Collectible design displayed in museum-like environs, a 10-day auto event in the Swiss Alps, and video essays that explore themes of colonialism and climate science.
Andrés Reisinger and Júlia Esqué, "Hortensia Chair" 2018, polyester. © Andrés Reisinger Courtesy of il-lacions design gallery
Gerhard Richter: Painting After All Met Breuer Museum, 945 Madison Ave., New York
Naturalism meets abstraction in Gerhard Richter’s deeply emotional paintings. Born in Dresden in 1932, Richter grew up haunted by the devastation of World War II and went on to gain fame for his work with abstraction and his unsettling photo-based painting. Opening in March, Gerhard Richter: Painting After All spans six decades of Richter’s career and comprises more than 100 of his works (including the US debut of his 10-work Birkenau and Cage series). Highlighting art as Richter’s political and social voice, the exhibition gives viewers a headlong immersion into the creative output of one of the greatest artists of our time. (March 5–July 5; times and prices vary)
Collectible Various locations in Brussels, Belgium
The third annual Collectible turns the traditional design fair on its head by displaying contemporary collectible design in a museum-like setting. Hosted at Brussels’ Vanderborght Building, known for its stark gallery-style walls and six-story atrium, the show displays international design pieces in an exhibition-style format that allows customers to not only look, but also touch and purchase high-end contemporary design pieces from exhibitors such as London’s Blue Mountain School, Brussels design gallery Fracas, New York- and Geneva-based Galerie Phila, and London-based designer Charlotte Kidger. “Following two successful years, we are very much looking forward to welcoming guests to the third edition,” note Collectible founders Clélie Debehault and Liv Vaisberg. “There will be six floors filled with galleries and some independent studios, as well as a new section entitled Bespoke. We are pleased that together with our participants, we can continue to create a new narrative for contemporary collectible design.” (March 5-8; times and prices vary)
Geneva International Motor Show Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland
The world’s most renowned car manufacturers trek to the heart of the Alps to unveil their new designs during Geneva’s annual 10-day auto event. For industry experts and car enthusiasts alike, GIMS is the premier destination to witness alternative-propulsion innovation, and if one is lucky enough to win a chance, perhaps even test-drive one of the 48 new models on display, before they hit the road. (March 5–15; times and prices vary)
John Akomfrah: Future History Seattle Art Museum, 1300 1st Ave., Seattle
Born in Ghana and based in London, cinematic artist John Akomfrah fuses experience and vision in his latest installment of “video essays.” Featuring three films placed between the 15th and 21st centuries, this collection explores concepts of time passage, colonialism, and climate science through a collage of archival, underwater, experimental, and recent footage. (March 5-May 3; times and prices vary)
The Design Datebook is GRAY’s weekly list of must-attend design and cultural events around the globe.