Acquavella Galleries, a prominent art gallery known for its significant secondary market dealings, has announced its exclusive United States representation of Swiss sculptor Harumi Klossowska de Rola. The artist's work bridges the gap between traditional fine art and design, featuring meticulously crafted animal sculptures in bronze and other materials. This partnership marks a new direction for the gallery, known for its focus on historical art figures.
Harumi Klossowska de Rola is the daughter of the celebrated 20th-century painter Balthus and Japanese ceramicist Setsuko Klossowska de Rola. Her artistic background combines European and Asian influences, reflected in her unique approach to sculpture. The agreement with Acquavella Galleries highlights a growing interest in artists whose work defies easy categorization, appealing to a broad spectrum of collectors.
Key Takeaways
- Acquavella Galleries now exclusively represents Harumi Klossowska de Rola in the US.
- Her sculptures blend fine art and design, focusing on animal forms.
- Prices for her works range from under $100,000 to over half a million dollars.
- The artist's background includes influences from her father, Balthus, and Japanese traditions.
- Her first show with Acquavella in Palm Beach was successful, with future exhibitions planned.
A New Artistic Partnership for Acquavella
The decision by Acquavella Galleries to represent Harumi Klossowska de Rola signals an expansion of its artistic scope. Historically, the gallery has been associated with masters like Giacometti and Cézanne. This new collaboration indicates a strategic move to embrace contemporary artists whose work challenges traditional art categories.
Alexander Acquavella stated,
"She works diligently on each piece after casting, so that when you see them in person they feel immediately timeless."This quote emphasizes the artist's dedication and the lasting quality of her creations. The gallery first encountered Klossowska de Rola's work at the Palm Beach residence of Peter Brant, a notable art collector and long-time supporter of the arts.
Sculptures That Bridge Art and Design
Harumi Klossowska de Rola's sculptures are characterized by their intricate detail and the blend of artistic disciplines. Her animal forms, such as bronze owls, alabaster doves, and life-size polar bears and stags, are cast in limited editions. Each piece undergoes extensive hand-reworking, ensuring a unique finish.
The artist pays careful attention to the patinas, which are as thoughtfully developed as the forms themselves. This meticulous process contributes to the sculptures' perceived timelessness. The practice aligns with an art-and-design continuum that includes other prominent figures like Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, whose works also attract collectors from various industries.
Did You Know?
- Harumi Klossowska de Rola's works start under $100,000 for smaller pieces.
- Monumental bronzes can reach prices exceeding half a million dollars.
- This price range appeals to both new and established collectors.
Artistic Influences and Process
Harumi Klossowska de Rola describes her artistic practice as a conversation with myth and nature. Her upbringing in the Swiss Alps deeply influenced this perspective. Her work draws inspiration from diverse cultural sources, ranging from Ancient Egypt to Japanese Shintoism. These influences are filtered through the Japanese aesthetic principle of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection and transience.
The artist collaborates with skilled artisans at the Fonderie de Coubertin, located outside Paris. This partnership allows her to achieve complex surface treatments. She layers metals with age and gold leaf, creating surfaces that appear both ancient and vibrant. This process adds depth and character to each sculpture, making them visually compelling.
Upcoming Exhibitions and Publications
The collaboration between Harumi Klossowska de Rola and Acquavella Galleries has already seen significant activity. Her first exhibition with the gallery took place earlier this year in Palm Beach. This show was accompanied by a book published by Rizzoli, providing a comprehensive look at her work and artistic philosophy.
Looking ahead, new works by the artist will be featured at Acquavella’s booth at Art Basel Paris this fall. This will be followed by a major solo exhibition in 2026. This large-scale show will occupy both floors of Acquavella's New York space, offering a significant platform for her sculptures.
Gallery's Evolving Vision
For Acquavella Galleries, this representation is more than just a response to market trends for crossover objects. It suggests a broader strategy to engage with artists who challenge conventional collecting categories. The gallery aims to feature works that possess a unique quality, making them stand out in the art world.
Alexander Acquavella noted,
"Her sculptures have a quality that defies easy categorization. That’s what makes them special."This statement highlights the gallery's appreciation for art that pushes boundaries and offers fresh perspectives.
The Appeal of Unconventional Art
The market for art that blurs the lines between sculpture and design has seen increasing interest. Collectors are drawn to pieces that offer both aesthetic beauty and functional or conceptual versatility. Harumi Klossowska de Rola's work fits this demand perfectly, appealing to those seeking unique and thoughtfully crafted objects.
The success of her initial show in Palm Beach demonstrates this appeal. It attracted both experienced collectors and those new to the art market. The ability of her sculptures to resonate with diverse audiences underscores the growing importance of artistic innovation in contemporary collecting.
Future Impact on the Art Scene
Acquavella Galleries' decision to represent Harumi Klossowska de Rola could influence other traditional galleries. It suggests a potential shift towards embracing artists whose practices do not fit neatly into established genres. This move could encourage more galleries to explore the intersection of fine art and design, fostering new opportunities for artists and collectors alike.
The upcoming major solo exhibition in New York is expected to further solidify her position in the international art market. It will provide a comprehensive overview of her artistic journey and showcase her ability to create works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. This partnership represents a significant moment for both the artist and the gallery, signaling an exciting future for cross-disciplinary art.
- Art Basel Paris will feature new works by Harumi Klossowska de Rola this fall.
- A major solo exhibition is scheduled for 2026 at Acquavella's New York space.
- Her work has already gained traction with a wide range of collectors.
