JUMEIRAH

When does luxury stop? 

Modern Antiquities, 2014
Mixed materials
Unique works
Various dimensions
© Mark Humphrey

COLLABORATOR
Jumeirah

LOCATION
Park Lane, Mayfair, London, UK

“MODERN ANTIQUITIES IS A SOLO EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY ARTEFACTS CONFRONTING THE ULTRA-LUXURY LIFESTYLE INDUSTRY AND THE GLOBAL CONCERNS BENEATH IT. A COLLECTION OF HOMEWARE IS TRANSFORMED INTO SCULPTURAL OBJECTS THAT EXPLORE DEEPER MEANINGS BENEATH THEIR SURFACES.

HAND-CRAFTED FROM PRECIOUS MATERIALS, THE WORKS TAKE RECOGNISABLE OBJECTS FROM EVERYDAY LIFE AND ELEVATE THEM INTO TREASURED VESSELS. THEIR LUXURIOUS APPEARANCE BECOMES A STARTING POINT FOR QUESTIONING THE VALUE WE PLACE ON POSSESSIONS, STATUS AND MATERIAL WEALTH.

THE EXHIBITION EXPLORES THE TENSION BETWEEN LUXURY AND EXCESS, BEAUTY AND CONSEQUENCE, DESIRE AND MEANING. WHAT APPEARS TO BE SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL OR DESIRABLE CAN CARRY ANOTHER IDEA BENEATH THE VIBRANT SURFACE.”

Mark Humphrey