The Classic and the Contemporary: Christie’s International Designers

[highlight_text] Several works by Israeli-born designer Ron Arad, whose designs have been widely featured in many major museums, galleries, and design and architectural books and magazines around the world, will also be auctioned. [/highlight_text]

On September 18, for the first time ever, Christie’s will launch a sale featuring contemporary works by some of the most important international designers. With pieces by Marc Newson, Forrest Myers, Zaha Hadid, Ron Arad, Maarten Baas, Shiro Kuramata, Ettore Sottsass, Harush Shlomo, and Tejo Remy, the exclusive 30-lot auction is expected to total $1.2 million to $1.7 million.

Known for its extraordinary art, unmatched service, expertise, and international luxury, Christie’s sale will include unique pieces such as Kuramata’s “Cabinet de Curiosité,” “Glass Chair,” and “Feather stool,” which all illustrate the technical ingenuity and creativity that defined post-war Japan. The sale will also feature the 1988 “La Farge,” a power-coated aluminum chair by Forrest Myers. Other highlights include Hadid’s black “Aqua” table, number nine from the edition of 12. A shallow layer of hard translucent silicone gel gives the table an illusion of a beautiful and unique pool of black water.

Australian designer Newson, whose works tend to garner the highest prices in auctions, will also be represented by his famous creations. As one of the world’s most accomplished and idolized designers, his influence can be seen in the design of aircraft, various products, furniture, jewelry, and clothing.

Several works by Israeli-born designer Ron Arad, whose designs have been widely featured in many major museums, galleries, and design and architectural books and magazines around the world, will also be auctioned. Amongst them are the 1995 spectacular “D” steel sofa; the classic “Blo-Void” chairs; “Paved with Good Intentions,” a mirror-polished stainless steel table; and “Big Heavy,” a mirror-polished stainless steel chair

Technically innovative and stunning pieces are the trademarks of young Swedish designer Mathias Bengtsson, whose “Slice” chair will be included in the auction. Another extraordinary piece is Dutch designer Tejo Remy’s iconic “You Can’t Lay Down Your Memory,” which is composed of mismatched chests all compiled together in a spectacularly unorganized fashion. The world-renowned designer is best recognized for his unique furniture designs using local materials.

The Contemporary Design sale will be on view in Christie’s New York galleries together with the first open viewing of Contemporary Art from September 5 to 8, 2008.