Best Art Galleries in the World: Maison Gerard

Founded in 1974, Maison Gerard is specialized in fine French Art Deco, 20th century and contemporary design, including furniture, lighting and several art pieces. Joining works of art from the early 1900’s to the present day, Maison Gerard creates unique and modern spaces which show to the world the gallery’s philosophy: there is so much to gain from marrying the past and the present.

“Néréide” (1979) by Fred Brouard. Made of patinated bronze and glass. Photo: ©MG

Detail of “Néréide”. Photo: ©MG

“Pieds de Bouc” (2008) by Marc Bankowsky. Made of bronze and mongolian lamb fur. Photo: ©MG

One of the gallery’s current projects is “Light on Earth” by Niamh Barry, which is being showcased at the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History until 28 February. This is a solo exhibition exploring Niamh Barry’s work over the last decade.

“Vent dans les Feuilles” by Marc Bankowsky. Made of patinated bronze and glass. Photo: ©MG

“On it Goes” (2018) by Niamh Barry. Hanging Light Sculpture made of mirror polished bronze, opal glass and LEDs. Photo: ©MG

Detail of “On it Goes”. Photo: ©MG

Barry started to acquire international recognition in 2011 when she was chosen by London’s Luxcraft as one of eight extremely talented artists to showcase their lighting designs. She has since earned a reputation as a pioneer artist in the use of LED, becoming one of the most celebrated artists dedicated light sculptures nowadays.

“Knotted” (2015) by Niamh Barry. Light Sculpture Mirror polished bronze, opal glass and LEDs. Photo: ©MG

In this video, produced in coordination with her exhibition, the artist describes her detailed creative process of inspiration, drawing, maquette making, and, finally, execution. In this behind the scenes we can see her sculptures evolve from concepts to complete art pieces, named by her as “drawings in light”.

In particular, Barry explains how she unites sloping joints, connecting each shape to its neighbor, and how she creates a shifting grade that expands and contracts as the viewer’s eye passes around the line of one ellipse and on to the next. These two remarkable innovations purify her already natural creations to an even more organic look.

“Falling II” (2015) by Niamh Barry. Made of mirror polishished bronze, opal glass and LEDs. Photo: ©MG

We can’t wait to see more creative projects from Maison Gerard soon.

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