karl lagerfeld’s marble ‘architectures’ presented at carpenters workshop gallery new york

‘architectures’, an exhibition of sculptural work designed by karl lagerfeld, is being exhibited in north america for the first time. the pieces are presented at carpenters workshop gallery’s new york location on fifth avenue, where they will remain on view until november 15, 2019. offering audiences a chance to experience karl lagerfeld’s enduring impact on design, ‘architectures’ is an art collection of functional sculptures inspired by antiquity, referred to by lagerfeld as the origin of beauty, culture, and modernity.

all images courtesy of carpenters workshop gallery

evoking a contemporary architectural landscape with greek origins, lagerfeld’s pieces combine the precision of canonical proportions born from the use of the golden ratio and the most noble material — marble. the ensemble of gueridons, tables, lamps, consoles, fountains, and mirrors create a balance of classical foundations conceived as ‘a modern mythology’. the black and white architectonic creations embody lagerfeld’s timeless monochromatic style.

only available as limited edition of eight pieces in each color, plus four artist proofs, each sculptural work was made with the special marble, which was then cut, sculpted, faceted, and polished in italy. each piece is carved from a marble block, the arabescato fantastico, a rare vibrant white marble with dark grey veins which has not been quarried for more than 30 years, or black nero marquina marble, curated for its brush stroke-like, milky white veins.

the lighting works diffuse a specific daylight, the designer particularly appreciates, like a laser blade from the future. meanwhile, the shades of the table lamps are distinctively hand-painted in the most traditional technique of decorative arts, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship and traditions. architect aline asmar d’amman carried out the studies and the development of the works created by karl lagerfeld, which shift between the antique and the contemporary. ‘architectures’ was previously presented in paris. see designboom’s previous coverage of ‘architectures’, when it was on view in paris, here.

project info:

title: karl lagerfeld – architectures
location: carpenters workshop gallery
address: 693 fifth avenue, new york, NY
dates: september 14 – november 15, 2019