A new series called the life of a work of art is launched by the interior designer este’r partners, in which they are planning to talk about the perspectives of interior design and design in connection with the aspect of galleries, art institutions and collectors.
In the first conversation of the series, Eszter Radnóczy, the owner and chief designer of the interior design office, este’r partners in Szentendre, talks about her attachment to works of art, the meeting of function and aesthetics, and also reveals who she will talk to in the next part of the series.
We’re starting a new series in which art has a key role. Can you tell us about your relationship to work of art, art and galleries?
Art has been a part of my life since I was a child: my grandmother and I visited the city’s museums and studios almost every week. This is still my passion both in Budapest and worldwide. In addition, of course, I am very fortunate that my everyday life is also surrounded by works of art, as our office is also home to an exhibition.
Este’r partners’ office is surrounded by family heritage. Tell us about it.
The exhibition preserves the legacy and oeuvre of my husband’s grandfather, the painter Béla Apáti Abkarovics from Szentendre. Not only does this provide a beautiful work environment, but it often serves as an inspiration for my colleagues and myself.
Is it a burden or an encouragement to be among such pieces at work?
Definitely a pleasure. The age and technique of the pictures is diverse, which is very inspiring.
How do you think the work of art and the interior relate to each other? What controls?
The first determining factor is the given space and its function. If it is not a museum space, then the space controls everything. This is followed by the interior design work, which includes not only the functional placement of the objects, but also the appropriate placement of artefacts. Interior design is not just about “dressing up something” but also “undressing it”: it can also be important to clean up the space, depending on what we want to highlight in a room. A space that works both functionally and aesthetically often cannot hold more than one or two highlights. The highlight can be a work of art or anything else, but it should be chosen very well.
You also work with artefacts during your projects, how does this process look like?
Basically, it is not the artwork that determines our interior design work, but it’s always an integral part of the end result. In some cases, however, an artefact of intangible value determines the design, which is also a nice and exciting process.
Have you had a project where you had to design specifically around a work of art?
Yes, of course. The main consideration in the design of galleries is the optimal placement of (changing) works of art. In addition, we have designed many personal spaces where the work of art and its experience were the main factors.
What can readers expect in this new series? Who are you going to invite for a talk and what exciting issues are you going to discuss?
The series will be particularly interesting from a professional, private and collector’s point of view. The interplay of different perspectives can provide important insights into how placing an artefact brings out its true value, impact, and role. I cannot reveal the list of our conversation partners in the series, but next time I’ll talk to Ani Molnár!
