The Walker Art Center Shop goes local to global this holiday season with gifts from around the corner and around the world. An eclectic array of merchandise features one-of-a-kind pieces by artists from Asia, South America, and Europe as well as New York, Virginia, and San Francisco. Highlighted are books, jewelry, toys, and items for the home—a unique assortment of the best in contemporary design—including many available exclusively at the Walker.
From Argentina and available only at the Walker in the U.S., shoppers will find an eye-catching fruit bowl by industrial designer Patricia Lascano and a delicate sterling silver necklace from Magalí Anidjar. Several items come from Finland, including Alvar Aalto’s modernist glass vases that can be nested to form a sleek flower shape. Offerings from Italy, England, Denmark, and Thailand round out the selection with more intriguingly designed pieces for the home.
Architecture enthusiasts will love this season’s selection of books, which explores architectural history and form from unexpected angles. In The Modern Architecture Pop-Up Book, 3-D miniatures of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Eiffel Tower spring to life. Spacecraft: Fleeting Architecture explores temporary, unconventional-use spaces like artists’ studios, vacation homes, and pavilions. Kids can get in on the action, too, with a set of “totem” Building Cards that let future architects craft their own structures, from cathedrals to spaceships; and an easy-install Mobile Home. Both products come from the Netherlands’ kidsonroof company.
Featured from artists closer to home are New York-based Guari Nanda’s “Clocky Chrome,” the alarm clock awarded a patent for its ability to run away until switched off; and 3-D “puzzles” made from 100% recycled materials by Cardboard Safari in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Shop hours will be expanded throughout the holiday season and 24/7 online shopping is available at shop.walkerart.org. Proceeds from all sales support the Walker’s artistic and educational programs.
WALKER SHOP HOLIDAY HOURS
Walker Shop Holiday Hours: November 28–December 31
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: 11 am–6 pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 11 am–9 pm
December 24: 11 am–3 pm
December 31: 11 am–3 pm
612.375.7633
shop.walkerart.org
Books
The Modern Architecture Pop-Up Book by Anton Radevsky and David Sokol (Universe) $45
The Modern Architecture Pop-Up Book showcases three-dimensional replications of some of the most innovative modern and contemporary architecture from around the world. Accompanied by illustrations, photographs, and elaborate pop-ups, the talent and imagination of architects and builders of the modern era is brought to life. Ranging from the nineteenth century to the present day, the pages follow the development of modern architecture: the creation of new buildings and innovations that led to such feats as the Brooklyn Bridge; the birth of the skyscraper and the modern city; mid-century modernism, and the cutting-edge architecture of today. Modern Architecture Pop-Up features the following structures: London’s Crystal Palace; the Brooklyn Bridge; the Eiffel Tower; New York’s Flatiron Building; Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, Chicago; Reitveld’s Schroeder House; Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye; Saarinen’s TWA terminal; Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Bilbao; Calatrava’s Milwaukee Art Museum; and Foster’s London “Gherkin” building, among others. Innovative and informative, Modern Architecture Pop-Up is an elegant visual tour of the world’s dynamic, inventive, and original architecture.
Visionaire No. 55: Surprise in Collaboration with Krug (Visionaire) $250
How does photography come to life? How do you transform 2-D into 3-D? Can a photograph move on the printed page? This newest issue of the high-concept fashion quarterly Visionaire pushes the limits of paper with an issue devoted to pop-ups. Visionaire 55: Surprise presents 12 hardcover pop-up books, boxed together, with projects by Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Steven Klein, Sophie Calle, Andreas Gursky, Cai Guo-Qiang, Guido Mocafico, Sølve Sundsbø, Yayoi Kusama, Gareth Pugh, and Alasdair McLellan. Together, the pop-up folios are housed in a cloth-covered case with a magnetized closure and an engraved metal plaque. Surprise is a collaboration with the internationally renowned Champagne house, Krug.
Parrworld: Objects and Postcards by Martin Parr (Aperture) $89.95
Martin Parr’s vast collections of photography books and postcards are world-renowned. Not widely known is that he is also an obsessive collector of photographic and themed objects. In Parrworld: Objects and Postcards, a luscious two-volume set, his affinity for focused accumulation is presented with appropriate thoroughness, and with typical Parrian humor. Some of the items in the first volume, Objects, have already achieved notoriety—for instance, the wrist watches featuring Saddam Hussein’s visage. Others mythologize well-known figures such as Lenin and the Spice Girls. Then there is the kitsch—from wallpaper to trays and objects commemorating Sputnik, Charles and Di’s wedding, and 9/11. While Objects is the first publication to document Parr’s 25-plus years of such collecting, Postcards is the “last word” on an extraordinary collection of over 20,000 cards. Presented in album format, it is a highly entertaining yet serious study of postcard history, and includes early cards that depict local news events such as car crashes and murders. The book finishes in Boring Postcards territory with a selection of cards promoting motorways and shopping.
