OCTOBER 2019.
Bibi Marini on the Cultural Hotspots that Inspire Her
Colombian jewellery designer Bibi Marini shows V.F. London around her world. OCTOBER 10, 2019 1:12 PM
She’s known for her vibrant yet effortlessly elegant designs, but where does the jewellery designer Bibi Marini get her inspiration from? The answers lie in museums, galleries and cultural gems across the globe.
THE GOLD MUSEUM, COLOMBIA
The Gold Museum in Bogotá, which houses the largest collection of gold artefacts in the world, has always been an inspiring place for me. Beautifully displayed, the artefacts originate from the different indigenous cultures that existed in our Colombian territory before the Spanish conquest. Among the collection are some incredibly well-designed pieces that date back to 300 AD, illustrating pre-Colombian manufacturing, mining and metal works and helping to explain the ways in which our ancestors lived in this region.
THE ISAMU NOGUCHI MUSEUM, NEW YORK CITY
As long as I have lived in New York City, I have enjoyed visiting this small museum in Queens—it is an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. Founded and designed by artist Isamu Noguchi to display what he considered to be representative examples of his life’s work, the museum exhibits beautiful sculptures and paper lamps, and even has its very own sculpture garden which changes with the seasons.
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON
The V&A is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular museums in London. What I like most about it is the variety of objects on display, from embroidery and fashion to photography and furniture, alongside many other collections representing different historical periods. I recently went to see the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition there, which was fantastic.
THE TADAO ANDO ART CENTRE, CHÂTEAU LA COSTE
Although not strictly considered a museum, the Château La Coste is a Provençal gem. Set in the middle of a vineyard, the Tadao Ando-designed building is in itself a work of art, and as you stroll around the grounds you will discover striking works of art and architecture by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Frank Gehry and Andy Goldsworthy that were commissioned for the space.
THE FRICK COLLECTION, NEW YORK CITY
This small art museum is located in the upper east side of NYC in the Henry Clay Frick House. Its owner, Henry Frick, commissioned architect Thomas Hastings to design the house and lived there until his death in 1919, after which the house and its contents became a public museum. The collection of old master paintings has always been one of my favourites, and I’m continually amazed by how many treasures you can find in such a small space.