Modernist icons brush shoulders with contemporary design at the Los Angeles edition of nomadic exhibition SQUAT, which sees maverick gallerist Nina Yashar embrace the West Coast’s bohemian spirit.
The Nilufar Gallery founder collaborated with the Italian Cultural Institute on SQUAT Los Angeles, which commandeers the industrial bones of 830 North Highland Avenue. This vaulted space has been transformed into a series of immersive domestic environments, furnished with the works of 40 designers.
Seven unique ‘atmospheres’ fill the 500 sq m warehouse, and are filled with over 150 design pieces by historic maestros such as Ettore Sottsass, Finn Juhl and Carlo Scarpa, to contemporary designers including Bethan Laura Wood, Michael Anastassiades and Gabriella Crespi.
Yashar enlisted Italian landscape designer Derek Castiglioni to curate one of the atmospheres, which is inspired by the Amalfi Coast.
Curtains informally separate the spaces, which feature a series of knotted vintage rugs – including Sottsass’ striking Sun Carpet and an early 20th-century Indian Dhurrie carpet – and modern polychrome carpets by the likes of Martino Gamper.
SQUAT Los Angeles runs until 20 February 2020.