at Somerset House - included with your ticket admission

 

Chaired by House & Garden’s Features Editor Elizabeth Metcalfe, interior designer and antiques dealer Max Rollitt and gallerist Sarah Myerscough reflect on the role craft plays in interiors today. United through their love of natural materials, the pair demystify the process of collecting craft for your home and reflect on how these tactile pieces can enrich an interior.

 

Works
  • Arko, A head-sea over the night sky (small), 2021
    Arko, A head-sea over the night sky (small), 2021
  • Arko Composition Allargando, 2021 Rice Straw 78 H x 30 W x 10 D cm / 30.7 H x 11.8 W x 3.9 D in
    Arko
    Composition Allargando, 2021
    Rice Straw
    78 H x 30 W x 10 D cm /
    30.7 H x 11.8 W x 3.9 D in
  • Arko Composition Marcato (A), 2021 Rice Straw 70 H x 27 W x 10 D cm / 27.6 H x 10.63 W x 3.9 D in
    Arko
    Composition Marcato (A), 2021
    Rice Straw
    70 H x 27 W x 10 D cm /
    27.6 H x 10.63 W x 3.9 D in
  • Arko, Composition Marcato (B), 2021
    Arko, Composition Marcato (B), 2021
  • Arko Composition Rinforzando, 2021 Rice Straw 79 H x 30 W x 10 D cm / 31.1 H x 11.8 W x 3.9 D in
    Arko
    Composition Rinforzando, 2021
    Rice Straw
    79 H x 30 W x 10 D cm /
    31.1 H x 11.8 W x 3.9 D in
  • Arko Composition Rubato, 2021 Rice Straw 78 H x 30 W x 10 D cm / 30.7 H x 11.81 W x 3.9 D in
    Arko
    Composition Rubato, 2021
    Rice Straw
    78 H x 30 W x 10 D cm /
    30.7 H x 11.81 W x 3.9 D in
  • Max Brosi Large EDGE Pebble, 2021 Blackened Sycamore 36 H x 36 dia cm / 14.1 H x 14.1 dia in
    Max Brosi
    Large EDGE Pebble, 2021
    Blackened Sycamore
    36 H x 36 dia cm /
    14.1 H x 14.1 dia in
  • Max Brosi Teardrop EDGE Vessel I, 2021 Blackened Sycamore 48 H x 25 dia cm / 18.8 H x 9.8 dia in
    Max Brosi
    Teardrop EDGE Vessel I, 2021
    Blackened Sycamore
    48 H x 25 dia cm /
    18.8 H x 9.8 dia in
  • Luke Fuller Lode, 2021 Stoneware & Porcelain 60 H x 63 W x 47 D cm Acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum, 2022
    Luke Fuller
    Lode, 2021
    Stoneware & Porcelain
    60 H x 63 W x 47 D cm
    Acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum, 2022
  • Ernst Gamperl, 63/2019/120, 2019
    Ernst Gamperl, 63/2019/120, 2019
  • Tim Johnson, burnished earth pocket, 2022
    Tim Johnson, burnished earth pocket, 2022
  • Tim Johnson, herringbone earth pocket, 2022
    Tim Johnson, herringbone earth pocket, 2022
  • Tim Johnson, lichen earth pocket, 2022
    Tim Johnson, lichen earth pocket, 2022
  • Tim Johnson, scorched earth pocket, 2022
    Tim Johnson, scorched earth pocket, 2022
  • Fernando Laposse, Sisal Pup, 2021
    Fernando Laposse, Sisal Pup, 2021
  • Fernando Laposse Sisal Pup, 2021 Agave Sisal Covered Stool 40 H x 60 W x 45 D cm / 15.7 H x 23.6 W x 17.7 D in
    Fernando Laposse
    Sisal Pup, 2021
    Agave Sisal Covered Stool
    40 H x 60 W x 45 D cm /
    15.7 H x 23.6 W x 17.7 D in
  • John Makepeace OBE, Trine Cloud Chair III, 2021
    John Makepeace OBE, Trine Cloud Chair III, 2021
  • Kate MccGwire WHORL II, 2021 mixed media with pheasant feathers in a walnut frame 18.4 H x 27.4 W x 3.8 D cm / 7.2 H x 11 W x 1.5 D In
    Kate MccGwire
    WHORL II, 2021
    mixed media with pheasant feathers in a walnut frame
    18.4 H x 27.4 W x 3.8 D cm /
    7.2 H x 11 W x 1.5 D In
  • Gareth Neal SiO2 Flat Vessel (Large), 2020 Black Silica 61.7 H x 140 W x 26.8 D cm / 24 H x 55 W x 10.5 In 47kg Available in different sizes. Edition of 5
    Gareth Neal
    SiO2 Flat Vessel (Large), 2020
    Black Silica
    61.7 H x 140 W x 26.8 D cm /
    24 H x 55 W x 10.5 In
    47kg
    Available in different sizes.
