The Paris auction house PIASA, founded in 1996, are delighted to announce the opening of a new Left Bank venue, in addition to their Rue Drouot HQ. This new phase in the PIASA’s development, overseen by Frédéric Chambre who joined the firm in October 2012, will make PIASA the first Paris auction house to stage sales on the Left Bank.
A New Venue for Exhibitions & Cultural Events
The new 700m2 venue is located in an historic 17th century building at 83 rue du Bac. It will host mainly sales of 20th & 21st Century Design, Decorative Arts & Contemporary Art. The new venue will enable PIASA and their clients to enjoy longer pre-sale viewings with specifically designed presentations. PIASA also aim to make the new venue a cultural meeting-point by hosting lectures, debates and innovative projects connected to the auction programme.
Emphasis on 20th Century Design & Decorative Arts
From 2013 PIASA will stage a dozen sales of Design & Decorative Arts each year, covering the history of 20th century furniture – right back to its origins around 1870 and on, via post-war Design, to its latest 21st century developments. PIASA also intend to explore little-known aspects of Design via innovative auction themes and a more inquisitive and academic approach.
A brand new team has been assembled to carry out this ambitious project.
Cédric Morisset, a journalist and exhibition curator specializing in Design, has been appointed Headof the Contemporary Design Department, seconded by François Epin, a recognized auction specialist with Design expertise. Oscar Graf, an expert in 19th and early 20th century European and American decorative arts, will collaborate with PIASA to develop the department of Early Design (1870-1910) run by Cindy Chanthavong, who joined PIASAin January 2012.
PIASA have also signed up two Brussels-based consultants in Jacques Dewindt and Thierry Belenger to reinforce the firm’s international profile in the field and add their expertise and extensive contacts.
Along with the traditional Design department, PIASA also plan to develop sales of Precious Design – jewellery conceived by artists and contemporary designers.
PIASA will be collaborating here with the internationally recognized specialist Beatriz Defeo, whose role as an advisor to auction firms and international museums needs no introduction. The first Precious Design sale will take place on Monday 11 June 2013, along with a sale of Design featuring objects and furniture by 20th and 21st century artists and architects.