Renowned American interior designer Kelly Wearstler has announced the launch of Side Hustle, a new exhibition platform dedicated to showcasing work from a diverse range of artists and designers. The innovative gallery space will present collectible design pieces across multiple creative disciplines, from sculpture and jewelry to film and automotive design, through regular curated exhibitions.
The inaugural exhibition, titled "Again, Differently," will take place at the pool house of Wearstler's Beverly Hills home starting October 16. This debut show will feature 10 artists and designers from across the United States, South America, the United Kingdom, and Europe, working with diverse materials including lace garments and architectural remnants. Each exhibition will be presented both as a curated physical show and in an online format, making the work accessible to a broader audience.
According to Wearstler, Side Hustle was founded to champion the many artists and designers she has collaborated with throughout her career to bring her recognizable interior designs to life. "My studio practice has long integrated work from across such a wide range of creative disciplines," said Wearstler. "It is this exploration that led to the birth of Side Hustle – a space for ideas to unfold beyond the logic of client or commission, working to present works that contribute to the ongoing evolution of design as a cultural practice."
The "Again, Differently" exhibition will showcase an impressive roster of international talent, including Brazilian artist Sonia Gomes, installation designer Joana Schneider, Portuguese sculptor Leonor Antunes, and artist Dozie Kanu, among others. Additional participants include Kenny Beats, Madeline Hollander, Karl Holmqvist, Sam Klemick, Nynke Koster, and Mariko Makino, representing a truly global perspective on contemporary design.
Throughout her 30-year career, Wearstler has established herself as one of America's most influential interior designers, known for her eclectic and bold design aesthetic. She has gained particular recognition for her work with American hospitality group Proper Hotels, including notable projects such as the Austin Proper Hotel and Residences. Her recent projects have expanded beyond traditional hospitality design, including work on a luxury animal hospital in Ontario, Canada.
The launch of Side Hustle represents a new chapter in Wearstler's career, allowing her to extend her influence beyond traditional interior design into the broader realm of collectible design and contemporary art. The platform aims to create a space where creative ideas can develop organically, free from the constraints of commercial commissions and client requirements, potentially setting a new standard for how established designers can support and showcase emerging and established artists alike.