    Edition of 5
  • Michael Peterson Coastal Stack XVII, 2021 Carved/Sandblasted/Sumi Ink on Madrone Burl (5 elements) 46 H x 71.5 W x 71.5 D cm / 18.1 H x 28.1 W x 28.1 D in
    Michael Peterson
    Coastal Stack XVII, 2021
    Carved/Sandblasted/Sumi Ink on Madrone Burl (5 elements)
    46 H x 71.5 W x 71.5 D cm /
    18.1 H x 28.1 W x 28.1 D in
  • Aneta Regel Large Vessel (red), 2022 Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia 25 H x 20 dia cm / 9.8 H x 7.8 dia in
    Aneta Regel
    Large Vessel (red), 2022
    Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia
    25 H x 20 dia cm /
    9.8 H x 7.8 dia in
  • Aneta Regel, Large Vessel (white), 2022
    Aneta Regel, Large Vessel (white), 2022
  • Aneta Regel, Small Vessel (white II), 2022
    Aneta Regel, Small Vessel (white II), 2022
  • Aneta Regel Landscape, 2022 Clay, Volcanic rocks, multimedia 85 H x 43 W x 35 D cm / 33.4 H x 16.9 W x 13.7 D in
    Aneta Regel
    Landscape, 2022
    Clay, Volcanic rocks, multimedia
    85 H x 43 W x 35 D cm /
    33.4 H x 16.9 W x 13.7 D in
  • Aneta Regel Pien 3, 2022 Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia 90 H x 34 W x 25 D cm / 35.4 H x 13.3 W x 9.8 D in
    Aneta Regel
    Pien 3, 2022
    Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia
    90 H x 34 W x 25 D cm /
    35.4 H x 13.3 W x 9.8 D in
  • Aneta Regel Pien 5, 2022 Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia 90 H x 33 dia cm / 35.4 H x 12.9 dia in
    Aneta Regel
    Pien 5, 2022
    Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia
    90 H x 33 dia cm /
    35.4 H x 12.9 dia in
  • Aneta Regel Small Vessel (blue), 2022 Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia 16 H x 16 dia cm / 6.2 H x 6.2 dia in
    Aneta Regel
    Small Vessel (blue), 2022
    Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia
    16 H x 16 dia cm /
    6.2 H x 6.2 dia in
  • Aneta Regel Small vessel (red), 2022 Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia 16 H x 16 dia cm / 6.2 H x 6.2 dia in
    Aneta Regel
    Small vessel (red), 2022
    Clay, Volcanic rock, multimedia
    16 H x 16 dia cm /
    6.2 H x 6.2 dia in
  • Aneta Regel, Small Vessel (white) , 2022
    Aneta Regel, Small Vessel (white) , 2022
  • Marc Ricourt Untitled I, 2022 Hornbeam 36.5 H x 22.5 dia cm / 14.3 H x 8.8 dia In
    Marc Ricourt
    Untitled I, 2022
    Hornbeam
    36.5 H x 22.5 dia cm /
    14.3 H x 8.8 dia In
  • Marc Ricourt Untitled II, 2022 Hornbeam 28.5 H x 28 dia cm / 11.2 H x 11 dia In
    Marc Ricourt
    Untitled II, 2022
    Hornbeam
    28.5 H x 28 dia cm /
    11.2 H x 11 dia In
  • Marc Ricourt Untitled, 2022 Hornbeam 23 H x 21 ø cm
    Marc Ricourt
    Untitled, 2022
    Hornbeam
    23 H x 21 ø cm
  • Diana Scherer, Exercises in Rootsystem Domestication I, 2020
