Ian Davenport
Jelmoli Public Art Commission
11.02.2016 - 09.2016
JOYE DE VIVRE IN RIOTOUS COLOURS FOR ZURICH'S BAHNHOFSTRASSE –
THE FAÇADE OF JELMOLI HAUS SPORTS PUBLIC POP-UP ART BY IAN DAVENPORT.
Leading Swiss department store Jelmoli brings a big splash of colour to Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse. Jelmoli has commissioned a large piece of public pop-up art from famous British artist Ian Davenport, represented by Galerie Andres Thalmann in Zurich. During façade renovations from 11 February until mid-May 2016, Jelmoli Haus will sport Davenport's vibrant spring colours.
Riot of colours a gift for the city of Zurich Jelmoli has commissioned renowned London artist, Ian Davenport, for an extraordinary large-scale public pop-up art project in the context of façade renovations on the corner of Uraniastrasse / Seidengasse (dimensions: Seidengasse 255m2/2,745sq ft; Uraniastrasse 350m2/3,770sq ft). In co-operation with Galerie Andres Thalmann in Zurich, Ian Davenport's uniquely suited work emerged as the clear leader among several pieces by leading international artists selected by the gallery.
'Jelmoli, Switzerland's largest premium department store, takes great pleasure in offering the people of Zurich this exclusive experience of public pop-up art created by the leading international artist, Ian Davenport,' said Franco Savastano, CEO of Jelmoli – The House of Brands. Savastano went on to say that 'Ian Davenport's elegant piece brings a breath of cosmopolitan air to Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse. Announcing the coming of spring, its vibrant colours will put a smile on everyone's face.'
Zurich architects, Fässler + Partner AG, were commissioned for the Jelmoli Haus façade renovation, in close co-operation with the City of Zurich Office for Preservation (Denkmalpflege der Stadt Zürich).
Ian Davenport, international leader among 'Young British Artists' Kentish-born Ian Davenport (b.1966) is one of the most illustrious Young British Artists, who initiated the most important art movement in late 20th-century Britain. As a very young artist, Davenport was nominated for the Turner Prize, the 'Oscar' of the British art community. Colours and energies play a key part in Davenport's work. Vibrant contrasts and almost tangible energies arise from the combination of many different hues of acrylic paint running down from the top edge of thin sheet aluminium. Intense and gaudy colours seen in changing light and from various vantage points continually produce new visual experiences. Collectors all over the world have vied for Davenport's extremely popular paintings, which can also be found at big-name art museums and galleries in São Paolo, New York, London, Singapore, Zurich and elsewhere. In 2006, Davenport realised a large-scale project for Tate Modern in London.
The artist himself was present at today's official ceremony to unveil Jelmoli Zurich's pop-up art façade. 'The brilliant colours and amazing impact of this extremely large piece in this central location were the main reasons why Ian Davenport's work was selected,' said Zurich gallery owner, Carina Andres Thalmann, who is Davenport's official representative in Switzerland. 'Davenport's work seems to spring from spontaneous acts. However, a great deal of thought and preparation goes into each of his compositions. Some of his Puddle Paintings, for example, emulate historic masterpieces. Davenport undertakes meticulous digital analyses of their chromatic values and harmonies, which he then transfers into his minimalist "quotations",' Andres Thalmann explained.
About Jelmoli, Zurich's Premium Department Store
Established in 182 years ago, Jelmoli – The House of Brands, is among the oldest department stores in Europe. On a surface area of 33,000m2/355,209sq ft, some 1,000 different brands are on offer in its many 'worlds'. Launched in 1993, the Jelmoli Premium strategy prompted a re-focusing on its flagship store in Zurich, where some 600 members of staff are currently employed. www.jelmoli.ch
About Ian Davenport
Ian Davenport was born in Sidcup, Kent, England, in 1966. Having studied at Northwich College of Art and Design, he graduated from Goldsmith College, University of London, in 1988. That year, he participated in Freeze, the legendary art exhibition in London's Docklands curated by Damien Hirst. In 1991 Davenport was Turner Prize Nominee. His works are on display in leading galleries and museums of contemporary art, including Tate Britain in London. www.iandavenport.com
Biography of Ian Davenport
About Fässler & Partner Architects
Jelmoli Press Release (pdf)