Audemars Piguet Unveils Monumental Commission at Hayward Gallery
The horological maison extends its patronage of contemporary art with a transformative large scale mural at London's Southbank Centre, marking a significant milestone in its cultural initiatives.
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Audemars Piguet has distinguished itself as a discerning patron of contemporary artistic expression through the commissioning of a monumental public artwork at the Hayward Gallery in London. This remarkable undertaking represents both the maison’s inaugural painting commission through Audemars Piguet Contemporary and a defining moment in the career trajectory of British American artist Renée Levi, whose expansive vision now encompasses the gallery’s commanding facade.
The ambitious work, entitled ‘September’, transmutes the architectural vocabulary of the Hayward Gallery into a unified pictorial field of extraordinary visual complexity. Rather than imposing external imagery upon the building’s surface, Levi has engaged with the structure’s inherent geometry, drawing upon the distinctive protrusions and fenestration that define the edifice. This sensitive approach to site specificity transforms the entire outer wall into an immersive contemplative experience, elevating the mundane aspects of architecture into a cohesive artistic statement of considerable sophistication.
The co commissioning partnership between the Hayward Gallery and Audemars Piguet Contemporary underscores the maison’s unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue between fine craftsmanship and fine art. The horological heritage of Audemars Piguet extends beyond mechanical precision into a profound understanding of aesthetic refinement and enduring value, principles that resonate deeply within the contemporary art sphere. Through such cultural initiatives, the maison reinforces its position as a discerning advocate for artistic merit and cultural enrichment.
For Levi, this represents a remarkable escalation in scale and ambition, constituting her first substantial public commission within the United Kingdom. The artist’s distinctive practice, which navigates the interplay between architectural form and painterly gesture, finds its fullest expression across the Hayward Gallery’s expansive surface. Visitors to London’s South Bank will encounter a work of considerable chromatic intensity and compositional rigour, a testament to the artist’s meticulous engagement with the site.
The installation remains on view until 15 November, offering a fleeting window through which to experience this monumental addition to London’s cultural landscape. The ephemeral nature of large scale public commissions such as these underscores their particular significance; ‘September’ represents a singular moment in the ongoing dialogue between institutional patronage, artistic innovation, and architectural heritage. Those with an appreciation for contemporary artistic practice and the architectural vernacular of modernism would be well advised to experience this work in situ before its departure from the capital’s skyline.
Imagery courtesy of Audemars Piguet (@audemarspiguet).
