When she had the privilege of being able to buy the studio of the photographer and painter Saul leaderneighbor of his apartment in a historic building in the East Village, seven years ago, Suzanne Demisch invited his friend Francois Halard coming to capture on film the soul of the deserted rooms. The artist, famous for his street scenes, lived here for nearly sixty years. A colorful existence whose walls bore traces. The photos will be used to document the premises, a precious prelude to the meticulous restoration work orchestrated by Suzanne, and will also be the subject of a book in memory of Saul Leiter. “This place carries with it the history of New York. From the early 1950s to the mid-1960s, the East Village art scene was thriving, with poets and painters like Louise Bourgeois and Robert Rauschenberg. I can still feel that creative bubbling in the walls”, says Suzanne.
The one who founded the gallery Demisch Danantspecializing in post-war French design, with his accomplice Stephane Danant, cultivates a passion for things inherited from the past, with a patina and a history. Faithful to her affections, she only envisages work honoring them for the apartment where she lives today with her son Marlowe. She therefore takes particular care to leave the woodwork of the doors, window frames, cupboards and shelves as they are, and preserves the palette of colors chosen by the photographer in his time. Only the living room, whose dark walls shroud the decor in mystery, breaks the rule. “During a trip to Pompeii, I was struck by the beauty of a black plaster wall. I immediately thought of it for my living room, and researched for months before finding the finish and shade that would work here.”, explains Suzanne.
In this interior bearing the imprint of the past, she has combined objects from different eras or backgrounds. “I am interested in how the past and the present can coexist. I enjoy a space that initiates a dialogue between different styles and diverse perspectives”, she explains. The collector has surrounded herself with furniture by Pierre Paulin, Maria Pergay, Jacques Dumond, Frank Lloyd Wright, but also several textile works by Sheila Hicks, ceramics and stones, which adorn the fireplaces and window sills studded with stains of painting from the previous owner. So many elements which, put together, testify to his insatiable artistic curiosity and his pronounced taste for authenticity. “A house should reflect the people who live there, their history, their lifestyle, but also their imperfections and mistakes,” she says. “It is this unique richness that gives it its charm.” If the comings and goings are common here, the intention is always to superimpose layers of history, like an invitation to an inner exploration.
From April 27 to May 27, 2023, the Demisch Danant gallery in New York will present works by French designer Pierre Paulin.
2023-07-11 17:07:55
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