25A
Posen Power in Soho NYC
A visit to Stephen Posen’s home and art studio By Rachel Vancelette
S
tephen Posen’s art studio is a striking reminder of the famed days when contemporary artists first colonized the cast-iron buildings of Soho during the 1960-70s. The studio designed to house some of Posen’s most prize possessions includes an extensive art library, a vintage hat and hat stand collection, a selection of vintage land-cameras along with some special belongings that Posen himself recovered abandoned right on the New York City streets. The personal collections are daily reminders of his international travels both near and far. These influences can be seen in his multiple-year series of photographs focused on items from local flea markets, exotic locals and quiet scenes from the Posen family farm in nearby Pennsylvania. The father to noted fashion designer Zac Posen is very passionate about his family, friends and most of all his art. Flashing back to 2013 and Posen’s project pop-up art exhibition which presented a selection of photographs and painting collages at the time, the event reminded one of the old days of Gramercy art hopping. Presented at the top of the
78
Metropolitan Magazine Palm Beach | Metmagny.com
famous Gramercy Park Hotel, the estimated 18 million dollar penthouse hosted multiple special events and artists’ discussions. Together with savvy galleriest Rachel Churner of Churner and Churner, at the time the duo broke new ground to present artwork outside the conventional realm of the art gallery parameters which had many art world insiders knocking at the door. “We strive to provide a private oasis for art lovers and collectors alike.” The venue by “private invite-only” stated Rachel Churner. Visitors included many from the top fashion, art world and celebrity elite including guests such as Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, Performa’s Roselee Goldberg and former Yale classmate artist Chuck Close at the time. Posen’s passion for engaging the younger generation of artists makes him a progressive creative leader in the field as he continues to push boundaries and break all the rules. In those days news of Roitfeld’s new venture to open a New York City permanent art gallery space had rumors swirling that Posen may pop up as one of his latest discoveries or perhaps with a series of new exhibition pop-ups in a different cities?....