Ahead of our Autumnal programme, we’re exploring the relationship between Geometry and artistry—two disciplines that have profoundly influenced art throughout history by bridging the gap between mathematics and visual expression. From Ancient Egyptian and Greek architects who used geometric principles to design iconic structures like the pyramids and the Parthenon, focusing on perfect proportions and symmetry, to Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci who applied the concept of ‘divine proportion’ to represent ideal human proportions and enhance aesthetic harmony, geometry has played a vital role in art.

The impact of geometry extended into the 20th century with movements like Cubism, introduced by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, who deconstructed objects into geometric forms in response to a rapidly modernising world. This exploration of geometry continued in post-war art, with Minimalist artists like Donald Judd using simple geometric shapes to emphasise purity, and Abstract Expressionists such as Mark Rothko incorporating geometric elements to convey complex emotions and ideas.

The legacy of geometry continues to inspire contemporary creators across various fields, including the meticulous craftsmanship of Vacheron Constantin. For the Maison, the geometry of watchmaking transcends technical precision; it represents an artistic journey that transforms the measurement of time into objets d'art. Since 1755, Vacheron Constantin has embraced this unique relationship, with each exquisite timepiece originating from a geometric drawing that serves as the blueprint for its artistry.

Their dedication to this philosophy and commitment to the arts has led Vacheron Constantin to support many artists who share their appreciation for both art and geometry and we are thrilled to announce them as our sponsor for two major events in our Autumnal programme:

Join us in September for an elegant evening featuring a conversation with acclaimed artist Josh Sperling, followed by a seated dinner. Josh is celebrated for his vibrant, whimsical pieces that seamlessly blend minimalist geometric shapes with bold colours. He explains:

'It's a conscious choice to engage in both strictly geometric ideas as well as more organic, hand-drawn shapes. My brain likes to reduce everything down to its fundamental core. I guess I am a natural minimalist... I force myself to create the irregular and random, to achieve the lifelike quality I value in art. I enjoy displaying the two styles side by side so they can have a contrasting conversation with each other.'

Having his art held in the prestigious collections of the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah and Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, Josh is also set to have a major solo show this year at Paradise Art Space in Korea. His new body of work includes pieces like 'Raw O' and 'Calm', where wooden supports are covered with stretched canvas and painted in a playful palette of colours in his signature minimalist style. We can't wait to sit down with Josh and hear more about his upcoming show and the role of geometry in his artistic process!

Josh Sperling. Raw O, 2024. Clear acrylic on canvas. 189.2 x 185.4 cm. Photographer: Farzad Owrang. Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin.

Josh Sperling. Calm, 2024. Acrylic on canvas. 198.1 x 221 cm. Photographer: Farzad Owrang. Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin.

In December we celebrate artist Rachel Feinstein's first major solo exhibition in her hometown ‘Rachel Feinstein: The Miami Years’, at The Bass Museum of Art. Rachel had us in awe last year with her 2023 blockbuster over three Florentine museums (Museo Stefano Bardini, Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Museo Marino Marini) where her 'Angels' sculpture series of brightly coloured women were presented in dialogue with Renaissance masterpieces. We're eager to see her new exhibition which will highlight her diverse sculpture techniques and feature a striking thirty-foot installation of painted mirrored wall panels, exploring Miami’s blend of decadence and sophistication.

We’re excited to enjoy breakfast amidst Rachel’s work and gain deeper insights into her creative process. Rachel transforms two-dimensional sketches into small models, which are then scaled up into larger sculptures. Her approach intricately involves geometric principles, with meticulous attention to shapes, proportions, and spatial relationships.

Exhibition view: 'Angels' series at the exhibition 'Rachel Feinstein in Florence' (9 June - 18 September 2024). Courtesy of the artist and Museo Marino Marini. 

We look forward to welcoming our members at these events, made possible through the generous support of Vacheron Constantin. Learn more about them here.