In English

Art
Art & Life


Walter Pfeiffer, Untitled, 1979
Courtesy Galerie Sultana, presented as part of not cancelled: Paris edition.

After last month’s focus on the luxury fashion industry and it’s response to the global pandemic, we focus this month on the response of another luxury industry close to our hearts, the contemporary art world. The already precarious economies of artists, galleries and museums that support contemporary art were thrown into disarray with the arrival of Covid-19. As galleries and museums were forced to close, the ever-adapting art world looked to new forms of exhibiting works and financing for artists and art spaces. Artists mobilized to support and reinvent themselves in innovative ways and new forms of expression were created and diffused.

To aid the young commercial gallery system, Treat Agency, an independent association from Austria, created the online solution not cancelled:

“not cancelled creates meaningful digital art events. It is an initiative that was born out of the necessity for viable digital options for art institutions that arose from the global closure of physical spaces.”

The platform highlights cities for one week, creating an online marketplace - like a mini-salon - federating young contemporary art galleries enabling them to supplement their reduced incomes and present their artists to global collectors. They have already hosted editions focussing on Berlin, Vienna, Warsaw, Paris, Dubai Netherlands and Chicago with more cities to come. It has become an essential platform for young galleries, that need to represent their artists having been forced to shutter their brick and mortar premises due to the situation.

Taken from Instagram.com/wolfgang_tillmans

Artist Wolfgang Tillmans launched one of the most altruist projects during the epidemic - the 2020Solidarity campaign; manifested under the banner of his Between Bridges association based in Berlin. He invited over 50 internationally renowned artists to design posters that are offered in fundraisers by cultural and music venues, community projects, independent spaces and publications that are existentially threatened by the crisis. The venues taking part to promote the posters for 4-6 weeks at 50€ each. All proceeds collected go to their programs and at the end of there fundraising periods Between Bridges print the posters offering them free of charge, sending them to distribute to their customers.

Several posters for the 2020Solidarity initiative by Jochen Lempert, Jeff Koons, Betty Tompkins and Anne Imhof, see them all on the Between Bridges site.

Another great artist-led initiative came from Matthew Burrows, a painter from London, who created the ‘Artists Support Pledge’ on Instagram. All artists are free to take part using the hashtag #artistssupportpledge with a simple hypothesis: 

"Artists post images of their work on Instagram which they are willing to sell for no more than £200 each (not including shipping). Anyone can buy the work. Every time an artist reaches £1000 of sales, they pledge to spend £200 on another artist/s work.”

The initiative has taken off, providing artists who are struggling with an income directly from their work. Each time you click the hashtag on Instagram it shows you all of the artist's works for sale taking part in the scheme.

Screenshot from 2 Lizards: Episode 3, courtesy Meriem Bennani's Instagram page.

In parallel to the money-making initiatives, many artists have also produced digital works that are not for sale in reaction to the lockdowns in place in most countries. None have touched the international art world and viewers quite like the episodic ‘2 Lizards’. The brainchild of artists Meriem Bennani and Orian Barki, dubbed by the New York Times as the ‘Coronavirus Art Stars’.

““We decided to go for moods,” Ms. Bennani said in a recent interview, “because there was so much factual information from the news that it’s our way of abstracting it into a feeling that can fuel story.””
New York Times, April 22nd

The ongoing saga of the lizards is an authentic account of two friends going through the lockdown together in New York; we can all see a little of ourselves in the lizards and the various characters that populate the series, which is why it has been such a huge success - take a look below at '2 Lizards' and see for yourself!

https://vimeo.com/400611759

2 Lizards: Episode 2, 2020
Orian Barki and Meriem Bennani, courtesy the artists and Artforum

In English

Story of the Month
Chromatic Christmas & Festive Feelings

“Green for the ivy that grows by the wall

White for the mistletoe that hangs in the hall

Red for the berries that shine in the snow”

