Joining the swath of New York galleries that have cropped up in Palm Beach, Skarstedt Gallery debuts with an impressive showing.
Skarstedt Gallery is popping up in Palm Beach through June 15, beginning with KAWS: HOLIDAY.
“It’s been a year since anyone has been to an art fair,” says Per Skarstedt. They’re stats we know all too well, but hearing them aloud from the gallery owner strikes a deeper chord. Joining the numerous—and notable—galleries that have recently ventured to Palm Beach, Skarstedt Gallery opens in The Royal Poinciana Plaza following the success of its temporary East Hampton outpost. If you go, it seems, the galleries will follow.
“I have a special relationship to ‘HOLIDAY (1),’” says gallery owner Per Skarstedt. “The large version, 120 feet long, was outside my hotel window at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong when I stayed there two years ago”
Bringing with it renowned artist KAWS (aka Brian Donnelly), Skarstedt Gallery begins its pop-up residency (through June 15) with KAWS: HOLIDAY, an installation of four aluminum sculptures based on the massive inflatable version—or “COMPANION,” as dubbed by the artist—that has toured the globe.
In situ, the posed figures welcome patrons to the gallery with their humanoid gestures, expressions and characteristics. “The sculptures, renditions of the ‘COMPANION,’ appear to be reclined and relaxed,” explains Skarstedt. “They’re meant to remind us to relish simple pleasures, offering a respite from the weight of our present conditions. I think we all need that right now,” he adds. “They also seem to harmonize perfectly in the Palm Beach setting.”
“HOLIDAY (2)” (2020, aluminum and paint), 55 by 72 by 58 centimeters, edition of 10.
Up next, the gallery showcases an exhibit highlighting other prominent artists within the Skarstedt roster, including Sue Williams, David Salle and Eric Fischl. 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, skarstedt.com; kawsone.com