As I delve into the captivating world of Jean-Michel Othoniel, I am left in awe of his ability to weave together history, culture, and art in such a harmonious and intriguing manner. His journey, from being inspired by a flower festival in Japan to creating a masterpiece that pays homage to the craftsmanship of Hennessy’s Cognac barrel makers, is a testament to his unique artistic voice and unwavering dedication to his craft.
In his Paris garden, Jean-Michel Othoniel, originally from Saint-Étienne but now residing in Paris, spends time observing nature’s progression. He shares with Hypeart that there is usually a moment for reflection at the start, as he reflects on the growth of a flower or the transformation of a caterpillar. For over three decades, Othoniel has crafted glass sculptures imbued with poetry, drawing inspiration from nature, personal experiences, and change. It’s only fitting that he would choose to work with glass, given its unique qualities that come from the transformation of melted sand into unusual shapes – a transformation that for Othoniel, led to the creation of towering necklace-like sculptures, ornate entrances to the Paris metro, and even a fountain in the Gardens of Versailles.
Hypeart recently visited Othoniel at his multi-purpose 8,500-square-foot studio and office in Paris’ Bercy district, a former rail depot. This expansive space is home to many of his large-scale artworks, as well as the team that brings his ideas to life. Upstairs, Othoniel sketches watercolor designs on a brightly lit workspace, which he later transforms into stunning pieces using various colored Murano glass beads stored throughout the building.
History enthusiast Othoniel felt thrilled when Hennessy selected him to revamp their X.O cognac bottle, honoring the label’s almost 260-year legacy while offering a contemporary artistic twist on an ancient product. “My aim was to craft a sculpture that acknowledges the artisans and demonstrates the intricacies within the drink, emphasizing this through my work,” Othoniel explained. With high-profile endorsements such as Nas, LeBron James, and Kim Jones, it might be simple to perceive Hennessy as just another liquor brand. However, visiting their vineyards, cellars, and advanced packaging facilities reveals the meticulous care and respect for tradition that defines this brand more than most. Among its older cellars are barrels filled with eaux-de-vie that have been maturing for over 120 years, yet remain undisturbed until the perfect moment to be released.
In the spirit of growth and refinement, Othoniel’s artistic partnership echoes the transformation from barrel to bottle, as he crafted the X.O decanter to resemble a precious stone discovered amidst raw material. The Limited Edition piece comes enclosed in a gold-plated casing, priced at $284 USD, while the Masterpiece model, limited to just 108 units, boasts a wooden housing reminiscent of Hennessy’s French oak barrels and an exquisite Baccarat crystal carafe adorned with gems mirroring Othoniel’s shimmering artistry. This exclusive edition carries a hefty price tag of $38,734 USD. Following the collaboration’s launch, Hypeart interviewed Othoniel to delve into his artistic process, his two-decade partnership with Hennessy, and the projects brewing in his studio.
Retrace your art journey and the early influences that impacted you during your formative years?
In the 1970s, Saint-Étienne boasted a vibrant and influential contemporary art scene that was at the forefront of France’s burgeoning modern art movement. During this time, numerous American and British artists flocked to this town, and I vividly recall attending an exhibition by Robert Morris as a child, which left a lasting impression on me. The interactive nature of his artwork allowed for a playful and joyful engagement with the pieces, sparking my lifelong passion for art.
What sparked your interest in using unorthodox materials within your own work?
As a passionate enthusiast, I embarked on a journey crafting materials capable of self-transformation, often referred to as metamorphosis material. For instance, I found great delight in working with wax – a solid substance that, when melted, would transform into a liquid and then solidify once more. The allure of this shape-shifting material piqued my interest, leading me to explore its potential.
It taught me that I could be the maestro of my compositions, but I needed to have good people to work with, instead of having to learn how to blow glass myself — which you need to devote your life to the craft.
Could you share a bit about the process behind your intriguing, almost lifelike sculptures that seem to capture moments in time? What can you tell us about your artistic approach, the journey that led you to this style, and the subjects or ideas you often explore?
