Galerie Philia is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, Floral Echoes: Odes to Mapplethorpe, running from June 5 to August 29, 2025, in Zurich. Presented in collaboration with Anthracite Art, the show brings together iconic floral photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe with sculptural design works from 18 contemporary designers. The exhibition takes place at Anthracite gallery space in central Zurich.
The exhibition centers on two of Mapplethorpe’s renowned black-and-white photographs—one depicting orchids in a vase, the other featuring an arrangement of flowers—both exemplifying his mastery of shadow, contrast, and form. These images serve as a foundation for exploring the interplay between organic forms and materiality in the sculptural design of today.
Complementing Mapplethorpe’s photographs are commissioned sculptural pieces, including coffee and side tables, statement seats, sofas, vases, and chandeliers. Each piece has been selected to resonate with the themes and aesthetics of Mapplethorpe’s floral imagery, fostering a conversation between photography and sculptural design.
Elsa Foulon’s pair of ceramic consoles and unique pendant light sculpture is shown for the first time, as Jérôme Pereira’s poetic Icarus pendant lighting sculpture complements the shadows of Mapplethorpe’s photography. While Emilie Lemardeley’s newest glass vases and lamps speak to the floral theme, Lee Sisan’s latest furniture collection of cast-aluminum tree branches adds a new depth to the visual scenography. Bronze vases and the iconic Tomb Stag chair adorn the show by Rick Owens.
The China-based design studio Kar features a vase from their latest collection, while Morghen Studio illuminates the room with their latest moving pendant titled Vesper, created as an homage to Alexander Calder. Michael Gittings’ intricate work of metal artistry, the floral Novalis bench, is in direct dialogue with the theme of the photography works, as Pierre de Valck debuts his new coffee table and pendant with quartz and bronze. Two of Laura Pasquino’s latest folding vases enhance the dialogue between design and photographic aesthetics.
Alice Lahana’s latest, limited-edition mirror in blackened oak will be shown for the first time, along with a collection of iconic seats, including a leather sofa and a metal bench from Ron Arad. Lucas Tyra Morten’s set of almost translucent Onyx vases will adorn the layout, complemented by the debut of a unique ceramic vessel from Studio Mah. Finally, Franzen & Casa will show their popular Trono seat in travertine version.