On View During NYCxDESIGN: Samuel Ross | COARSE
New York, NY– May 15, 2023 – Friedman Benda presents COARSE, the gallery’s second solo presentation of acclaimed British polymath designer Samuel Ross, during NYCxDESIGN.
The COARSE exhibition showcases a new series of works that examine the relationships between materials, body, landscape, industrialization, and geography. A continuation of Ross’ interest in post-industrialized Western culture and Modernism, these works point to the link between body and material, both intricately layered with meaning and memory.
Ross’ understanding of geography exists beyond the concepts of territory, diaspora, and the human body. It extends to the material connectors between these elements: space, time, location, minerals, residue, erosion. Titles such as ORGAN- SOIL -BODY- LAND and FIRE OPENS STONE- A MEMORIAL point to this physical association and remind us that both body and material are vessels of memory and meaning.
The founder and designer of the fashion line a A-Cold-Wall*, and the recipient of 2019 Hublot Design Prize, Ross creates simple and striking objects. His career has been unique: starting as a product designer working for several high-profile brands, advertising agencies and industrial design practices, while concurrently focusing on his own creative endeavors spanning experimental film, street art and garment design; then transitioning to fashion and working for Virgil Abloh; and soon after, self-funding and launching his label in 2015, at the age of 25.
Ross’ creations are not dependent on any particular field or media, with his creativity crossing all disciplines. Since 2020, through his grant and funding initiatives, he has provided support to other exceptional Black British and POC artists and entrepreneurs, benefitting over 40 recipients to date.
About Friedman Benda
Friedman Benda identifies and advances key narratives that intersect contemporary design, craft, architecture, fine art, and cutting-edge technological research. The gallery promotes synthesis between leading creative thinkers and makers by creating opportunities to advance new connections within the global design community. Friedman Benda is committed to a critical view of design history. We aim to expand the design dialogue from its established sources, exploring perspectives that have previously been marginalized. Spanning five continents and four generations, Friedman Benda represents a roster of seminal established and emerging designers, as well as historically significant estates. With locations in New York and Los Angeles, the gallery’s exhibitions, publications and collaborations with institutions have played a vital role in the development of the contemporary design market and scholarship since 2007. For further information please visit www.friedmanbenda.com