Audemars Piguet Celebrates New Art Commission

Last week, Audemars Piguet celebrated the launch of the the manufacture’s Art Commission. The luxury watchmaker hosted an exclusive dinner in honor of the new Audemars Piguet Art Commission on the opening night of Art Basel 2014.

François-Henry Bennahmias, CEO of Audemars Piguet, Jasmine Audemars, and Olivier Audemars were on hand in Basel to welcome collectors, artists, gallerists, curators and 100 guests from around the globe. Guests were treated to dishes by the Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca, which was recently awarded the ‘World’s Best Restaurant.’ The brothers were flown to Basel for the event from Girona, Spain.

The guest of honor was leading art world figure Marc-Olivier Wahler, who has been tapped as the first guest curator of the Audemars Piguet Art Commission. The event was also attended by Mathieu Lehanneur, who designed Audemars Piguet’s new lounge concept for their Art Basel Collectors’ Lounge.

Ms. Audemars commented on the new project, saying, “Audemars Piguet has always sought to integrate creative vision with superb artistry and technical mastery. We feel our partnership with Art Basel echoes our core values and is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our heritage as a family- owned company with a long standing history committed to the finest traditions in watchmaking. The Audemars Piguet Art Commission will support artists in the creation of new works which explore relationships between contemporary creative practice and complex mechanics, technology, and science.”

According to the manufacture, Wahler will work with the Audemars Piguet Art Commission on the production of a major new artwork to be unveiled at Art Basel in 2015.

Photos courtesy Audemars Piguet.