Arts Corner | Design Talks

‘An intercontinental and multinational geography describing the circulation of ideas between Africa, Europe and the Americas,’ is how Jamal Cyrus describes the concept behind his latest work-in-progress. The Houston-based artist is exploring areas of the United States, Europe, Africa and Latin America – tracing the migration of slaves and assessing their cultural impact along their journey on their past, present and future homes. His final research project will become the next BMW Art Journey – the annual scheme with Art Basel established three years ago as a way of discovering and supporting interesting and emerging global artists. I caught up with Cyrus earlier this week on the London-leg of his journey to find out more. Read the full interview here.

All images © Jamal Cyrus for Inman Gallery

The fun pop art of American artist Jeff Koons is currently on show at the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland. Inside the expected sculptures are there. Balloon dog, Tulips and Michael Jackson & Bubbles occupy the main rooms. But it is outside where the real treasures lie.

At the back of the gallery you’ll find Ballon Flower (Blue). It looks like it’s floating on the surface of the water with endless reflections delighting between pond and sculpture.

And a rare treat is Split-Rocker, a colossal floral sculpture made of thousands of real plants. The piece was first exhibited at the cloister of the Palais de Papes in Avignon, then again a few years later in the gardens of Versaille. The sculpture – half dinosaur, half pony – shows the split head of the animal that looks simultaneously forward and to the side, giving it the feel of a monstrous children’s toy.

Andrea Klettner

We met Koons back in 2010 at the Pompidou Centre in Paris as he unveiled his BMW art car. Read the interview here.

Design Talks

Observations on design

Tag Archives: Arts Corner

BMW and Art Basel tackle identity, migration and the slave route

Jeff Koons at Fondation Beyeler