For its inaugural participation at MAZE St. Moritz, Friedman Benda is pleased to present a selection of works that reflects the gallery’s commitment to outstanding contemporary creators, as well as the estates of key contributors to the field of contemporary design.
Centered in the booth is a vignette of seminal works by Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007). In celebration of his experimental years between 1955-1965, the selection highlights Sottsass’ achievements across different media such as ceramics, furniture, and painting, including examples from the Italian architect and designer’s personal collection which will be shown for the first time in Switzerland. One of Sottsass’ most significant paintings, Opera Cosmica (1958) was last presented to the public at “L’Objet Magique” (2021-22), Sottsass’ retrospective exhibition at Centre Pompidou, Paris. A group of rare early ceramic works from the late 1950s will be displayed on a historic cabinet from 1963.
In dialogue with Sottsass are two other masters: Andrea Branzi (1938-2023) and Wendell Castle (1932-2018). Branzi’s 2014 lamp will be shown in anticipation of the late architect’s retrospective, opening at Triennale Milano in 2026.
Castle’s Evening Star (2016), a unique, cantilevered settee carved in ash, is an outstanding example of the American master’s sculptural language and technical prowess.
Shown for the first time to a European audience, Brazilian Estúdio Campana presents Paisagem Mirror (2024). With this work, Humberto Campana revisited themes that he and his late brother, Fernando Campana (1961-2022), explored since the late 1980s. The sculpted aluminum frame reflects the studio’s creative approach of raising everyday materials to nobility through transformation and reinvention.
Debuting in Europe, Dutch designer Joris Laarman’s recent series, Nimbus (2025), is rendered in a single block of marble and contemplates the ever-shifting shapes of clouds. For Lode I (2021), British designer Faye Toogood revisits the console archetype with a monolithic form that hints at artefacts uncovered in archaeological finds, conveying the essence of time.
In direct conversation is Paris-based designer Raphael Navot’s 2024 Acrostic series, with interlocking volumes that explore the nuances of texture, form, palette, and materials with refinement and luxury.
Completing the installation are two unique sculptural lamps by acclaimed Swiss-born artist Carmen D’Apollonio, alongside glass works by Brooklyn-based Thaddeus Wolfe, whose unique approach to sculpting glass has firmly established him within the realm of contemporary glassmaking.
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Reine Victoria, Theatersaal, Via Rosatsch 18, St. Moritz, Switzerland
By invitation February 26 | 5 – 9 pm
Public Days February 27 – 28 | 3 – 8 pm
March 1 | 1 – 6 pm
