A Favorite Recent Install
Recently, the bulk of our projects have been larger ones where we’re sourcing art for the 7+ key locations to start and batched installations that completely transform a space. That said, a favorite recent install was just one piece, and we haven’t shared a thing about it on Social. Here’s what made it such a standout:
1.THE ARTWORK
The artwork of note is a large scale sculptural piece by Tomashi Jackson. Upon first look, it’s a messy combination of unusual materials - soil, plastic film, acrylic, screen print and more, all on an angled 8 x 6 foot wooden support. With further consideration, the piece is dramatically different: the materials come together in layers, revealing sets of figures, textures and legible texts that prompt curiosity, feel imposing, and have a storied appeal.
That story, as we learned, relates to artist Tomashi Jackson’s research into the often marginalized communities along the eastern tip of Long Island, New York. Her work is inspired by seasons of change and in particular, the experiences of BIPOC. Jackson’s practice involves deep immersive research into those communities, their history and current environment. For this piece, Jackson spent extensive time in the area during the beginning of the pandemic, learning first hand about the local community center’s impact on the BIPOC population while considering the history of the land where the community center now exists.
2. THE COLLECTORS
Our clients who purchased this piece could not have chosen a work that resonated with them more. They are wonderfully curious people with strong roots in the exact areas where Jackson studied, and they have an ongoing interest in supporting others- artists, institutions, and more. The themes of cultural awareness, history and growth that are central to this particular piece created by Tomashi Jackson align well with their personal ethos. Importantly, the clients also first saw the piece when shown at the Parrish Musuem’s summer 2021 show. To be able to acquire an artwork from a celebrated museum show that was so memorable for their entire family felt particularly special.
3. THE PROCESS
Collecting pieces in high-profile museum shows is not so straight forward. The works are never on sale at the museum, and pieces can be unavailable for years after a show as the artist’s gallery works to have other museums show or buy the works. After research and several inquiries, we learned this key piece from the Parrish show was available “for the right buyer”. What’s more is that the gallery, which has a selective selling process, was open to working with us. After a memorable viewing of the work and client introduction at a Harlem warehouse, we had a deal.
4. THE REVEAL
The Jaskson piece was transported and installed in our client’s Southampton home by the exact vendors who handled all logistics for last year’s Parrish show. They knew what they were doing but the de-crating, measuring, handling and hanging took some time. During that period, the entire family was in on the action, admiring the piece, asking questions, and seeing how it felt in this expansive room with 20+ ft ceilings. You could tell then that this piece will become a part of the fabric of their home and a key step in their art collecting journey. What’s more, these clients started art collecting a few years ago with us and we’ve had the pleasure of working with them across a few homes and stages in their lives. Buying slowly and thoughtfully has helped them build a collection that feels increasingly meaningful and personalized.
Overall, this acquisition experience was a perfect marriage of artist, client and local interests. Jackson’s piece has found its home and we hope it continues to bring attention to the heritage and roles of those local voices that are rarely heard.
See professional shots from this project: here.