Visionaire is a company based in New York City that creates films, experiences, and events in addition to an eponymous publication that intersect art, fashion, film, and contemporary culture across multiple platforms. Artists and designers often work in collaboration with Visionaire to produce interpretations on a theme.[1]
Visionaire was founded in 1991 by Cecilia Dean, James Kaliardos, and Stephen Gan.[2] Dean and Kaliardos continue to lead the company.[3]
The issue's price often reflects its format. For example, edition 18 Fashion Special Louis Vuitton contained a Louis Vuitton pouch within its own leather and was reportedly sold at an auction for $5,000. The price can also be an indication as to the limited number in distribution; it often fluctuates based on available inventory.[8]
In addition to the original Visionaire, the company launched three offshoot magazines: V (1999), VMan (2003), and with Carine Roitfeld, CR Fashion Book (2012).[9]
In 2014, Dean, Kaliardos, and Gan divided their partnership. Dean and Kaliardos retained the company Visionaire, including the publication Visionaire, while Gan retained V and VMan.[6]
Installation
Visionaire has exhibited in New York, Miami, Tokyo, São Paolo, Moscow, Seoul, and Beijing.[10][11][12][13][14][15]
In 2003, Visionaire premiered the three-dimensional film and sound installation 130919, A Portrait of Marina Abramović, directed by Matthew Placek, at Art Basel Miami Beach.[19]
They began creating public art installations for Cadillac House in downtown Manhattan in 2016. An early show featured an automotive assembly-line robot reprogrammed to draw visitors’ portraits.[20]Toiletpaper magazine, The Richard Avedon Foundation, and Daniel Arsham have also collaborated with Visionaire on these installations.[21][22]
In 2017, Visionaire screened their virtual reality film KAWS: A VR Experience for free at the New York Public Library.[23]
Their film 130919, A Portrait of Marina Abramović was an official selection of Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Stockholm Film Festival, Festival du Nouveau Cinema, and Braunschweig International Film Festival.[27]
^Susan E. Thomas (Spring 2007). "Zeroing In on Contemporary, Independent Visual Arts Magazines Zeroing In on Contemporary, Independent Visual Arts Magazines". Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America. 26 (1). JSTOR27949453.