The Colors of Christmas, John Rutter, 2011

The material identity of the festive season defines our holiday experience as much as the recognized colour codes of Christmas. A traditional holiday home is evoked by trees replete with baubles, garlands of tinsel, twinkling lights, satin bows and varied ornaments. Candles line our tabletops and cards from friends and relatives punctuate our mantelpieces. Even those that do not celebrate Christmas in their own homes, feel its material identity on the streets as trees appear in public places, and garlands of lights are strung above our heads in commercial shopping districts. The spectacle of the lights is so important, it is often turned into a public event, with a celebrity or beloved public personality chosen to ‘flick the switch’. We immediately regress to our childhood selves marvelling upon the windows of department stores and boutiques, full of evocative textures and nostalgic scenes of winter, homeliness and family.   American Supply is renowned for its unrivalled choice of unique Christmas materials for luxury merchandising, high-end windows and in-store POS. We work with industry leaders in luxury to make their Christmas dreams come true, from material consultations to bespoke material creation, to full-circle manufacturing for larger productions across networks of stores.    This month we break down the codified colours of Christmas and extricate their material ingredients, reimagining them with a small selection of materials that we have here to give you a feeling of Christmas, our way!
“Red for the berries that shine in the snow”   Red is personified by the beloved festive berries that grow prolifically on the holly trees in winter months against all odds. Glitter evokes the morning dew on the holly berries with a touch of luxurious sparkle, complemented by gold. Famously, in 1863, Thomas Nast, an American political cartoonist for Harper’s Weekly, created the defining images of Santa Claus wearing his red and white outfit that have become iconic, reinforcing our chromatic Christmas.
“White for the mistletoe that hangs in the hall”   White evokes the snow and frost that cover the earth in the coldest moments, the fur that lines the extremities of Santa Claus’ suit, the berries in the lover’s mistletoe and the purity of the clothes that cover our holiday tables. Lest we forget the reflection of light on a surface, a glinting, shimmering, scintillating whiteness and the metallic luxury of silver.
“Green for the ivy that grows by the wall”   The evergreen tree is an enduring symbol of the festive household, sprouting even in the coldest winter months, enriching us with enduring life. Deep green Ivy compliments our holly with its contrasting berries and viridescent satin ribbons adorn our boxes under the tree. Green also represents the importance of eco-innovative solutions for the festive season - a time of giving and receiving - the best gift we can give is to the planet itself, with sustainable and beautiful options.
All of the materials shown here can be ordered, and some are in stock at our studio. Please contact us for any material requests, material advice or if you would like to come in for a consultation with one of our experts.
In French

Materials
Merveilleux Minéraux

Présentation de notre nouvelle famille de matières éco-innovante durable, composée de l’association de mica projeté, de vermiculite et de papier recyclé sur des supports non-tissés. Le mica apporte une finition métallique étincelante, semblable à celle du diamant et la vermiculite a une haute résistance à la chaleur, améliorant ainsi la résistance au feu. Ces deux minéraux sont d'origine naturelle et sont exploités de manière éthique, totalement éco-certifiée, classant cette famille dans les matériaux durables, disponibles pour tous vos besoins.

Le mica a une riche histoire culturelle, il est notamment utilisé comme matériau prisé et de luxe par des artistes ukiyo-e japonais tels que Utamaro dans la production de leurs estampes sur bois à la fin des années 1700. Les fonds recouverts de mica rappellent les miroirs, permettant le reflet de sa propre personne, réflexion du soi, grand luxe à l'époque. Ces oeuvres étaient communément oblongues pour imiter la forme des miroirs, afin de projeter le spectateur à l'intérieur de la beauté de l'image elle-même. Les Japonais qualifient le mica de "pierre miraculeuse". Quand a la vermiculite, elle est utilisée dans des applications techniques depuis les années 1800, telles que l'ignifugation de l'acier de construction et la production de verre soufflé pour refroidir le verre pendant le travail, en raison de son extraordinaire résistance thermique et de son poids structurel particulièrement léger. 

Combinées, ces matières créent des surfaces en 3 dimensions d'une complexité et d'une beauté inattendues, précieux pour enrichir de nombreux projets de luxe.

Pour plus de détails sur chaque matériel, visitez leurs pages individuelles ici : Popcorn, Cleopatra, Roche, Neige & Sable.

