New Forms of French Modernity at Demisch Danant

12 September - 27 October ‘18

For the start their fall programming, Demisch Danant , are to present New Forms in French Modernity, an exhibition featuring the influential work of Jacques Dumond and Joseph-André Motte in the 1950s and early 1960s and their exploration of new materials in post-war society.

The continuance of modernity in France after World War II was promoted by a generation of designers through minimalist style and a proposal of a new post-war lifestyle after the Reconstruction; ornament was rejected in order to support the most simple and efficient concepts in furniture. Jacques Dumond, as one of leaders of this post war movement and, along with Louis Sognot, René Gabriel, and Marcel Gascoin, served as a mentor to the next generation of designers who were exploring new materials like glass, rattan and Formica and technologies after the Reconstruction. Joseph-André Motte, a key figure of his generation, continued these principles and also experimented widely with overlooked materials, including rattan. Motte once explained, “material is in charge, then imagination.”

About Demisch Danant

Demisch Danant was founded in 2005 by Suzanne Demisch and Stephane Danant. The gallery specializes in twentieth century French design with an emphasis on the late 1950s through the 1970s and represents the work of Maria Pergay, Pierre Paulin, Joseph-André Motte, Pierre Guariche, Michel Boyer, Philippon & Lecoq and René-Jean Caillette. Curated exhibitions on historical work are presented within environments that reference architecture and interiors of the era.

The gallery also features exhibitions concerning the intersection of architecture, design and art, including the work of Sheila Hicks, Felice Varini, Krijn de Koning, and César.

Demisch Danant is dedicated to research and scholarship on French design and has published and authored monographs including Antoine Philippon and Jacqueline Lecoq, Maria Pergay: Complete Works 1957-2010 and Maria Pergay: Sketch Book. Current projects include a comprehensive monograph on seminal designer Joseph-André Motte and a new book about the architectural commission works of artist Sheila Hicks.

demischdanant.com

Louis Sognot Low Table, 1950

Jacques Dumond Daybed, c. 1960

Joseph-André Motte Sabre Chairs, 1954