The Watermill Center, a unique laboratory for creative thought founded by the influential artist Robert Wilson, recently hosted the debut American edition of Nomad. This global showcase for art and collectible design found a fitting home in Wilson's cherished Hamptons institution. The event beautifully embodied Wilson's interdisciplinary spirit, blending diverse artistic expressions with the center's distinctive architectural environment, and ultimately enriching his profound legacy.
Nomad Hamptons Unveils Art and Design Extravaganza at The Watermill Center
The Watermill Center, situated on Long Island, New York, became the vibrant setting for the first United States iteration of Nomad, an esteemed international design fair. Running from June 25 to 28, 2026, the event paid homage to the late Robert Wilson, the visionary artist and theater-maker who established the center in 1992. Wilson, known for his boundary-defying work across various disciplines, had envisioned The Watermill Center as his most accessible and enduring artistic achievement. Nomad's co-founder and director, Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, an architect and curator, revealed that the concept for a Hamptons debut was proposed years ago and received Wilson's approval in spring 2025, prior to his passing on July 31, 2025, at the age of 83.
Bellavance-Lecompte emphasized the synergy between Nomad's ethos and Wilson's artistic philosophy, stating, "I think Robert Wilson liked the concept of Nomad very much, because it aligns with his way of being interdisciplinary and combining different cultures. We have a lot of common ground." The objective was to integrate Nomad respectfully into the site, supporting and expanding Wilson's enduring impact. This collaborative approach was evident throughout the center, which Wilson acquired in the mid-1980s, drawn by the East End's natural beauty. He meticulously rebuilt the former Western Union research facility over 15 years, inspired by Philip Johnson's architectural work, eventually adding a barn-like artists' residence in 2021, designed with architect Roger Ferris.
Visitors to Nomad Hamptons embarked on an immersive journey, strolling through a verdant woodland path adorned with monumental sculptures from Wilson's extensive collection of over 6,000 art and design pieces. The path led to the "Knee building," a zinc-sided structure serving as a nexus between the north and south wings. For the four-day event, a striking cherry-red veil enveloped this structure, while American artist Rachel Hayes' colorful textile collages fluttered among the trees, creating an ethereal atmosphere. These vibrant, site-specific installations, commissioned specially for the event, also served as whimsical picnic blankets, echoing a Rauschenbergian aesthetic.
The curated experience extended to 32 distinct exhibitions spread across the Watermill campus. Wilson's third-floor summer residence, typically private, was opened for guided tours, offering an intimate glimpse into his eclectic taste. Curated by Noah Khoshbin, the light-filled space showcased a captivating blend of art and objects, including a miniature René Magritte cloudscape, a Bruce Nauman screenprint, Navajo blankets, ceramic vessels by Bonnie Lynch, and Wilson's own 1987 stainless-steel mesh chaise longue. Khoshbin highlighted Wilson's belief in the accessibility of art, stating, "His mission and his legacy for the artists who are in residence is that they have this collection as a resource – you can touch the works, move the works, have it in your studio or your bedroom." Additionally, a lower-level space featured a presentation of works from Wilson's vast archive.
The exhibition also presented a visual tribute to Robert Wilson through the lens of Dominique Nabokov's photography, curated by Paris-based architect Sophie Dries. These images offered insights into Wilson's seamless integration of life and work, complemented by his distinctive furniture designs and glass creations from his residency at CIRVA in Marseille. Furthermore, several galleries embraced the "site-specific" ethos, including Cairo's Le Lab, which showcased "Through a Collector's Eye" around a massive wooden table designed and built by Wilson for the space. The exhibition featured works such as Ibriham El-Salahi's "Pain Relief Drawings" and Betil Dagdelen's steel-framed louvered wall. Abby Bangser's Object & Thing transformed the serene sunken art library, presenting works that celebrated material experimentation, including Christian Wassmann's "Disco Vision" lamps, crafted from upcycled LaserDiscs. Gaetano Pesce's unmistakable resin creations, inspired by Omani frankincense trees, were showcased by Kalei NYC in collaboration with the designer's estate, with additional pieces enlivening the center's kitchen, regularly infused with an Amouage fragrance.
Corporate partners thoughtfully integrated their presence, with Sisley Paris commissioning French-born artist Sydney Albertini for a lively botanical installation in the dining room. Giorgio Armani, a long-standing collaborator of Wilson, explored the nexus of art, design, and craftsmanship through new works by New York-based artists Ariel Dearie and Jonathan Kline, curated by Abby Bangser, which were presented alongside Armani/Casa pieces. Kline, a master basket weaver using black ash, created open-weave grids for the walls, reflecting Wilson's appreciation for slow, contemplative processes. The "Rooted Movements" exhibition, a collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, brought together Emirati artists Afra Al Dhaheri, Zuhoor Al Sayegh, and Azza Al Qubaisi. Al Dhaheri's cotton rope installations, which cascaded from the industrial catwalk, created archways and infused the space with fragrant incense, symbolizing the cross-cultural connections championed by Nomad and echoing Wilson's sentiment: "Interesting things happen when people cross paths.”
The Nomad Hamptons event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of art and design to transcend boundaries and foster dialogue. Robert Wilson's vision for The Watermill Center as a place where diverse cultures and artistic expressions could converge was magnificently brought to life. The thoughtful integration of exhibitions within the center's unique architecture, coupled with the celebration of both established and emerging artists, underscored the importance of creating immersive, context-rich experiences. This inaugural American edition not only honored Wilson's legacy but also solidified Nomad's reputation as a dynamic platform that redefines the traditional art fair model, proving that true creativity thrives when it is deeply rooted in its environment yet open to global influences.