491 Projects is a curated platform that provides a new context for the appreciation of objects. Its collection of iconic and one-of-a-kind pieces transcends the conventional boundaries through which objects are often seen, presenting organic juxtapositions of genre, style and period. This sparks unexpected dialogues and connections, and brings new perspectives to the aesthetic, emotional and conceptual qualities of objects. The name 491 reflects the non-hierarchical, fluid spirit of our curation and style.
491's name is a nod to Francis Picabia's literary magazine 391 itself a nod to 291, Alfred Stieglitz's gallery devoted to photography. 491 is inspired above all by the concepts that emanate from Picabia's work: modernity, novelty, velocity and freedom of form.