What Would Have Been…

Gathered in an attractive real and virtual exhibition, the treasures of the New York-based design gallery Friedman Benda are a genuine ode to international creativity

What Would Have Been is the evocative title of the exhibition created for this unprecedented moment in history. In the spaces of Friedman Benda, in the Chelsea district of Manhattan, the show brings together works by over thirty designers: from Sottsass to KAWS with Estudio Campana, Misha Kahn to Daniel Arsham, Joris Laarman to Andrea Branzi. Masterpieces originally made for worldwide museums and events that are presently “on hold.”

What would have been, Friedman Benda
What would have been, Friedman Benda

A gathering of voices, styles and visions, of highly acclaimed and emerging designers, in an exquisite dialogue inserted in the atmosphere of Chelsea, in New York City. Near the High Line, the Manhattan oasis now suspended in surreal silence, the Friedman Benda gallery presents its collection of art design: works that appeared for a short time, prior to the shutdown, in cities like Melbourne, Atlanta, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, or pieces commissioned for the most important international events, like the London Biennale, TEFAF, The Salon, Design Miami Basel.

What would have been, Friedman Benda
What would have been, Friedman Benda

An experience that immerses visitors in a thrilling voyage through masterpieces by Ettore Sottsass, Fernando & Humberto Campana, Gaetano Pesce, Daniel Arsham, KAWS with Estudio Campana, Front Design, Misha Kahn, Joris Laarman, OrtaMiklos, Andrea Branzi. A panoply of wonders that demonstrates what can be achieved when the society physically retreats, while remaining digitally hyper-connected, continuing its partnerships with producers, museums, studios and the global design community.

What would have been, Friedman Benda
What would have been, Friedman Benda

There is no way to lock down the creative spirit, and in this dimension of dialogue between real and virtual, in tune with the period of its making, What Would Have Been does not only happen “physically” in the spaces of Friedman Benda, but extends into the virtual realm with an original, immersive narrative.

What would have been, Friedman Benda
What would have been, Friedman Benda

What Would Have Been
Friedman Benda
Chelsea, New York (515 W 26th St, 1st floor)
Fino al 12 dicembre 2020
www.friedmanbenda.com

Photo: Courtesy of Friedman Benda