Fully Booked: Cover Art and Design for Books by R. Klanten and M. Hűbner (Gestalten) $75
There is more unhindered experimentation with the printed book now than ever before. Fully Booked is a collection of current cover art and book design that strikes a crucial balance between sophisticated visual and content design on one hand, and the market’s demand for availability, legibility, and durability on the other. In addition, the book presents a choice selection of artist books that push the boundaries of conventional book design. Fully Booked also reveals developments in today’s graphic design and is an inspirational resource for creators and book lovers.
Fragiles: Porcelain, Glass and Ceramics by R. Klanten, S. Ehmann, and S. Grill (Gestalten) $69
Fragiles is an eclectic collection of unconventional contemporary work in porcelain, glass, and ceramics. Today, these materials are increasingly being used in playful ways by both established and emerging design talents, who are inspired by Modernism, an ironic depiction of kitsch, and an expanded repertoire of forms made possible by technological developments such as rapid prototyping. The spectrum and quality of these innovative projects shows a current generation of designers just how relevant and challenging working with these traditional fragile materials can be.
Spacecraft: Fleeting Architecture and Hideouts by R. Klanten and L. Feireiss (Gestalten) $79
Spacecraft presents projects that meet the changing spatial needs of our modern lifestyles while expanding our current understanding of architecture. The book features flexible, fleeting structures that exist for a limited time, as well as spaces that are used temporarily. Whether vacation homes, urban hideouts, art projects, pavilions, or studios, all of the included work is distinguished by a playful, unconventional use of space.
Jewelry
Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Artists, designers, and musicians are turning Buenos Aires into a throbbing hothouse of cool.” —New York Times, Sunday, March 16, 2008
Minnesota Exclusive: Dos Riberas Jewelry “Doll to Dress” Necklace, $25
Diana Schimmel was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. She earned a degree in architecture in Buenos Aires, practiced in Argentina and Uruguay, and taught at Buenos Aires Architecture and City Planning School. In 2001, she founded her ever-growing company, Dos Riberas, Spanish for “twin river banks.” The Doll to Dress necklace was originally designed as a press gift for Prêt à Porter Paris in 2005. The paper “doll” has three different fabric “outfits” that snap on and off.
USA Exclusive: Magalí Anidjar Jewelry: Sterling Silver Organic Necklace, $235
Up-and-coming jewelry artist Magalí Anidjar was featured at the Puro Diseño 2008 design show in Buenos Aires. Exclusive to the Walker Art Center, her jewelry is also featured at the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA). When working with forms and materials, she searches for new shapes and combinations inspired by architecture (its forms and counter forms, and its industrial materials), and by nature and its mysteries. This hand-made, organically shaped, sterling silver and plexiglas necklace has seven moveable parts with a surgical steel wire loop.
USA Exclusive: Verónica Alonso Sterling Silver Knit Bracelet, $218
Born in Buenos Aires in 1976, Verónica studied at the Instituto Universitario Nacional de las Artes in Argentina. As a sculptor, Verónica is dedicated to the design and production of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces. She was featured at the Puro Diseño 2008 design show in Buenos Aires, and in the publication 500 Earrings: New Directions in Contemporary Jewelry. This stunning sterling silver anticlastic and knit bracelet is wondrously tactile and a testament to the sculptural and creative quality of her work.
USA Exclusive: Gabriela Horvat Sterling Silver and Silk Jewelry, $75–$375
Buenos Aires artist Gabriela Horvat creates objects that emerge from playing with different materials, techniques, and memories. Exclusive to the Walker Art Center, her “cocoon” line of jewelry is handcrafted with sterling silver and 100% natural silk.
