Floral Echoes: Odes to Mapplethorpe by Galerie Philia
Galerie Philia, in collaboration with Anthracite Art, presents Floral Echoes: Odes to Mapplethorpe in Zurich from June 5 to July 4, 2025.
The exhibition pays tribute to Robert Mapplethorpe’s renowned black-and-white floral photography through a curated dialogue with contemporary sculptural design.
Set within the Anthracite gallery in central Zurich, the exhibition showcases a powerful intersection between fine art photography and collectible design, featuring the work of 18 contemporary designers from around the globe.
At the heart of Galerie Philia exhibition are two photographs by Mapplethorpe, both floral still lifes that exemplify his distinct use of light, shadow, and form.
Known for their refined compositional balance, these images provide a visual and conceptual anchor for the surrounding works.
They serve as a point of departure for the participating designers, whose pieces respond to Mapplethorpe’s themes with interpretations in wood, bronze, metal, ceramic, glass, and stone.
Designers such as Elsa Foulon present ceramic consoles and a pendant light that echo the compositional rigor of Mapplethorpe’s images. Jérôme Pereira’s sculptural lighting references the chiaroscuro tones found in Mapplethorpe’s photographs.
Emilie Lemardeley brings forward delicate glasswork with botanical influence, while Lee Sisan’s cast-aluminum furniture evokes organic branches, grounding the layout in natural texture and form.
Rick Owens contributes with bronze vases and his Tomb Stag chair, reflecting the architectural minimalism that complements Mapplethorpe’s precision.
Other notable highlights include Kar’s vase collection, Morghen Studio’s kinetic pendant inspired by Alexander Calder, and Michael Gittings’ Novalis bench, a floral metal sculpture that continues the thematic dialogue.
Pierre de Valck debuts quartz and bronze pieces that interact with the surrounding light, while Laura Pasquino’s folding vases explore spatial form. Alice Lahana introduces a blackened oak mirror that extends the exhibition’s play on reflection and perspective.
Ron Arad’s sculptural furniture, including a metal bench and leather sofa, bridges art and utility. The Onyx vases by Lucas Tyra Morten lend a translucent presence, further enhancing the visual rhythm of the space.
Studio Mah’s ceramic vessel and Franzen & Casa’s travertine Trono seat round out a collection unified by its response to natural forms through a contemporary design lens.
This exhibition by Galerie Philia offers a contemplative experience that merges photography with spatial design, forming a layered tribute to Mapplethorpe’s influence across disciplines.
All images courtesy of Galerie Philia
https://www.galerie-philia.com
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