Art & Design Cover Story
Art & Design Cover Story It was only after abandoning his studies in chemical engineering and moving to Paris that he considered art as a full-time career Clockwise from top left: a piece from Sodi’s Seven Suns (2020) series, created at Casa Wabi on a burlap sack; the moonscape-like Untitled (2018); Sodi at work in his studio at Casa Wabi, on the Oaxacan coast career, when a fellow customer at a frame shop offered to buy the watercolour paintings he had created in his little apartment studio. Making a go of it, he and his wife set up shop in a house in Barcelona, which happened to be owned by opera singer José Carreras. Taken with Sodi’s work, Carreras introduced him to prominent local gallerists. “After that, things began to develop in an organic way,” he says. Today, Sodi is back in New York after several months at Casa Wabi, on Mexico’s Oaxacan coast, where he and his family retreated as the pandemic began. The sunny waterfront complex, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, plays host to a unique artist-in-residence programme: participants are fully funded and free to pursue their creative endeavours, but are also asked to interact with the local children and the community at large – many of whom have never had any real contact with the art world. His approach to making art there was very much a continuation of his trademark improvisational style. “One day while shopping at the local market, I saw these beautiful sacks, made for carrying chilli. They were old and full of stains, but I bought them all, and began working on them with some oil paints I found at Casa Wabi,” he says. The result was a collection he’s dubbed the Seven Suns, which, like all his works, is a compelling combination of sculpture and painting – and a reminder of how much beauty chance can bring. • PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: UWE WALTER, COURTESY BOSCO SODI, ALEX KROTKOV 50 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
SPECIAL PROMOTION NOTEWORTHY What to have. Where to go. The New Submariner - Conquering the Deep Rolex presents the new generation of its Submariner and Submariner Date watches that exemplify the historic links between Rolex and the world of diving. Both timepieces now feature a redesigned, slightly larger 41mm case – the profile of which is highlighted by the light reflections from the case sides and lugs – and are fitted on a remodelled bracelet. For more info, please visit smattarco.com Escape Awaits at Vakkaru Maldives An array of exceptional benefits from Escape Awaits Reopening Offer means a getaway at Vakkaru Maldives has never been more enticing. Reserve your stay and find a peaceful haven in one of the elegant Over Water or Beach Villas. Additionally, indulge in the exquisite dining options, a world-class wine cellar and curated leisure activities. vakkarumaldives.com Beverly Hills Dreaming The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 195 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 17 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens featuring residential touches like patios with outdoor spas, kitchens, fireplaces and a discreet location. The hotel is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, within easy walking distance to Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive. peninsula.com/beverlyhills Happy Hearts – Creations for Big-Hearted women Tender and playful, mischievous and generous, iconic and so very joyful: the heart is the symbol of absolute vitality that pulsates within Chopard creations. With it, the Maison is enriching its iconic Happy Hearts collection with new cocktail pendants and original earrings in 18ct rose gold and mother-of-pearl, onyx, diamonds, malachite and red stone. Colourful new talismans for the Big- Hearted women so deeply cherished by Chopard. @chopard @attarunited
