Sense Check Q&A: artist Daniel Arsham
Artist and Hublot collaborator DANIEL ARSHAM listens to Nas, does not cook and wakes up to views of his Japanese-style garden
In Sense Check, our monthly Q&A, we unearth the sensorial pleasures of a contemporary tastemaker.
What is the first thing you see in the morning?
When I open the curtains at my home (in Bridgehampton, New York), I see a Japanese garden that I designed myself. In the mornings I rake it left to right, creating waves around the mounds of moss planted with trees, the rocks, the sculpture.
Describe the view from where you are right now.
I am in Singapore, staying at the Raffles hotel – so a courtyard filled with lush tropical trees and plants.
Is there a view you can’t quite forget?
Lake Kawaguchi, in Japan’s southern Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The view across the water from the west side looking towards Mount Fuji is quite incredible.1
W6JJDH Evening atmosphere, view over Lake Kawaguchi to volcano Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Is there a particular artwork you always return to?
There’s a room I always return to at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art that is filled with Édouard Manet paintings. He’s one of my favourite painters and I keep going back for more.
What was the last movie you watched and loved?
I’m more of a TV guy these days. Right now, I’m really enjoying Black Rabbit with Jude Law on Netflix. It’s dark.
What sound do you wake up to?
I usually put on some Tibetan chanting when I wake up.
What sound would you like to wake up to?
See above.
What gets you dancing?
Either some 1970s funk/soul/disco music or contemporary hip-hop; Drake usually works for me.
Which singer or song do you never tire of hearing and why?
Nas. The Notorious B.I.G.1
RNR2PY Notorious Big - Ready to Die - Vintage Cover Album
Which smell takes you back to childhood?
Jasmine flowers.
What do you smell of today?
Ganymede by Marc-Antoine Barrois2 – mandarin, violet, immortelle and suede.
‘In the mornings I rake [my Japanese garden] left to right, creating waves around the mounds of moss planted with trees, the rocks, the sculpture’
What smell makes you feel at home?
Probably freshly cut grass.
What is your earliest scent memory?
The hot aroma of night in Miami where I grew up.
What did you have for breakfast today?
Full American breakfast at the Raffles hotel, Singapore.
Describe a dish that’s stayed with you.
Raw shrimp in Kyoto.
What is the taste of winter?
Soba noodles – warm and comforting.
Olive or a twist?
Olive.
What is a dish you love to cook for yourself?
I do not cook at all. Virtually nothing. I could maybe fry an over-easy egg.
What is your go-to dinner party dish?
Tacos. But it’s my girlfriend (Jacqueline René) who will make them.
What three ingredients would we find in your fridge?
Avocados, lemons and pickles.
Silk or cashmere?
Cashmere.
Marble or wood?
Wood.
Favourite piece of furniture at home?
My deep slouch, vintage Mario Bellini couch.3
