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Robert Aibel

Inspiring Conversations with Robert Aibel of Moderne Gallery

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Aibel.

Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Robert Aibel opened Moderne Gallery in 1984, after a part time stint selling all manner of art and antiques. Moderne Gallery was devoted to French Art Deco, but a year after opening we began to handle the work of George Nakashima.
That led us to broaden our specialization to the entire field of Studio Furniture, Ceramics, Wood turning and Metalwork. About 7 years ago we decided to exclude Deco and focus fully on Studio Arts. We became the primary gallery for the work of George Nakashima, an area in which we currently dominate the market. In 2012 my son, Joshua Aibel became my Co-Director.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a very smooth road for us, except for the crash in 2008 and Covid. We managed to stay afloat through those by increasing our visibility and activity on the internet.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Moderne Gallery?
Clearly we’re known for the work of George and Mira Nakashima as well as the work of Wharton Esherick, Sam Maloof, Estelle Halper and modernist Japanese and American ceramics.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have a Ph.d. in aesthetic communication and was a professor at The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University from 1974 through 1992.

Moderne Gallery exclusively specialized in French Art Deco in 1984.

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A black table with four wooden cone-shaped objects underneath, arranged in a row, against a white background.

Three wooden stools with irregular, natural wood tops and three legs each, casting shadows on a white background.

Wooden boat-shaped display case with shelves and drawers on a black stand, against a plain background.

Various chairs and decorative objects on a white surface, with some chairs stacked and a black lamp. Alt text word count: 20.

Older man with gray hair and beard, wearing a striped shirt, sitting indoors with a wooden desk in the background.

Wooden chair with woven seat and backrest, placed on a wooden floor against a plain wall.

Tall wooden speaker with a white front panel, standing on a dark gradient background.

Ceramic vase with abstract blue and black glaze patterns on a beige and dark base, against a white background.

Wooden vase with a rounded top and three horizontal ridges, set against a plain background.

Upside-down view of a room with a large abstract painting, wooden furniture, and decorative items on the wall.

Gallery with a large deer sculpture, wooden bench, chairs, and abstract paintings on white walls.

Wooden chair with a curved backrest and woven seat, set against a plain background.

Art gallery with paintings on white walls, wooden furniture, and a round black table with decorative objects.

Three empty display boxes with dried seed pods inside, arranged in a row against a light blue background.

Wooden unicorn rocking horse with a horn, standing on a base, against a plain white wall.

Wooden unicorn rocking horse with a horn, standing on curved base, facing right, with a white background.

Gallery display with various furniture and decorative objects, including a wooden cabinet, lamps, and chairs, against white walls.

Wooden bench with a curved seat and a slatted backrest, supported by four legs, on a white surface.

Seven small ceramic vases with blue, green, and brown glazes arranged on a light gray background.

Wooden chair with a curved backrest and a lower shelf, set against a plain background.

Portrait of an older man with gray hair and beard, wearing a striped shirt, indoors with wooden furniture in background.

Arrangement of vintage furniture and blue vases in a room with a painting on the wall.

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