ST. MORITZ.- NOMAD St. Moritz closed on Sunday, 11th February, at Chesa Planta, where 21 leading galleries dramatically transformed the interiors of the historic alpine mansion with thoughtfully exhibited contemporary art, rare furniture pieces from the early 1900s, and cutting-edge objects by some of today’s most exciting artists, designers and architects, including Doug Aitken, Mattia Bonetti, George Condo, Sou Fujimoto, Ernst Gamperl, Max Lamb, Soft Baroque and Gelitin.

Alongside gallery presentations, a programme of Special Projects was showcased including an exhibition curated by McClelland + Rachen, new architect designed rugs presented by PHILLIPS in collaboration with ArtinD, ‘A Sense of Belonging’ curated by Giovanna Lisignoli exploring the Engadine’s rich cultural heritage and ‘A Mind of Winter’ curated by NOMAD co-founder Giorgio Pace uniting works and installation that reflect on the idea of domesticity and winter.

A series of talks were held in the Charles Burnand-furnished Lounge, providing an intimate exchange with leading voices in art and architecture. This included
a headline talk between American artist Doug Aitken and architect Farshid Moussavi on Aitken’s site-specific installation ‘MIRAGE’, a ranch-style, mirrored sculpture.

Giorgio Pace, Founder, NOMAD – “Chesa Planta is an alpine mansion, a museum of living culture, and a wonderful example of the traditional Swiss architecture of historic aristocratic houses. We’re very happy the gallerists and artists alike were inspired and excited to work with such a special, traditionally domestic space.”

“The galleries responded to the contrasting rooms and halls in different ways and explored new approaches to showing design and art, some of which hadn’t been considered before. The architecture and outdoor areas presented an immense sense of discovery throughout.” – Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, Founder, NOMAD

Eva Presenhuber, Owner, Galerie Eva Presenhuber – “The location, scale and presentation was great! We sold two West Chairs and the location really stood out.”

“Our exhibition revolved around the idea of a petite salle à manger which centred on a Mattia Bonetti-designed dining table specially commissioned for the show. It has a distinct trompe l’oeil marble effect and was one of the pieces sold at the event. A winter palate of bold greens, blues and hints of ecru were selected to work with the natural light, original baroque-style gold features and wood panelling of the room. It was a joy to see how well the sculptural contemporary pieces by Fredrikson Stallard, Michele Oka Doner and Barnaby Barford complemented the unique historic setting of Chesa Planta”. – Francis Sultana, CEO, David Gill Gallery and interior designer

Etage Projects Owner and Director, Maria Foerlev – “Similarly to La Vigie in Monaco, people visiting seem to have an easier time imagining how they would live with the works when they saw them, in surroundings they could relate to. Also, the amazing location in the mountains inspired our designers greatly and the hallway at the Chesa Planta provided an interesting contrast between the old and the new. We sold three Pearl Screw Mirrors by Soft Baroque, one Brass Wall Light, two Peach Melba Chairs by Fredrik Paulsen, three vases by FOS, one Vase by Soft Baroque and secured orders for the SOAP table by Sabine Marcelis in other colours. We are also currently negotiating leaving a DEUX mirror by Sabine Marcelis here in St. Moritz.”

NEXT STOP: MONACO
NOMAD aims to rethink how work is presented to create an event that is bespoke, intimate and provides a radically new architectural setting for contemporary design. This Spring, NOMAD returns to Monaco from 26th to 29th April 2018 at La Vigie, Karl Lagerfeld’s former Monte Carlo residence. Galleries participating will include Almine Rech (Paris, London, New York, & Brussels), Carwan Gallery (Beirut), David Gill Gallery (London), Etage Projects (Copenhagen), Friedman Benda (New York), Gallery FUMI (London), Galleria Giustini. Stagetti / Galleria O. Roma (Rome), Massimo de Carlo (Milan, London, Hong Kong), Nilufar (Milan).

LOOKING AHEAD: 2019
In 2019, NOMAD will return to St. Moritz and will coincide with the inauguration of SOMMET, a new Winter Salon for Contemporary Art (7th to 10th February 2019), conceptualised by Giorgio Pace as artistic director and founded by Will Ramsay. SOMMET aims to reimagine the long-established notion of an art fair by creating a new exclusive experience, which connects collectors to the art works, artists and gallerists, in unique ways.