Interior designer Chris Goddard was selected by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to participate in the Stuart Davis: In Full Swing exhibit September 16, 2017 through January 1, 2018. The exhibit includes artwork by the late Stuart Davis, who was a prominent artist from the 1920s to the 1950s, surrounded by vignettes of living spaces designed by Goddard. The display shows how art and furnishings have influenced each other for decades. The 1960s vignette is set up like a jazz lounge and includes bright color and patterns showing the renewed happiness and hope in the world around that time.
“Art and good design are visual anti-depressants. Stuart Davis is known for helping transition our design styles from floral patterns to graphic elements with strong bold colors in textiles, wall coverings and furniture. He was really in the forefront, and he was the first to introduce more playful shapes and color combinations,” said Goddard. “It was an honor to design around his art and play off his style.”
“It’s uncommon knowledge that the art doesn’t have to match the sofa,” said Goddard. “Exhibit visitors will see how art is livable and comfortable in their homes. The addition of these vignettes makes the entire exhibit feel more relaxed and the art more accessible.”