As two individuals accustomed to breaking down boundaries in their respective fields, a collaboration between art consultant Alexandra Schafer of Velvenoir and creative director Jürgen Hamberger of Steininger Designers was always going to be interesting. Drawn to the concept of a physical space to experience art and interior design in a new way, they have unveiled ART X INTERIOR, the inaugural collaborative exhibition at the Steininger showroom in Vienna.

As the kick-off exhibition to an ongoing collaboration, ART X INTERIOR takes contemporary art out from the gallery and into a setting that adds depth and perspective to the physical experience of art, in harmony with the high-end pieces and interior design of the space. Drawing on their global networks in art and interior design, Schafer and Hamberger have curated a collection that includes works including works from Chinese painter Chen Ping and American neon artist Olivia Steele alongside the Steininger Designers interior design concept and their Steininger kitchens.

It’s a clever concept, and one that seems long overdue – how often have you been blown away by an incredible piece, only to worry whether it would fit out of the gallery context and in your space? By showing a range of artists and mediums in a ‘real world’ setting that is also aspirational, thoughtful and sophisticated, the concept is sure to make the decision easier for many aspiring art-lovers.

Drawing on their respective networks of art experts and designers, Schafer and Hamberger hand-selected each piece in the exhibition as well as the site-specific installations.