As a gaming soul immersed in the lush landscapes of virtual worlds, I find myself captivated by the beauty and complexity of real-life flora. Inspired by these vibrant blooms, my creations – these sculptures – are born out of that fascination. I strive to capture their essence, translating them into abstract forms that echo nature’s intricate patterns.
“I love to connect with the past and find new ways to tell old stories.”
Speaking of your long-standing career, I’m curious if there are specific projects from throughout the years that particularly stand out for you and why they hold such a special place in your creative journey?
1996 marked the debut of my public art project at the Paris metro, an experience that took my artwork beyond the confines of museum walls and into the streets where everyday passersby could encounter it. It was an entirely unique scenario, sparking curiosity among onlookers who would often ask, “Who is this artist?” That’s when I first began to gain recognition within a wider audience, which I found incredibly rewarding.
As a gamer, when it comes to fueling my creative spirit beyond the virtual worlds I inhabit, I’d say it’s a mix of exploration and problem-solving. When brainstorming fresh ideas or tackling creative roadblocks, I often find myself:
Despite having limited spare time, my deep affection for flora is undeniable. It’s connected to my intense fascination with flowers, which I find captivating in their ability to weave tales within modern art. Gardening offers me a unique perspective on nature, instilling within me a sense of optimism and wonder.
How do you juggle client assignments with your own personal endeavors? Do you ever establish boundaries between them, or do you generally view them as equally important aspects of your work life?
I treat them the same, but there is always a difference in rhythm. When I work on a site-specific project for a city, it can take five-to-ten years to realize it. When I work on a museum show, it usually happens every two years. Fairs usually happen two or three times a ear and when I do a commission, it can be very fast or long. For example, this Hennessy project took two years to develop the idea and get in connection with the brand, what they expect and what they want me to tell. It was really interesting and I loved the back-and-forth. I’m an artist of dialogue.
What is the process like to create one of your smaller sculptural beaded artworks?
The series originated following my trip to a flower festival in Japan. The intricate shapes of the flowers ignited my creativity, leading me to sketch for several months to crystallize my ideas. My gallery eventually offered me an exhibition in Japan, which gave me the perfect platform to display my conceptualized works. From brainstorming to actualization, it took approximately six months to bring the idea to life.
Could you elaborate on the details of your collaboration with Hennessy, starting with the rich history of this renowned cognac house, and explaining the objectives we sought to accomplish together in this partnership?
I was totally free to do what I wanted.
I yearned to visit Cognac, the city where this spirit originates, to understand its creation process firsthand. I wanted to witness the labor, the pulsating atmosphere, the raw energy that fuels the production of the wine. I had the chance to interact with barrel-makers, whose craftsmanship is truly remarkable. This experience laid a strong groundwork for me, as I discovered that the drink matures over extended periods in these wooden containers and absorbs the very flavors of the wood.
In creating my sculpture, I aimed to honor the craftsmanship of the carvers while also highlighting the intricacies of the beverage. I wanted my artwork to emphasize these complexities effectively.
When dealing with a brand that’s over 250 years old, how did you manage to preserve its traditional values, all the while expressing your unique creative perspective?
My affection lies in delving into the realm of history. I find joy in bridging the gap between past and present, unearthing fresh perspectives to re-tell age-old narratives. A prime example is my work on the sculpture within the Versailles Gardens, an experience that added another layer of intrigue to my life. Connecting with Louis XIV in that moment was surreal — it was a link that felt almost otherworldly. During that period, I realized that I am more an artist who weaves continuity rather than one who creates fractures. Engaging with a brand as storied as Hennessy, therefore, was an immense source of delight for me.
What are some projects or exhibitions we can look forward to in the future?
In the near future, I’ll be displaying my work at The Long Museum in Shanghai – marking my debut exhibition in China. Apart from that, there’s another project on the horizon, situated in Brazil, inside a museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer. However, it’s an intricate space to design for. To make the most of it, I plan to convert it into a planetarium as a tribute to the cosmos. Next summer, I have an ambitious undertaking lined up in Avignon, France, where my work will be displayed simultaneously at nine different museums. The event will feature around 200 pieces spread across these cities and promises to be the most significant milestone of my career.
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2024-10-02 19:56