In French

Story of the Month
Noël Coloré et Touchant

“Vert pour le lierre qui grimpe sur le mur

Blanc pour le gui suspendu dans l'entrée Rouge pour les baies qui brillent dans la neige" Les couleurs de Noël, John Rutter, 2011
L’identité matérielle attachée aux fêtes de fin d'années résonne dans l’imaginaire collectif et évoque une palette de couleurs, de textures spécifique et unique. En cette saison si particulière, les espaces intérieurs se transforment : des arbres ornés de boules de Noël, des guirlandes scintillantes, des lumières brillantes, des nœuds de satin et tout un tas d'accessoires variés. Des bougies tapissent nos intérieurs, faisant rentrer la chaleur dans nos chaumières. Si il ne s’agit pas d'être présent dans tous les habitats, l’esprit de Noël envahit les rues des villes. Des guirlandes dansent au dessus de nos têtes, illuminant les immeubles et les arbres, les vitrines des commerces, ornées de décorations, rayonnent comme des feux de cheminés et réchauffent les rues froides des mois d’hiver. Les majestueux sapins décorés, venus s’installer aux coins des rues et sur les places, annoncent la magie de Noël, et nous accompagnent durant ces mois qui annoncent et nous accompagnent vers la fin de l’année. Nous régressons. Nous redevenons des enfants, émerveillés devant les vitrines hypnotiques des grands magasins et des boutiques, dont la chaleur s'émane et évoque les scènes nostalgiques et rêvées de l'hiver, du foyer chaleureux et de la famille, stimulant tous nos sens et conduisant à l'émerveillement.   American Supply est réputé pour son choix inégalé de matériaux de Noël uniques utilisés pour le merchandising de luxe, les vitrines et productions diverses haut de gamme. Nous travaillons avec les plus grands noms du luxe afin de les accompagner à ce que leurs rêves de Noël deviennent réalité, depuis les consultations sur les matériaux jusqu'à la création de matériaux sur mesure et à la mise en place d'une installation de fabrication complète, pour les productions plus ambitieuses, comme pour des réseaux de vitrines de magasins.    Ce mois-ci, nous décomposons les couleurs codifiées de Noël afin d’en extraire leurs ingrédients, en ré-imaginant, avec une petite sélection de matériaux spécialement sélectionnés afin de proposer un Noël touchant, à notre façon !
“Rouge pour les baies qui brillent dans la neige"   Le rouge fait échos aux baies qui poussent en abondance sur les houx pendant les mois d'hiver, éclairant les branches sombrent des arbres par ces touches colorées et lumineuses. En 1863, Thomas Nast, un dessinateur politique américain pour le Harper's Weekly, a créé les images caractéristiques du Père Noël portant sa tenue rouge et blanche qui sont devenues des icônes, bien qu'elles aient souvent été attribuées à tort aux publicités de Coca-Cola de l'illustrateur Haddon Sundblom.
“Blanc pour le gui suspendu dans l'entrée”   Le blanc évoque la neige, légère et fine, qui dansent dans les ciels sombres et tapissent les sols froids de leur manteau lumineux. Le blanc rappelle aussi l'épaisse fourrure qui réchauffe   le costume du Père Noël. Blanches et telles des billes de nacre, les baies presque translucide du gui symbolisent la pureté, et décorent, magnifient nos tables de fête. N'oublions pas le reflet de la lumière des guirlandes électriques qui inonde et réverbère dans nos nuits noires hivernales, et réchauffant les surfaces, de leur blancheur scintillante, chatoyante et étincelante.
“Vert pour le lierre qui grimpe sur le mur”   Les arbres à feuilles persistantes sont célébrés dans ces périodes hivernales. Ils bravent les saisons et les mois les plus froids, nous offrant leur couleur chaude dans les paysages désolés de l’hiver. Il y a aussi le lierre, d'un vert profond qui contraste avec le précieux rouge des baies de houx. Le vert représente également l'importance des solutions éco-innovantes pour la saison des fêtes - ce moment d'échange, où l'on donne et où l'on reçoit - le meilleur cadeau que l'on puisse faire est celui faite à la planète elle-même, avec des options durables et magnifiques.
Tous les matériaux présentés ici peuvent être commandés et nous en avons certains en stock. Veuillez nous contacter pour toute demande de matériel, de conseil divers concernant ou si vous souhaitez prendre RDV avec l'un de nos experts.
In English

Event
Material District Rotterdam 2020

American Supply is pleased to present materials at Material District Rotterdam. The salon takes place from the 23rd to the 25th of June, and is one not to be missed for material enthusiasts!

