Audemars Piguet have just announced the launch of the annual Audemars Piguet Art Commission. Overseen each year by an internationally renowned guest curator invited by the brand, this new commissioning programme will support the creation of one major artwork annually by an emerging or midcareer artist. The artwork will emphasise the visual and conceptual expression of complexity, precision, and creativity. Audemars Piguet will not only provide the monetary support to develop and present each project, but it will also help the selected artist by providing access to advanced tools, craft expertise and the sophisticated technology necessary to realise the work.
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The commissions will be unveiled on a rotating basis at the three international locations of Art Basel in Hong Kong, Miami Beach and Basel, where Audemars Piguet has, since 2013, been an Associate Partner. The selected artist will be announced later this year with the first work to be unveiled at the Art Basel show in Basel in 2015. The annual commissions are expected to tour after their Art Basel debut, and, where possible, they will be exhibited at Audemars Piguet’s home in the Vallée de Joux, in Switzerland.
For each annual commission, a shortlist of artists will be invited to Audemars Piguet’s home in Le Brassus to learn about the brand’s 140-year tradition of precision, expert craftsmanship and innovation. The selected artist will work with the guest curator and Audemars Piguet on realising the work.
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?The Commission will look to engage with contemporary practice that is interested in complex mechanics, technology, and science as its source of inspiration. The works produced as part of the Audemars Piguet Art Commission series may take the form of physical objects, installations, time-based films or performances. The selected artists will in each case be invited to create a significant single work of art as well as a limited-edition of multiples relating to the main work, to be displayed in conjunction with the Commission.
Audemars Piguet will provide the support necessary to develop each project in full and will help connect artists with state of the art technology, leading craft practitioners, scientific thinkers, research centers, or the specialised design expertise required to conceptualise and execute their work. Audemars Piguet may, as necessitated by the particular needs of the Commission project, seek out scientists, fabricators, technology labs, master craftsmen or other specialists, so that artists can realize their ambition.
Commenting on the new commissioning project, Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors said,
“We are delighted to announce details of the Audemars Piguet Art Commission and to build on our role of Associate Partner of Art Basel with a further commitment to supporting the arts. We look forward to bringing artists to the Vallée de Joux, the home of Audemars Piguet since 1875 to experience its special culture and sense of history and are excited to see how our tradition of haute horology and fine watchmaking might inspire contemporary artistic practice.”
