Gagosian Gallery announces the highly anticipated exhibition this must be the place, featuring new works by the internationally acclaimed artist and writer Edmund de Waal. Opening on September 13, 2023, at Gagosian's 541 West 24th Street location, this exhibition marks de Waal's first in New York with Gagosian in a decade.
a part of speech, 2023
Porcelain, silver, Cor-Ten steel, tin, aluminum, and glass
86 5/8 x 74 7/8 x 7 7/8 inches (220 x 190 x 20 cm)
© Edmund de Waal
Photo: Alzbeta Jaresova
Courtesy the artist and Gagosian
A Journey of Materiality, Memory, and Diaspora
"This must be the place" unveils de Waal's wheel-thrown porcelain vessels, artfully presented in wall-mounted vitrines in both black and white. The exhibition beautifully juxtaposes the cylindrical vessels and bowls with fine porcelain tiles, steel, silver, and stone, some inscribed with handwritten text. These arrangements evoke the sense of books on a shelf, stanzas of poems, or musical notation, entwining art and literature in a seamless narrative.
Letters to Amherst, III, 2023, detail
Porcelain, gold, alabaster, aluminum, and glass
19 15/16 x 35 7/16 x 7 5/16 inches (50.6 x 90 x 18.5 cm)
© Edmund de Waal
Photo: Alzbeta Jaresova
Courtesy the artist and Gagosian
New Places through Sculptures
De Waal's sculptures are inspired by places and memories, capturing emotions through porcelain clay from Limoges turned black with oxides and inscribed with poetry. Marble from Kilkenny and folded sheets of silver are integrated into the works, resonating with the places they echo. Each sculpture becomes a new place, reflecting fragments of people and their stories.
Companion Exhibition: "to light, and then return—"
The exhibition "this must be the place" is complemented by "to light, and Then Return—" held at Gagosian's gallery at 976 Madison Avenue, New York, from September 14 to October 28, 2023. This presentation features sculptures by de Waal and platinum prints and tintypes by Sally Mann, each responding to the other's artistic vision.
this must be the place, IV, 2023, detail
Kilkenny stone and silver
19 3/4 x 37 7/8 x 13 3/4 inches (50.5 x 96.2 x 35 cm)
© Edmund de Waal
Photo: Alzbeta Jaresova
Courtesy the artist and Gagosian
Edmund de Waal: A Distinguished Artist and Writer
Born in Nottingham, England, in 1964, Edmund de Waal is an eminent artist and author known for his family memoir, "The Hare with Amber Eyes," which garnered numerous awards and accolades. His work is in prestigious public collections worldwide and has been featured in various exhibitions and literary events.
Join the Journey
Don't miss the "this must be the place" opening reception on Wednesday, September 13, from 6 to 8 pm. The exhibition runs until October 28, 2023, at Gagosian's 541 West 24th Street location in New York City. Be part of this extraordinary journey into materiality, memory, and diaspora through the captivating works of Edmund de Waal. gagosian.com
EDMUND DE WAAL this must be the place
Opening Reception: Wednesday, September 13, 6–8 pm
Exhibition Dates: September 13–October 28, 2023
Location: 541 West 24th Street, New York