Mark Humphrey - Art in Life; a groundbreaking solo show to redefine the art/design paradigm -- REC 2 -- REC 2

Mark Humphrey, the leading artist/designer, will be presenting his maiden solo show, Art in Life, between 9-27 October 2012 at leading Mayfair gallery, Osborne Samuel. The aptly entitled show includes a number of innovative pieces from Humphrey’s diverse portfolio that blur the boundaries between contemporary sculpture and design and reflect a wider paradigm shift within the contemporary art market, which has seen art applied more purposefully to function within our day to day lives.

Hailed as one of the most accomplished artist/designers of his generation, Mark Humphrey’s work embraces the full artistic spectrum from fashion to sculpture and architecture. Mark has amassed a diverse portfolio over his career using only the highest quality materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technology to create statement pieces and heirlooms for future generations: ‘modern antiquities’ and timeless spaces. Mark explores the intrinsic bond between art and design and how we can apply this aesthetic beauty into our everyday lives; lifting us out of the mundane.

Art in Life will feature spectacular statement pieces such as Queen pt1, a stunning armchair constructed of leather, beech, walnut and foam and Diamond Seat, a rock crystal and Belgian black marble glowing bench to smaller functional items including Romeo & Juliet, an amber onyx and rock crystal toilet roll holder and Handles for the Virgin and Rock, a series of beautifully crafted door handles made from Paduk, ebony, semi-precious stones, painted glass and stainless steel.

In September, leading up to the opening of Art in Life, one of Mark’s most breathtaking sculptural pieces, a beautiful sweeping staircase crafted from 200 tonnes of finest Carrara marble, was unveiled at the opening of the new St James’s Theatre, the first new theatre to open in London for 30 years. Entitled Final Encore, and taking its inspiration from a bowing performer on stage, the work was commissioned by the St James’s Theatre, in consultation with the City of Westminster, as an important piece of ‘public art’, with a practical function.