Next month in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, James Rondeau, 45, will unveil the result of five years of research: a survey of sculptor Charles Ray’s work from 1997 to present. It will be the first time the second floor of the Renzo Piano–designed building houses a special exhibition, and it’s an exciting prospect for the seasoned curator. “Trying to understand how to deploy things in three-dimensional space is the most enjoyable part of what I do,” he says. This passion for installation is evident in the two-bedroom Edgewater condo he shares with his partner, Igor DaCosta. Here, art objects and vintage furniture coexist in a carefully calculated manner. These are some of his favorite items.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
by Haruki Murakami
($10, Barnes & Noble, 1130 N. State St.)
“He is my favorite author, and this novel is a touchstone.”
Anne Amie Pinot Noir
($60, anneamie.com)
“Our house red.”
Lanvin Suede sneakers
($595, Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave.)
“These work with jeans or a suit.”
Ellen Gronemeyer painting
“Really strange and beautiful work by a young German artist.”
Simon Carroll pitcher
“An inventive form by an underappreciated British ceramist.”
Mikimoto Gray Pearl cufflinks and studs
(mikimotoamerica.com for similar style)
“A gift, and pretty much the only jewelry I own.”
John Vinci dining table
(vinci-hamp.com)
“A brilliant design: The top appears to float.”
Wool blanket
“From my father. It’s been on my bed since college.”
Autographed Roy Lichtenstein poster
“A gift from the artist when I was an intern during my first museum experience.”