Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/745743
STATUS 70 IF EVER THERE WAS A DESIGN MOMENT, THIS IS IT. Beijing-born artist and designer Robert Kuo, recognized worldwide for marrying ancient Chinese artistry with a modern sensibility and naturalistic Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences, presents more than 30 of his newest works at his longtime showroom, Ellouise Abbott, on Thursday, November 3. The event, which is open to the public from 3 to 5 pm, includes a rare informal discussion with Kuo, includ- ing fascinating descriptions of the cloisonné, repoussé, Peking glass, crystal, and lacquer techniques that have made his lamps, furniture, and decorative pieces so coveted. Kuo was raised in Taiwan and opened a West Hollywood showroom in 1984. His beautifully crafted lamps, furnishings, and art objects are handcrafted in Beijing by artisans, then finished in L.A., where he oversees production. His works are in prominent private collections, top international hotels, and museums, including the Smithsonian's Sackler Gallery and the National History Museum in Taipei. "We will bring pieces that show every technique we work with," says his daughter, Karen Kuo, who manages his L.A. and New York showrooms. "We'll have the lacquer and repoussé sculptures he is known for, along with lighting and some of the bigger pieces, such as a lacquer dining table with copper base." Betsie Weatherford, owner of Ellouise Abbott, plans to host a special Kuo exhibition each year — she shows about 30 pieces from the Kuo collection in both her Dallas and Houston showrooms. Also on November 3, the Dallas PaperCity Design Awards with Dunhill Partners and Dallas Design District toasts Kuo with a cocktail reception at Ellouise Abbott, 8 pm. Ellouise Abbott showroom, 1025 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 749, 214.239.8722, ellouiseabbott.com. BY REBECCA SHERMAN KUO Robert Kuo Tian Chu turquoise, Peking glass vases Cream lacquer sheep Repoussé Ji Guan vase Root bench