Yesterday we had the pleasure of attending the opening of Ajan Daeng: The Red Professor, a new exhibition at the Rockefeller Plaza gallery space at beloved home and apparel retailer Anthropologie. Keith Johnson, who scours the world in search of unique goods for the stores, was on hand to discuss these newest finds.
You may recognize Johnson from his show Man Shops Globe on Sundance Channel, and it was during one of these documented journeys that he stumbled upon the work of artist Ajan Daeng after pulling into a forested area alongside a rural Thai road.
Daeng makes sculpture from found objects including rusted industrial castoffs and the area's fast-growing natural species. The individual characteristics of the materials determine the end-products, which are always inspired by the forest environment Daeng so loves. He also teaches local children woodworking and metalcraft when he's not creating his own work. Johnson's goal is to expose this deserving talent to the American public, and all pieces on display at the gallery are available for purchase at very reasonable price points.
To see the work for yourself, visit Anthropologie's gallery at 50 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan.
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Had the pleasure of seeing this yesterday. I always appreciate the artistic finds of the Anthropologie staff.
And the wallpaper is great, and one I've seen a number of times. I never tire of it.
Love the fishies! The clay birds are hilarious and wonderful, too. Nature combines easily with urban detritus. I love how creativity flourishes out of cast offs.
rustic charm in sculpture, thanks for high lighting this. there aren't many stores left in new york that have exhibitions.
This might/ could be better if he were to offer a way to make things that are functional. I think most people want to buy local art, local crafts, whatever.
As they are, the pics seem like he's only featured "display" pieces that serve no function. They are beautiful, again, yet lack purpose.