    Diana Scherer, Exercises in Rootsystem Domestication I, 2020
  • Diana Scherer Exercises in Rootsystem Domestication II, 2020 Grown textile from plant roots 75 H x 55 W cm / 29.5 H x 21.6 W in
    Diana Scherer
    Exercises in Rootsystem Domestication II, 2020
    Grown textile from plant roots
    75 H x 55 W cm /
    29.5 H x 21.6 W in
  • Adi Toch & JIM PARTRIDGE. Silver Ghost, 2021 Oak and recycled Britannia silver 23 H x 32 W x 34 D cm / 9 H x 12.5 W x 13.3 D in
    Adi Toch
    & JIM PARTRIDGE. Silver Ghost, 2021
    Oak and recycled Britannia silver
    23 H x 32 W x 34 D cm /
    9 H x 12.5 W x 13.3 D in
  • Julian Watts Flat Blob Vase, 2021 Bleached Big Leaf Maple 5.7 H x 19 W x 15.25 L cm / 2.2 H x 7.4 W x 6 L in
    Julian Watts
    Flat Blob Vase, 2021
    Bleached Big Leaf Maple
    5.7 H x 19 W x 15.25 L cm /
    2.2 H x 7.4 W x 6 L in
  • Julian Watts Round Blob Vase, 2021 Bleached Big Leaf Maple 10 H x 15.3 W x 15.3 L cm / 3.9 H x 6 W x 6 L in
    Julian Watts
    Round Blob Vase, 2021
    Bleached Big Leaf Maple
    10 H x 15.3 W x 15.3 L cm /
    3.9 H x 6 W x 6 L in
  • Julian Watts Blob Vase, 2021 Bleached Big Leaf Maple 6.4 H x 14.2 W x 14 L cm / 2.5 H x 5.5 W x 5.5 L in
    Julian Watts
    Blob Vase, 2021
    Bleached Big Leaf Maple
    6.4 H x 14.2 W x 14 L cm /
    2.5 H x 5.5 W x 5.5 L in
  • Julian Watts Untitled, 2021 Bleached Big Leaf Maple 104 H x 99 W x 86 D cm / 40.9 H x 38.9 W x 33.8 D in
    Julian Watts
    Untitled, 2021
    Bleached Big Leaf Maple
    104 H x 99 W x 86 D cm /
    40.9 H x 38.9 W x 33.8 D in
  • Joe Hogan Very Large Pouch with an Eye and a Mouth, 2021 Willow and driftwood 68 H x 115 W x 88 D cm / 26.7 H x 45.2 W x 34.6 D in
    Joe Hogan
    Very Large Pouch with an Eye and a Mouth, 2021
    Willow and driftwood
    68 H x 115 W x 88 D cm /
    26.7 H x 45.2 W x 34.6 D in
  • Eleanor Lakelin, Black Calyx I/22, 2022
    Eleanor Lakelin, Black Calyx I/22, 2022
  • Eleanor Lakelin Citadel I/22, 2022 Horse Chestnut burr 27 H x 25 dia cm
    Eleanor Lakelin
    Citadel I/22, 2022
    Horse Chestnut burr
    27 H x 25 dia cm
  • Eleanor Lakelin, Citadel II/22, 2022
    Eleanor Lakelin, Citadel II/22, 2022
  • Eleanor Lakelin, Citadel III/22, 2022
    Eleanor Lakelin, Citadel III/22, 2022
  • Eleanor Lakelin Eroding Sequence I/22, 2022 Sequoia 20 dia cm / 7.8 dia in
    Eleanor Lakelin
    Eroding Sequence I/22, 2022
    Sequoia
    20 dia cm /
    7.8 dia in
  • Eleanor Lakelin, Erosion Sequence II/22, 2022
    Eleanor Lakelin, Erosion Sequence II/22, 2022
  • Eleanor Lakelin, Erosion Sequence III/22, 2022
    Eleanor Lakelin, Erosion Sequence III/22, 2022
  • Eleanor Lakelin, Landscape I/2021, 2021
    Eleanor Lakelin, Landscape I/2021, 2021
  • Nic Webb, Fire Bowl, 2022
    Nic Webb, Fire Bowl, 2022
Installation Views