Q: Designers on Artists

by Mark McMenamin -- Interior Design, 8/1/2008

Dreaming up a fantasy gallery, we asked designers, If you could acquire a work by any artist, what would it be?

"Josiah McElheny's Modernity Circa 1952, Mirrored and Reflected Infinitely. We're captivated by its unapologetic beauty, manipulation of space and perception, and use of apparently conventional decorative objects to achieve a startling and rich effect"
—James and Hayes Slade of Slade Architecture

"Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Leicester, a book of rough drafts illustrating the creative process of a great artist. Or an early Sol LeWitt mural, done with colored pencils. I really can't decide. But isn't that always the case?"
—Carl D'Aquino of D'Aquino Monaco

"Because of its humor, curiosity, and craft, Felt Suit by Joseph Beuys. It's at once surreal, simple, and handmade."
—Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch of Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors

"The exquisite Stephanie and Spy bronzes or any other work by Robert Graham. In a world of abstraction, I am in awe of his uncanny hyperrealism.
—Michael Vanderbyl of Vanderbyl Design

"Isamu Noguchi's Sun at Noon, a single ring of alternating French and Spanish polished red marble. It's as radiant as the sun, and the form is simple, powerful, and sensual. All I want to do is touch it. If I owned it, I could."
—Laurie Beckerman of Laurie Beckerman Design

Next: Celebrating hospitality design, we ask, Aside from one of your own projects, what's the most beautiful hotel in the world? E-mail us at Q@InteriorDesign.net