Exploring the studio of acclaimed artist Glenn Ligon, based in Brooklyn, alongside its architect, Ravi Raj.
Glenn Ligon's Modern Industrial Studio in Brooklyn's Navy Yards
Glenn Ligon's art studio, situated in one of Brooklyn's industrial hubs, the Navy Yards, is a testament to contemporary design and artistic practice. Designed by architect Ravi Raj, the studio exudes an open, spacious, and raw aesthetic, subtly refined and distinctly contemporary [1].
The minimalist and modern design of the studio embraces a sense of openness and an industrial, raw texture, formalized through careful refinement. The material palette, while not explicitly detailed, appears to include industrial materials such as exposed concrete, metal, and wood components, emphasizing both the studio’s structural honesty and refined finish [1].
The studio's interior design focuses on functionality and appropriateness for art production. A central 'common room' serves as a hub, with various spaces for making, preparation, storage, documentation, and archiving radiating out in a pinwheel configuration. This layout provides a robust and flexible workspace, designed to accommodate the needs of art production [1].
The material palette enhances the existing palette of the industrial space. The wood colouring is featured in custom rolling tables and storage systems, made of prefinished maple plywood. The metal hue in the material palette matches the exposed ductwork in the industrial building. The studio also utilizes hyper-industrial materials, such as concrete and steel, to complement and enhance the existing palette of the space [1].
The design of Glenn Ligon's studio reflects his artistic practice, being disciplined, materially conscious, and deeply engaged with both process and presentation. Ravi Raj designed the studio to align with Glenn Ligon's artistic ethos, aiming to facilitate the creative process through the physical space [1].
The studio's spaces are defined by freestanding walls, providing blank wall surfaces for art display, pin-up boards, library shelving, and a studio pantry. These walls gently and pragmatically define the different areas in the studio, contributing to the visual continuity rooted in craft and industry [1].
The studio's design aims to create a creative balance and identity, establishing a distinct artistic environment that mirrors Glenn Ligon's artistic practice [1]. This unique studio space, with its industrial rawness and subtle refinement, serves as an inspiring and functional workspace for the renowned artist.
[1] Raj, R. (2025). Glenn Ligon's Studio Design: Balancing Industrial Rawness and Subtle Refinement. Wallpaper Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.wallpaper.com/design/glenn-ligon-studio-design-balance-industrial-rawness-subtle-refinement
The interior design of Glenn Ligon's studio in Brooklyn's Navy Yards, as documented by Wallpaper Magazine, embodies a lifestyle that merges contemporary art and industrial design, reflecting both his artistic practice and the broader home-and-garden trends. The studio, designed by Ravi Raj, combines the aesthetic appeal of industrial materials with a home-and-garden palette, creating a distinctive and functional home-and-garden space for the esteemed artist.
