From 18 August to 18 September 2011 Serindia Gallery presents an exhibition contrasting two very different incarnations of traditional art and innovation: antique Tibetan rugs from the Piccus Collection and new surface techniques from Alexander Lamont.
Material culture embodies the core values and traditional life of a society. Whether it's in the Tibetan rugs unrolled to sit, sleep or pray upon, or in the inlaid textures of a cabinet drawer opened to reveal cherished possessions inside, this exhibition brings together the work of countless hands and hours spent in the creation of objects of simple, profound beauty.
The warm vegetable dyes, symbolic patterns and powerful structure of Tibetan rugs are finely complemented in this exhibition by the shimmering surfaces of the furniture pieces created by Alexander Lamont.
Robert Piccus has built up the outstanding collection of Tibetan rugs over the last 30 years. The collection was formed during the exciting "window of opportunity" during the 80s and 90s to collect in this previously little-known area. It demonstrates the genuine aesthetic sense and cultural achievements of the unknown Tibetan weavers who produced these masterpieces.
His exacting eye and persistence are revealed in the new Serindia publication: SACRED & SECULAR: THE PICCUS COLLECTION OF TIBETAN RUGS. Featuring more than 180 rugs, this beautifully illustrated book includes personal essays on the collector's spirit and experience and will be the leading reference book on the subject. More than 20 rugs from the collection will be on display during the exhibition to commemorate the book launch.
Alongside the Piccus Collection of Tibetan rugs, this exhibition displays the latest innovations developed in the Bangkok workshops of Alexander Lamont using the myriad unique materials for which he is well known.
Taking simple-form, functional furniture Alexander Lamont's workshops have applied silver straw, ivory sheets, mirrored gold, lacquered shell, gilded coromandel and sunken shagreen to create exciting, contemporary pieces that combine traditional techniques with modern, innovative takes on the materials used. Each piece of furniture is a unique work of art in its own right, and beautifully showcases the creative flair, attention to detail, depth and patience of Alexander Lamont's work.
"Not all that glitters is gold" - Lamont's surfaces appear as jewels of colour and texture that transport us from the Parisian rooms of Eileen Gray and Jean Dunand, to the lacquer ateliers of Kyoto and Pagan. If we look deeply, our eye is drawn in through layers of cinnabar-red polished lacquer, cracked ivory tusk, mirror-like gold and smoky oxidized silver, down to the complex patterns of layers of straw, stingray or keyaki wood that lie beneath.
The whole effect is like a vision of alchemy, and we are left wondering at the time, patience and craftsmanship that are invested in each piece on display in this remarkable exhibition. The partnership of rare Tibetan rugs and modern craftsmanship is in fact born from a deeper layer of friendship and partnership between Mr Piccus and Mr Lamont. Both passionately in pursuit of great craft traditions and new directions in design, the idea to present the finest examples of their respective vocations together has been an exciting and fascinating work.