This year’s edition will be the biggest yet, with a focus on sustainability in a curated selection of 400 materials from Material District’s extensive library for visitors to see, feel and experience first hand. All selected materials fall within one or more of their sustainable themes.

Material District Rotterdam will show our Flash-Luminium, which is composed of our Rainbow Flash retro-reflective nylon material fused on an aluminium support. Flash-Luminium is almost black when not activated by light, but once it is activated it becomes a prismatic gradient rainbow-colour. The retroreflection is achieved through light activating micro-glass beads on the nylon surface with a gradient refractive index. Even when not flashed, the dark surface has a subtle rainbow tint.

Its lightweight aluminium support is easily manipulated by hand and able to hold the form you give it with ease. Once this is combined with its retro-reflectivity, it becomes a material that needs to be seen to be believed!

Dates & opening hours MaterialDistrict Rotterdam
Tuesday 23 June 2020: 10:30 – 19:00
Wednesday 24 June 2020: 10:30 – 19:00
Thursday 25 June 2020: 10:30 – 19:00

Material District Rotterdam
Rotterdam Ahoy
Ahoyweg 10
3084 BA Rotterdam

For more information visit:
Rotterdam.MaterialDistrict.com

In English

Materials
The American Supply Material Collections

Pour voir cette page en français, cliquez ici

The American Supply material collection offer is 25% eco-conscious to help you with your dedicated sustainable material research. Our collections are invaluable additions to any discerning Materiotheque and are available in three distinct formats. They are packaged in exclusive American Supply binders, housed in gold embossed American Supply Cubes to keep them in order.

 

Our first offer is The Classic Collection, which segments our iconic materials into their process families – Applied / Laminated, Coated / Projected, Extruded / Calendered, Pressed / Cast, Relief / 3D Effect and Woven / Braided. This makes it easier to discern the varied manufacturing processes behind their creation and aids your imagination to understand the possibilities of combining and transforming them. At the end of the year, a thirteenth binder is sent to you, containing the Material of the Month samples.

American Supply Classic Collection 600€ with VAT 

(500.00€ excl. VAT)

BUY NOW

The American Supply Classic Collection is composed of 12 binders in 3 American Supply Cubes, containing 140 materials. Our 6 manufacturing process families are divided into 2 binders each. At the end of the year, in December, a thirteenth binder will be sent with all 12 Material of the Month in a bonus binder of new materials. The American Supply Classic Collection contains 152 materials.

Our second offer is the Eco-Collection which classifies our most recent research into the following eco-categories: Recycled, Recyclable, Eco-Conception & Natural. The Eco-Collection is composed of 4 binders in one American Supply Cube.

Eco-Collection 

300€ with VAT (250.00€ excl. VAT)

Each binder contains 10 -12 materials, chosen by our creative team that reflect our ongoing eco-conscious research. The Eco-Collection contains 50 materials in 4 binders housed in 1 American Supply cube.

Our final offer is The American Supply Full Collection, combining The Classic Collection and The Eco-Collection together in a complete package, giving you access to 25% eco-conscious materials. This option gives you all the tools you need to understand the American Supply materials, and gives you first-hand access to our latest material research, revealing the material’s potential and transformative possibilities.  At the end of the year, a seventeenth binder is sent to you, containing the Material of the Month samples.

American Supply Full Collection 900€ with VAT 

(750.00€ excl. VAT)

BUY NOW

The American Supply Classic Collection as above – Contains 140 materials and the Eco-Collection containing 50 Materials. A total of 16 binders in 4 American Supply Cubes, with 202 materials. At the end of the year, a seventeenth binder will be sent with all 12 Material of the Month in a bonus binder of new materials.

BUY NOW