Throwback: Alexander Calder at the Whitney Museum of American Art

Here's a look back at an event we did at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2008 to celebrate the opening of an Alexander Calder exhibit. While we were asked not to reproduce or imitate his famous mobile sculptures,  we went with a design motif that reflects 1920's & 30's Paris when and where his most iconic art was made. Using a neutral and natural palette with the museum's budget in mind,  Geoff based his designs on the understated elegance of silver, black, pewter and raw silk all around a circular theme. The orb shape was repeated in the votives, the vases for the flowers, and the oversize metal ball chain in the chandeliers.  The theme was also carried through on the entrance wall with little round mirrors behind the votives. And finally, theatrical lighting was used to underscore the spherical theme.

Throwback: Trustees Dinner @ The Whitney Museum of American Art

In 2005, Geoff was given to design and create the decor for the annual Whitney Museum of American Art's Board of Trustees. Having majored in art at Pratt, Geoff was thrilled to have the opportunity to create his own installation inside a major art museum, even if only for a night!  Using chartreuse Dupioni silk swagging back and forth over the table and "through" the windows and out into the courtyard, taking advantage of the very high ceiling and surrounding spaces.The table was dressed with a bright orange runner with a continuous water-filled tray containing floating candles and orchids blossoms in chartreuse and orange. Geoff worked his magic in creating sculptural scrolls at the end of each fabric swag. The result is strong yet whimsical.

Throwback: 1997 - DIFFA - Devil in a Red Dress

For the very first DIFFA: Dining by Design, the theme was simply RED. Anne Klein sponsored a table and working with their design team, who came up with the idea of a 'devil in a red dress'. The mannequin stands on a smoldering rock rising from the middle of the table. Surrounding the table were ten chairs with 6 and 8 foot high red plexi flame shaped backs.  Geoff designed and produced the table cloth and her dress, ombred from deepest coal black at the bottom transitioning to bright red at her neck. The swaroski crystals also ombred up in ruby red and diamond. The feathered headdress with spiraling horns, the pitch fork and her tail, casually draped over her right arm, were all custom made by Geoff.

Shown above and below are photo taken for publication by ELLE DECOR Magazine.

In addition to the flaming chairs, the table was set with dozens of candles to reinforce the element of hell-fire.

Geoff's design was also published in New York Times!

The cover of Elle Decor featuring Geoff's fiery design.