Raul De Lara Unveils 'The Secret Lives of Objects' Window at Hermès Maison Madison
Raul De Lara, a sculptor based in New York, has unveiled "The Secret Lives of Objects" at Hermès Maison Madison, showcasing household items with human characteristics, such as houseplants with faces and tufted wooden chairs. This marks De Lara's second project for Hermès, following his 2023 installation in Aspen. Originally from Mexico, he moved to Texas at the age of 12, merging Mexican and American woodworking styles in his art. For this display, he was inspired by memories from Mexico, Austin, and New York, crafting large wooden leaves based on six leaves collected from Central Park. The exhibit features a leather Bolide bag nestled in a walnut ottoman and suede shoes paired with wooden socks. De Lara, influenced by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, views his sculptures as reflections on the concept of home.
Key facts
- Raul De Lara's window installation 'The Secret Lives of Objects' is on view at Hermès Maison Madison in New York.
- The installation features anthropomorphized household items, including human-like houseplants, solid wood chairs that appear tufted, and cacti as toys.
- De Lara's first Hermès commission was in 2023 at the brand's Aspen outpost, featuring a rocking cactus sculpture and wooden chairs.
- De Lara was born in Mexico, where his father was an architect who practiced woodcarving; he moved to Texas at age 12.
- The artist drew inspiration from his favorite tree in Central Park, collecting six leaves to create large wooden leaves for the window.
- Materials in the installation include a leather Bolide bag sinking into a hand-carved walnut ottoman and suede shoes with wooden socks.
- De Lara cites Gian Lorenzo Bernini as an influence for carving soft wood fabrics.
- De Lara has lived in New York for five years and spent 14 years under the DACA program.
Entities
Artists
- Raul De Lara
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Institutions
- Hermès
- Hermès Maison Madison
- CULTURED
- Galerie Magazine
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Mexico
- Texas
- Austin
- Aspen
- Queens
- Central Park
- New York City
- Madison Avenue