Japan
Issey Miyake “Twelve” watch designed by Naoto Fukasawa, $400
Born in Yamanashi, Japan, in 1956, Naoto Fukasawa graduated from Tama Art University’s Product Design Department in 1980. In 2003, he established Naoto Fukasawa Design, and currently is a professor at Musashino Art University and a visiting professor at Tama Art University. Designing “Twelve,” he set out to “design a watch which is simple and strong as possible. I wanted to eliminate all markings, even numbers, from the face. This inspired me to give the crystal itself twelve sides. With the twelve angles of the case serving as the hour markers, I only had to add the hour and minute hands, both having the same width equal to the diameter of the central post. The result is a sharp face distinguished by the unique angular shape and the wide hands. I feel that this strong, clear, and simple design is suitable for the brand of Issey Miyake.” Twelve features a stainless steel case and a urethane-coated leather strap.
United States
Minnesota Exclusive: Alice Roche Jewelry, $72–$240
Alice Roche offers a unique series of handcrafted jewelry inspired by the natural and built environment. Influenced by the process of building and drawn to the field of design, Roche received a Master of Architecture degree from UC Berkley in 2001. After graduating she practiced residential architecture in San Francisco and turned to the craft of jewelry to adapt her design sensibility to a smaller scale. She launched her first line of jewelry in 2004. Handcrafted in her Mission District studio in San Francisco, her work reflects elements inherent to architecture: structure and geometry are paired with repetition, pattern, and lines. The exploration of architecture and the act of building guide the design of each piece from start to finish. Pieces are handcrafted from sterling silver and all pieces are completed with a fine matte finish.
Melissa Borrell Pop-Out Jewelry, $38
Blurring the lines between art and design, Borrell’s jewelry, sculptures, and installations explore ideas of space, perception, color, and form. Self-taught as a jewelry designer, she opened a studio in San Francisco in 1999. In 2005 she received an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design and established Melissa Borrell Design in Houston. Each Pop-Out piece of jewelry is a shape attached to the metal from which it is cut. The wearer “pops” the shape out and hangs it on an enclosed chain or ear hooks to make it into a piece of wearable art. Needless to say, some assembly is required.
For the Home
Buenos Aires, Argentina
USA Exclusive: “Talega” Fruit Bowl designed by Patricia Lascano, $640
Buenos Aires industrial designer Patricia Lascano created the Talega fruit bowl with an almost naval architecture. This bowl preserves fruit by allowing maximum ventilation and minimum contact with the container. Talega is made of nickel-silver coated and water-jet cut brass, and laser cut beech wood ribs. It won first prize in the Plata Lappas National Industrial Design Competition 2004, was shown in the Balance of Industrial Design 2000–2005 Exhibition, and exhibited in 100% DESIGN Tokyo, Japan 2007.
Finland
Minnesota Exclusive: iittala Aalto Glass “Flower” Set, $2,250
Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, along with Eero Saarinen, expanded the definition of modernism. When Aalto’s glass vase made its debut in 1936, the avant-garde design was considered revolutionary for its time. The vase is now considered a design icon of the 20th century and has inspired an entire collection of items. The Aalto Flower Set consists of four pieces that nest together to create the look of a flower. Each piece functions separately, for whatever end use the owner desires—bowl, vase, vessel, etc.
Denmark
Menu Contour Thermal Jug, $120
Award-winning Danish industrial designer Pernille Vea created this one-liter synthetic rubber-coated black jug, which combines nature’s shapes with stylish and efficient high-tech materials. It has a double-walled stainless steel thermal insert to preserve temperature better than traditional glass inserts. The sturdy, perfectly balanced handle makes pouring easy. The screw lid creates an excellent seal and stays in place throughout pouring, and a single touch of a button on the lid opens and closes the flow of liquid.
Menu Rubber Vase, $28
Danish designer Henriette Melchiorsen created this fun and unusual, stylish yet funky vase. The flexible rubber material lets you shape the vase to suite your table, bouquet, or mood. Available in a range of colors.
Italy
Officiana Alessi “Super Star” Serving Bowl by Tom Kovac, $150
Slovenian-born, Australian-based architect Tom Kovac designed “Super Star” for Alessi in 2008. About the stainless steel, six-section bowl, Kovac says it “was conceived as a series of curves . . . to generate a complex family of receptacles. Objects of different shapes and sizes can be placed inside this sculpted form, while the gently curving hollows for holding different objects or foods form an unbroken line.” It provides a unique, multi-sensory experience, creating an endless array of shapes, patterns, colors, and positions.
