It’s been an art filled week both in New York and London. With travel soon to reopen between each side of the Atlantic, we’ve been exploring and celebrating some of our recent art adventures.

New York: As Long As The Sun Lasts

The one and only ‘Big Bird’ overlooks Central Park and the city beyond! Constructed by American conceptual artist Alex Da Corte, this 26 foot high sculpture resides at the Roof Garden Commission of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Made of stainless steel, aluminium and fiberglass, the sculpture is kinetic allowing it to sway lightly in the breeze.

This fun and whimsical installation reminds us of the eye catching mobile by Daniel Reynolds that elegantly floats in our Orangery at Ham Yard Hotel.

London: Frieze 2021 Fair 

Frieze Masters offers a unique and contemporary perspective on thousands of years of art history, from collectible objects to significant masterpieces from the ancient era and Old Masters to the late 20th century. The 2021 edition of the fair has showcased over 130 of the most significant galleries from around the world. We made our way to Regent’s Park where the fair takes place. Here are some highlights which we hope will charm you…

Piero Dorazio is an important artist to learn from in terms of how to use colour. He is known for his gestural, atmospheric paintings of grids crosshatched with fluid brushstrokes and pulsating in colour and texture.

It’s not always the art displayed on the walls that attracts our attention. We were drawn to this trestle table with organic timber top, in contrast to the glazed and oversized ceramic vessels.

We were also delighted to find a number of works by Howard Hodgkin. There are thousands of different ways to frame a piece of art and we adore this brightly painted frame which made the art jump out!

In a series of short videos called The Firmdale Art Collection we explore Howard Hodgkin’s two prints in the Croc Bowling Alley at Ham Yard Hotel which were the largest and most ambitious etchings ever completed by the artist. Take a look and marvel at the scale of these paintings that represent an element of nostalgia and the passage of time.

American contemporary artist Jim Dine has been associated with numerous art movements throughout his career including Neo-Dada (use of collage and found objects), Abstract Expressionism (the gestural nature of his painting), and Pop Art (affixing everyday objects including tools, rope, articles of clothing and even a bathroom sink) to his canvases. Here this brightly coloured painted timber bust is made from the same piece of timber as the chair.

Ivon Hitchens creates drama with these bold brush strokes. We could dwell on this one time and time again.

Frieze has also opened its first ever gallery: No.9 Cork Street in Mayfair brings an opportunity for dealers who may want to exhibit at a slower pace as an alternative to the art fair hamster-wheel.  We can’t wait to wander over and discover more inspiring works!