EP 026: ADAM CHARLAP HYMAN

Image Culture

My guest is Adam Charlap Hyman, principle at the architecture and design firm Charlap Hyman & Herrero, which he cofounded in 2014. Adam’s work is grounded in a deeply considered approach to all aspects of the built environment, creating spaces imbued with a rich sense of history and narrative. His work ranges from residential interiors to art galleries, furniture, opera sets, and a new collection of abaca rugs, wallpapers, and fabrics in collaboration with Schumacher and Patterson Flynn Martin.

Recently Adam designed an exhibition at Friedman Benda Gallery entitled Blow Up in which he and curator Felix Burrichter transformed the gallery into a life-sized dollhouse, creating architectural elements through scaled up prints of Adam’s watercolor illustrations. The imagined spaces were then furnished with the work of a dreamlike roster of contemporary artists and designers.

At the center of Adam’s work is the idea of Gesamtkunstwerk, the total work of art. He has a unique way of understanding interiors that goes far beyond the decorative. Instead, his spaces feel as if they are part of an ever-expanding narrative, often funny, full of twists, and always fascinating.

I’d like to thank Adam Charlap Hyman as well as Andre Herrero, Alex Charlap Hyman, Juliet Breza, Felix Burrichter, and Friedman Benda. Remember, you can see my portrait of Adam on Instagram @william.jess.laird and @image.culture as well as at our website williamjesslaird.com/imageculture This show is produced by Sarah Levine and our music is by Jack and Eliza. Thanks for listening.

Find Charlap Hyman & Herrero at www.ch-herrero.com and on Instagram at @ch_herrero