A di Alessi “Forest Gump” Condiment Set by Stephano Giovannoni, $53
Giovannoni’s playful approach to design continues with his newest condiment set for Alessi, “Forest Gump.” The salt and pepper shaker and toothpick holder are made from hand-decorated thermoplastic resin. Part of the “Orientales” collection, created in collaboration with the National Palace Museum in Taiwan.
England
Pantone Ceramic Mugs, $14.95
Lagoon blue 3025C or Duck Egg Blue 337C? With 20 different Pantone color shades to choose from, you’ll find great gifts for every designer on your list. Be sure to pick your favorite, too! Made in London, England.
Thailand
Minnesota Exclusive: Animal Head Black Shot Glass, $30
Goody Grams for Molla Space symbolizes the “weight of the value” expressed throughout their collection, including the design, material, technique, and other values created by the designer and its balance between the human senses and surroundings. These dark and beautiful glass animal heads can be simply interior décor, or invert them on their antlers and use them as shot glasses.
United States
“Clocky Chrome” Alarm Clock, $69
The patented alarm clock that runs away until you get up and turn it off! Created by New York-based Gauri Nanda when she was a graduate student at the MIT Media Lab.
“Micro-Buck” White Cardboard Deer Head, $18
Cardboard Safari is a small company located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Drawing inspiration from nature and through the use of sustainable materials, Chris Jessee and Luis Rodrigalvarez design fun and fascinating products for your enjoyment. Their 3-D animal “puzzles” are made from 100% recycled cardboard meant to become décor items for your home.
“Liquidcardboard” Home Accessories from Cardboardesign, $12–$48
This innovative new product line is made from mostly secondary fibers which form a unique honeycomb cell shape. Extremely durable and high performance, yet lightweight and ecologically friendly. The items move freely, flowing from one shape to another. Each item can transform into different shapes, including vases, bowls, votive holders, and more. Cardboardesign is a U.S. company committed to making unique and eco-friendly products that bring creativity and joy to all who become part of the process.
Toys
Netherlands
Mobile Home from kidsonroof, $35
Easy to install, easy to carry, the Mobile Home, made from blue and red cardboard, is great for travel or small spaces. Amsterdam-based kidsonroof makes eco-friendly quality products from cardboard and other natural components and donates 5% of its profits to Unicef projects. Minimal assembly required.
“Totem” Building Cards from kidsonroof, $40
Over 120 building cards featuring a variety of patterns, imagery, and shapes provide kids with ample materials to create their own airplane, cathedral, reindeer, spacecraft . . . or whatever their imaginations allow. Can be used over and over again; made from recycled, laminated microwave board; available in two different sets.
Israel
Manuella Fleece Animals, $40
These fleece rabbits, ducks, and elephants provide comfort when going to sleep, or something to cuddle when waking up. Israel-based Merav Flam founded Manuella in 2001 after graduating from the Bezalel Academy for Art and Design in Jerusalem. With children in mind, she creates unique designs reflecting her own longing for a childhood without digital and electronic toys. She chose the label “Manuella” because it is reminiscent of the wind-up mechanical system used long ago to operate dolls, musical boxes, and toys.
Finland
Marimekko Kids Kitchen Set, $40
Scaled for children, this set contains an apron, oven mitt, and pot holder in Marimekko’s Pirput Parput textile design by Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi. 100% cotton. Available in pink or green.
Canada
Monster Factory Plush Monsters, $25–$40
Monster Factory is a Toronto-based collaboration of three friends, Rhya Tamasauskas, Bliss Man, and Adam Dunn in the business of character development, illustration, and the creation of hand-crafted monster toys made from micro polar fleece. Each monster comes with a tag with its name and its individual character and personality quirks.
United States
Automoblox interchangeable vehicles, $38
From the mind of world-class industrial designer Patrick Calello comes a new generation of contemporary heirloom toys. Automoblox fuses the character and durability of classic wooden cars with vibrant elements of modern design to create a unique construction system that invites children of all ages to think and create in three-dimensional space.
Kid-O Unit Blocks, $60 per set
The first unit blocks were designed in 1914 by Caroline Pratt, founder of City & Country School in New York’s Greenwich Village. Pratt was a teacher seeking to create a school environment and materials that suit the way children learn best—through play and firsthand exploration. Based on her original designs, these Unit Blocks are made from 100% European beech wood, grown in German forests. They inspire creativity and enhance intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development. Available in three sets: Foundations, Additions, and Geometric extensions. The product has been tested by a third-party, independent laboratory, and conforms to US and European standards.
