BASEL.- As the virtual art experience continues to grow, award-winning international firm
Oppenheim Architecture returns to showcase their second digital gallery space for the exhibition Again, Working Yesterday, debuting 10 new pieces from artist Michelle Grabner, directed by Anne Mosseri-Marlio. The gallery, designed by the traditionally brick-and-mortar architecture studio, was created to provide the ultimate immersive online experience that captures the natural abundance of space and lighting of an in-person gallery. Each painting and sculpture is brought to life through the use of photometry and visualization technologies provided in partnership with the architectural visualization agency The Boundary. Notably, the virtual gallery features a range of three-dimensional, multimedia works, which guests can experience in 360 thanks to the space's innovative architecture. Through the use of a keyboard, touch screen, or computer mouse, guests are able to freely wander and explore the art and the remarkable detail of each piece from different distances and angles.
The future of the gallery experience is evolving at unprecedented speeds, stated Oppenheim Architecture Director of European Operations, Beat Huesler. New innovations such as the Metaverse and the ever-growing industry of NFTs, virtual reality, and online galleries will be a crucial element in the art and architecture space. We view this project as an opportunity to continue to engage in this digital realm and authentically share beautiful art and architecture to the viewer, while providing the artist a platform to showcase their work.
The digital gallery consists of two parts: the main gallery, and The Space. The main gallery is where the work of Michelle Grabner is displayed, showcasing her thirty-year dedication to repetition and pattern painting. Each piece is placed meticulously and provides up-close and detailed inspection of each painting individually, creating a peaceful atmosphere that is palpable. The Space, created by Oppenheim Architecture, features a library setting in Andermatt, in the Swiss Alps, and a Grabner painting that adds to the contemplative atmosphere and mountain setting.
Oppenheim Architecture first worked with Anne Mosseri-Marlio in 2013, planting the seed for a collaboration that resulted in the design of the physical gallery in Basel, Switzerland. The virtual gallery reflects a close understanding of the quality required for its artists, with work varying in scale and medium. The gallery seeks to provide accessible art to all visitors, giving everyone the ability to connect to art that normally would not be attainable.
The online viewing room was designed by Oppenheim Architecture, with user interface and visual effects by The Boundary. The gallery is currently open to visitors and is displaying the exhibition Again, Working Yesterday. Visit the gallery at annemoma.gallery.
Established in 1999 by Chad Oppenheim, the practice has studios in Miami and Basel with an inquisitive team of forty architects, interior designers, planners, dreamers, and technicians. Our Basel office is led by Swiss architect Beat Huesler, Chads long-time friend and associate from Cornell University. The two studios operate as one, guided by poetically contextual design, hyper-functionality, and building craft.
As architectural archeologists, our work is highly attuned to its site. We go beyond the bounds of conventional architectural productionstudying people and cultures, technologies and materials, psychologies and experiencesto create buildings and spaces that connect people with the spirit of place.
As value creators and problem-solvers, we aim to challenge and inspire so that each site and project fulfills and exceeds its potential. Every brief holds hidden value, and our focus is to realize these greater cultural, experiential, and economic possibilitiesto make one plus one equal eleven. By seeing architecture as part of a wider ecosystem, we amplify benefits not only for our clients and users, but also for the surrounding community and environment.
Oppenheim Architecture has received over 90 awards, including more than 60 from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards, as well as a National Design Award from Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.