How Obsolete Gallery is changing design one perfectly dilapidated object at a time.
Photo Credit: Jesse Stone
Having out grown his neighborhood space in Venice,
What is the most unusual item you have sold or have
I love “Farrow & Ball” paint, specifically the color
California, Ray Azoulay founder and owner of Obsolete
for sale in your gallery?
“Elephants Breathe”, what is your favorite paint brand
Gallery- the wildly popular Los Angeles antiques and vintage
We have always collected artist drawing models and
and color?
design gallery that sells unusual gothic vitrines, vintage
wooden figures from the 17th thru 20th centuries, these
I have always loved Donald Kaufman colors, I worked with
French furniture and distressed hand-painted mannequins
life-like figures were used in drawing classes by artists.
Donald many years ago on a farm house I owned in Buck’s
ca.1870- recently relocated to Culver City, transforming a
They have always intrigued me, the most unusual one we
County, Pennsylvania. The house was built in 1790 and
6,500 sq. ft. building into an open and airy space, complete
currently have and actually have ever had is a life-sized
I spent three days with Donald and his wife Taffy as we
with a back garden filled with everything from California
woman artist model made completely out of paper board,
picked all the colors for the interior and exterior. It was my
native plants to his newest obsession—bonsai bowls.
and it is exquisite.
education in paint color. While I don’t have a favorite color,
Specializing in unique designs and curiosities, Azoulay has
As a designer I get a lot of inspiration living in California,
become part of an elite community of international dealers.
from the rugged coastline to our scenic hiking paths.
New York has a design image of sleek and marbled,
However, being based in California has served him well,
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Miami’s image is that of neon with a modern vibe, how
an East Coast transplant, Azoulay established Obsolete
I have drawn inspiration from art, music, theater, dance,
would you describe California’s design image?
Gallery in 2001 and has since cultivated a clientele that
fashion … the cool things in life.
Traditionally California’s design image has been colorful,
I do like “Chocolate Ice Cream.”
quirky, mid-century. For me we represent many vocabularies
includes top architects and interior designers as well as such A-list celebrity collectors as Ellen DeGeneres, Diane
Where is your favorite “flea market”?
and most of our followers incorporate several aesthetics into
Keaton, Barbara Streisand, filmmaker Marc Foster, and artist
I like the Paris flea market, it is always a hit or miss … the
their homes and projects. Just look at Ellen DeGeneres’s
Takashi Murakami. His remarkable flair for the unusual and
dealers there, especially at Paul Bert, try to pay attention
latest book, HOME, you will see the brilliant use of form,
sometimes creepy, always keeps you interested, from his
to design trends and reflect that in their stall installations.
color, period, and just great, unique design aesthetic.
methodically curated vignettes throughout the gallery to the
It is quite impressive at times. If you could reincarnate yourself and come back as
distressed and purposely un-manicured industrial objects, to a Sputnik chandelier, ca 1960, and velvet French settees.
Personally, I have been to many of your Gallery openings
anything in your gallery, what would it be?
The Obsolete Gallery never disappoints, the decorative
and I always marvel at how you stage small vignettes
A dimmer. They may be one of the most important gadgets
objects always pull at your imagination and the creative
throughout the gallery by mixing nature and art. For
ever created.
space is uniquely California.
instance, an Agnes Baillon sculpture in a fish tank with live fish? These kitschy vignettes are what make you
Recently I visited Cuba and went out to Ernest
Never a dull moment, with the witty and talented Azoulay,
so special, for someone that has never been to your
Hemingway’s home, surprisingly it was filled with
I reached out for a “Proust” style Q & A, and his clever
gallery, how would you describe “Obsolete Gallery’s”
taxidermy game animals and jars of reptiles preserved
answers may just surprise you.
overall design style.
in formaldehyde, is there a place in your travels that
I have always felt if we are asking you to leave your home and
have surprised you?
Your unique style is very recognizable and has
come see what we are doing that it should be compelling
I like 500 Capp Street in San Francisco, it was David Ireland’s
developed into a “brand” all your own. How has the
and inspiring. We have four walls and what we can do within
house … so primitive and sublime.
“California lifestyle” influenced your design esthetics?
those four walls is limitless. A great example of using four
From the very beginning the Los Angeles audience has
walls and limitless inspiration is the new Harry Potter play in
Name three things you never leave home without?
been supportive of our aesthetic, they encourage mixing
London that just opened. I was lucky enough to see Part
My swim goggles and swimsuit (that counts as one), Kiehls
vocabularies and strive to be unique, and this has been a
1 and Part 2 all in one day and was blown away by what
hair cream and my iPad.
great benefit in searching for pieces that satisfy their desires.
can be done within four walls … now that is inspirational!
written by
Maggy Siegel
is a Los Angeles based lifestyle designer, Vintage Finds buyer for One Kings Lane and a veteran apparel industry leader who pioneered several
popular children’s brands. She is a Mother, art & nature lover, and collector of all things chic for the home. Contact information: maggysiegelcastyle@gmail.com
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