‘Materia Perpetua’ an exhibition by Galerie Philia that explores the materiality of Onyx

Coinciding with the fifth edition of Frieze LA, Galerie Philia will be presenting Materia Perpetua from February 19 to March 3, 2024, which will also be the gallery’s inaugural exhibition in Los Angeles, USA, featuring a collection of limited-edition onyx works by ten of the gallery’s international designers. Staged in the striking, never-before-seen studio of designer Giampiero Tagliaferri, who will also create a one-off piece for the occasion. The exhibition marks a pivotal moment in the gallery’s history - the launch of ‘Philia Editions’, a new initiative offering the gallery’s artists the opportunity to produce sculptural designs in limited editions and in specific materials as part of bespoke thematic collections.

More than a display of creative skills and in line with Philia’s distinct philosophical approach, Materia Perpetua serves as a platform for profound reflection and thematic exploration, resulting in unique works that seamlessly blend artistic expression with a palpable, emotional response. The inaugural collection delves into the concept of eternity and its paradoxical origins. The title itself encapsulates this exploration, with 'Materia' alluding to both maternity and materiality, and 'Perpetua' signifying eternity. This paradox is intricately woven into each work, fusing spontaneous creation with a rich historical lineage.

The chosen material, Onyx, adds another layer of significance with its historical reverence. In ancient Egypt, it was a prized stone for sculpture; in the Roman Empire, it was used for crafting intaglios; and a mention of onyx can also be traced to the bible where it is said to be found on Aaron's breastplate. The participating artists, commissioned to create within the thematic framework of Materia Perpetua examine the tensions between tradition and contemporaneity, using the semi-precious stone to explore questions such as whether one necessarily affiliates with the material's long history or liberates oneself through contemporary lines and usage.

Exhibiting designers include Mexican designer Andres Monnier who embraced the challenges of working with Onyx, which he describes as ‘the glass of rock,’ to produce a selection of pieces, including a mirror with a sculpted base. Italian designer Pietro Franceschini will present a delicately polished chair made from the material. Similarly, American designer Melanie Murata will showcase her Seijaku chair, inspired by the feeling of stillness and tranquillity Murata experienced during her time in Kyoto, Japan. The chair is a fusion of the detailing and careful craftsmanship found in Japanese joinery, paired with the imperfections of Onyx as a raw material. Ukrainian furniture design studio Faina and Australian designer Henry Wilson both contribute to the exhibition with unique pieces. Lighting design studio Paul Matter, has crafted a tall, organic curved sculptural piece. Belgian designer Pierre de Valck will present his Axe Table, a scaled-up version of an original Palaeolithic hand axe, one of the longest-used tools in human history dating back around one milion years ago. He describes the work as ‘reconnecting us with our common heritage as a species.’ The Italian design duo Studiopepe, will showcase a crafted table, and Morghen Studio enriches the collection with a site-specific monumental brass chandelier titled Dafne. Inspired by the ‘Umbrella Trees of Africa’, this work serves as a tribute to the well-known Greco-Roman myth and introduces a sense of grandeur to this thematic exploration.

“We are thrilled to introduce Materia Perpetua, a milestone exhibition representing our inaugural venture into the vibrant art and design scene of Los Angeles. This collection not only marks the emergence of Philia Editions but also encapsulates the essence of Philia's commitment to providing a unique platform for our international artists. Through the lens of onyx, a material steeped in history, our artists have crafted works that beautifully weave together the threads of time, creating a narrative that resonates with eternity,” shares Ygael Attali, Director and Co-Founder of Galerie Philia.