Nomad hamptons: a design escape worth seeking out
Finding NOMAD Hamptons isn’t exactly straightforward – there are no signs guiding you along Water Mill Towd Road. It’s a deliberate obscurity, a quiet invitation to those truly seeking an immersive design experience. This weekend marks the traveling showcase’s inaugural American edition, a bold move that has landed it within the sprawling, enigmatic grounds of The Watermill Center, a place as intriguing as the fair itself.
A legacy of artistic freedom
The Watermill Center, a ten-acre compound on Long Island’s East End, is the legacy of avant-garde theater and opera director Robert Wilson. For decades, he transformed what was once a Western Union research facility into a vibrant artists’ campus, a sanctuary for creativity. Wilson's vision was to foster collaboration across disciplines, a space where artists could freely “pursue what no one else is doing.” His passing last year makes this NOMAD edition particularly poignant, serving as the first major cultural event held on the grounds since.
“We focus a lot on the legacy of Robert Wilson to pay homage,” explains Canadian-Italian architect and curator, Bellavance-Lecompte, the founder of NOMAD. This reverence manifests in several ways, including a compelling exhibition exploring Wilson’s friendship with Italian architect Gio Ponti – presented with Ponti's granddaughter, Caterina Licitra, who contributed personal correspondence – and Robert Wilson Works, a captivating collection of furniture, objects, and archival materials curated by Noah Khoshbin. Perhaps the most intimate glimpse into Wilson’s world is offered through exclusive, guided visits to his apartment, a space previously closed to the public. It’s undeniably the highlight of the fair, though photography is strictly prohibited, preserving the aura of personal history.
A global gathering in a unique setting
Bellavance-Lecompte’s search for a U.S. venue began in 2018, a quest that took her from California to Colorado, seeking a location with both architectural distinction and a thriving artistic community. The Watermill Center proved to be the perfect solution: its proximity to New York City, its unique architecture, and its inherent institutional weight all contributed to its appeal.
Over 30 galleries and special projects are scattered throughout the Center’s buildings and grounds. The selection is international in scope, ranging from established names like London’s Gallery FUMI and Paris-based Mathieu Lehanneur to local favorites Eric Firestone and the newly founded JK Art & Design Projects from Southampton. A strong Middle Eastern presence is also notable, with galleries like Leila Heller Gallery, Iris Projects, Le LAB, and Rooted Movements showcasing the region’s vibrant art scene.
Armani and artistic collaboration
The partnership with Giorgio Armani serves as a fitting tribute to a decades-long friendship between the fashion house and Robert Wilson, a relationship that previously culminated in a landmark retrospective at the Guggenheim in 2000. Giorgio Armani/Unveiled, the fair’s official partner, presents newly commissioned works by Ariel Dearie and Jonathan Kline, alongside Armani/Casa furniture and a selection of 13 reissued archive looks. Adding another layer of artistic engagement, American artist Rachel Hayes has installed a large-scale textile commission—a series of blankets that visitors are invited to use for picnics—blurring the line between artwork and functional amenity.
NOMAD Hamptons isn’t just a fair; it’s a pilgrimage to a place where art, architecture, and legacy converge. Access is currently limited to NOMAD Circle members and VIP guests, but those fortunate enough to experience it will find themselves immersed in a world of quiet beauty and creative exploration—a testament to the enduring vision of Robert Wilson. The fair runs through Sunday, a fleeting opportunity to connect with a space where artistic boundaries dissolve.