Audemars Piguet - Art Basel
Since its foundation in 1875, Audemars Piguet has always tried to developp the connections between creativity and innovation. The long-term partnership that Audemars Piguet signed with Art Basel is just another expression of this connection.
From May 23 to May 26, 2013, Audemars Piguet will welcome guests in a dedicated space within the show's exclusive Collectors Lounge, at Art Basel in Hong Kong. It will introduce visitors to the brand's place of origin, Le Brassus, in the remote Swiss Vallee de Joux, and present a selection of its exceptional historic and contemporary timepieces. The display includes highlights from the brand's 2012 global touring exhibition, "From Avant-garde to Icon," which celebrated the 40th anniversary of Audemar's Piguet's groundbreaking Royal Oak model, which revolutionized fine watchmaking. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a retrospective exhibit about this iconic timepiece, alongside other classic pieces from the brand's 138-year history. A watchmaker's bench and guided tours by watch specialists will complement the Audemars Piguet Lounge.
One of the highlight of the exhibition will be the spectacular images taken by British photographer Dan Holdsworth. In 2011, Dan Holdsworth was invited by Audemars Piguet to capture the extraordinary natural scenery of the Vallee de Joux. Holdswoth depicted the valley at its stillest hours, bringing to life its ancient forests and glacial topography under the celestial presence of mist and moonlight to convey the ineffable temporal significance vested in the landscape.
Commenting on the new partnership, Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias said, "We are delighted to start this partnership with Art Basel, the world's premier art show for modern and contemporary works. The story of Audemars Piguet is in particular one in which art and craft are closely intertwined. We look forward to forging closer ties with the world of contemporary art and to developing a fruitful long-term collaboration with Art Basel."
Following Art Basel in Hong Kong, Audemars Piguet will join Art Basel's upcoming shows in Switzerland, June 13 - 16, and in Miami Beach, December 5 - 8, 2013.