MARBELLA DESIGN AND ART MARBELLA

If art and design are two of life’s great passions for you, then pencil in two upcoming fairs: Marbella Design and Art Marbella, to be held simultaneously at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos from September 24 to October 3. These are, hands down, Marbella’s two most prestigious art and design events, though in the past, each was held on a different date. It makes sense to hold both simultaneously, however, since art is such an integral part of interior design in highend homes.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MARBELLA DESIGN AND ARTMARBELLA

A dreamlike installation

THE THIRD EDITION OF MARBELLA DESIGN

This is the third year that art collector and entrepreneur, Alejandro Zaia, will be bringing Marbella Design to our shores. If you have attended past events, then you know they are ‘the bomb’ in terms of the talent they bring (past attendees include high flyers from the design, advertising, and tourism sectors – including Architect, Teresa Sapey; Mini designer Frank Stephenson, and advertising whiz kid, Borja Borrero).

Of course, the visual splendor of the art and design on view is worthy of a visit in itself. The common thread that runs through both fairs is the ‘design for life’ concept – the idea that great design enhances life and, in some cases, it can actually last a lifetime (thereby supporting the idea of sustainability).

BETTER THAN EVER

Zaia tells me that despite the current health crisis, “this year will have a larger number of participants than last year. Around 150 brands and interior designers have confirmed their attendance, which represents a 35 per cent increase in attendance.” Indeed, the construction industry has continued its activity during the crisis, making the demand for design and art as strong as ever. “We have worked alongside the Palacio de Ferias to ensure that all safety and preventive measures recommended by the government are followed to the letter.”

A terrace to chill out on at Marbella Design

TALENT ON SHOW

Marbella Design has always had various facets to it and it will continue in a similar style this year. Each exhibitor will have dedicated spaces with a height of over three metres. This will allow them to display their respective concepts and show off cutting edge materials, new efforts in the area of sustainable design, and a plethora of wall and floor designs.

Space designed by Erico Navazo for Villeroy & Boch

Last year, for instance, some of the most talkedabout spaces included the bathroom by Erico Navazo for Villeroy & Boch (featuring nature-inspired wall prints and backdrops, a standing bath, and gorgeous relaxation spaces) and the luxury suite by Adriana Nicolau for Grohe (with its amazing Aqua Symphony shower, which allows homeowners to ‘play’ with a wide array of lights and music and control the flow and temperature of water with the minimalist ‘push and turn’ buttons). This year promises to be just as cool, with the list of confirmed designers including JUNG, Sara Folch, and Marisa Gallo.

NEW AESTHETICS AND MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRATION

Interior designer, Erico Navazo

The ‘pavilion route’ will boast a new aesthetic this year, designed by Alfonso Castellón. Zaia explains, “This route will comprise both Marbella Design and Art Marbella, which will be joined in harmonious fashion.” This year’s main sponsor and partner, FINSA, will provide materials and biocide-containing boards, as well as sustainable materials with certifications from organisations the calibre of Cradle to Cradle (which requires products to be designed in such a way that all materials are either biodegradable or recyclable/ reusable). Castellón found his inspiration in the Mediterranean and in the unique spirit and ambience created in Marbella by artists and intellectuals in the 1960s.

Work by Susana Urbano in collaboration with Hager

SPACE FOR THE HOTEL SECTOR

A villa in Estepona by AALTO

The Hotel industry will have a special space at the fair. Here, viewers will find new advances in technology for hotels (including domotics). Currently, smart tech is aiding hotels rise to the challenge of rebuilding the industry, with developments in a wide range of areas – including smart energy management, predictive maintenance, and intelligent visitor experiences (featuring personalised services and suggestions for guests).

Work by AS Interioristas for Lizzo and Espacios Nazaríes

NEW ZONES

The fair will have a central space comprising some 200m 2 . It will also have a spacious outdoor terrace measuring 150m 2 , as well as an exclusive area decided by Art Director Susana Urbano. Here, the very latest in materials for the interior design of leisure yachts will be on display.

Contemplating the beauty of modern art at Art Marbella

A SIXTH YEAR OF ARTISTRY

This year marks the sixth that Art Marbella will be bringing works from prestigious galleries from far and wide to the Coast. The event, whose official lifestyle partner is Quintessentially, will feature VIP programmes for discerning guests. The latter will include private guided tours to cultural hotspots in Málaga (including the Museo Picasso and the Centre Pompidou) and exclusive dinners with art collectors.

Spaces of colour and light

If you have been to former Art Marbella fairs, then you know that big sales are made here, since the art featured is highend. Zaia tells me that in the past, works have been sold at €1 million, though you will also find more reasonably priced pieces. Past editions have seen some of the world’s most prestigious galleries from Brazil, the U.S., Mexico, Switzerland, Austria and more, take part in the event. Its popularity is owing to the success of entrepreneurs like Alejandro Zaia, who are keen to turn Marbella into a hub of art and design. Zaia has founded and directed numerous fairs in his illustrious career, including PINTA London and New York. He was awarded a prize by the Observatorio D’Achtall in recognition for his support of culture and the arts. Without a doubt, it is precisely in challenging times that art and design can do things that few other mediums can – above all, inspire us to reach for higher ground and to continue to push our creative limits. Life without beauty is just survival.

Marbelladesignfair.com / marbellafair.com

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