The solo show ‘Prométhée’ explores the raw, unpredictable aesthetics of materials shaped by fire. The series reflects the gallery’s commitment to creatives who push the boundaries of authentic artisanal innovation.
On View: October 11 - November 23, 2024
September 17, 2024 (Paris, France) – Galerie SCENE OUVERTE inaugurates its new location in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris, with the solo exhibition ‘Prométhée’ by prolific architecture and design studio RoWin’Atelier. As a metaphor of the myth of Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from Olympus and gave it to humanity, the exhibition is centered on fire, and its unfettered influence on materiality. Unveiling an immense universe of aesthetic possibilities, the exhibition features tables, lamps and vases from a diverse range of materials, all adorned by the flame. On view from October 11 – November 23, 2024, ‘Prométhée’ marks a new phase in the duo’s oeuvre, as they transcend their design-centric roots to explore the realm of craftsmanship, bringing to life a collection that reflects their commitment to unparalleled authenticity and artisanal excellence.
Founded by French architects Hervé Winkler and Frédéric Rochette, RoWin'Atelier has established a reputation for its seamless fusion of architecture and design. Rhythm, structure, and virtuosity, combined with a rich tapestry of visual references, including 20th-century decorative arts and archeological artefacts, are at the core of the duo’s visual language. In ‘Prométhée’, RoWin’Atelier reveals a bold new chapter in its evolution – for the first time, Winkler and Rochette venture into the practice of craft. Immersed in a deep exploration of materiality, the duo becomes fascinated with the transformative effects of fire and heat on various materials, including ceramic, lava stone, bronze, copper, lead crystal, glass paste, and obsidian, leading to the production of a limited series of one-of- a-kind furniture and decorative pieces.
One of the most compelling dimensions of the exhibition is RoWin'Atelier’s groundbreaking exploration of glazing. For the first time, the studio develops their own glaze, collaborating with master ceramists to refine their approach. This process leads them to explore the delicate balance of chemistry and kiln temperatures, unveiling the complexities of crystallization and texture in their final pieces. For the series of eight MYMU BIG tables, the duo replicates similar glazed effects seen in ceramic on lava stone, a material not typically associated with such finishes, revealing a mesmerizing crystallization on the tables’ surfaces. For the French duo, the unpredictable motifs produced by the fire and heat embody the pieces’ authenticity, making each design rare and inimitable.
Among the highlights, the exhibition features a new series of three vases titled OLPE in kiln molded lead crystal with a glass paste technique, in addition to a table made entirely from lead crystal glass titled MYMU SMALL, which took over 250 hours of production. Mimicking rock crystal, the table is both visually striking and a testament to RoWin’Atelier’s commitment to innovation through material exploration.
The studio’s approach to design reflects the very essence of Galerie SCENE OUVERTE’s philosophy – showcasing pieces that transcend the simple functionality of objects. Fueled by knowledge and know- how, each work is an embodiment of authentic contemporary creativity and artisanal brilliance. While RoWin'Atelier embrace technology for certain aspects of their process — using VR to achieve intricate details or AI as a supportive creative tool — they uphold the role and importance of human intellect, artisanal mastery, and creative innovation in the production of works that are unique and inherently irreproducible. Their approach stands in contrast to the growing trend of using AI more akin to 'mixing', ultimately copying from the works of contemporary creators and masters of the past. The studio expands: “In creation, whether physical or immaterial, the essence lies in the emergence of an idea and the process of bringing it to life. Education, culture, the thinking mind, the hand that draws, the hand that sculpts—all these elements matter, even if in absolute terms, what must endure is the poetry that resonates with those who observe it.”
RoWin’Atelier’s LILI pair of tables lamp, developed by L'ARC (Atelier de Recherche et de Création) the inner House of the Mobilier National, and now part of the “National treasure”, will be on view at Galerie Scene Ouverte throughout the exhibition.
NOTES TO EDITORS
‘Prométhée’ by RoWin’Atelier is on view at the Galerie SCENE OUVERTE from October 11 – November 23, 2024.
Address:
Galerie SCENE OUVERTE 13 rue Bonaparte
75006, Paris
France
Opening Times:
Monday | 2 – 6 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday | 11 – 7 p.m.
About Galerie SCENE OUVERTE:
Galerie SCENE OUVERTE, newly located at 13 rue Bonaparte, Saint Germain des Prés in Paris, embodies the alliance between contemporary creativity and artisanal excellence. Here, beauty, craftsmanship and the sensations generated by materials converge to create a singular collection of art furniture and ceramics, available as one-off pieces, or very limited editions.
The young designers and ceramists represented by the gallery share a vision that transcends the simple functionality of objects. Their intrinsic creative energy, fueled by in-depth research into materials and know- how, makes them part of a History of the Decorative Arts. In this way, each work becomes the unique story of an era, a total vision of creation.
Our commitment extends beyond each individual creation, embracing the defense of the work of some thirty designers. Accompanying artists on their creative journey becomes a passionate mission, as does introducing buyers to the essence and uniqueness of each object. At Galerie SCENE OUVERTE, each piece emerges as the fruit of a symbiosis between designers and craftsmen, or directly from the artist's hand. The gesture takes on meaning. Each creation, imbued with a palpable uniqueness and undeniable sensitivity, becomes the witness to a rich collaboration at the heart of the Decorative Arts. Passed down from generation to generation, it carries the artistic heritage and creative spirit that define the soul of the gallery. http://galerie-sceneouverte.com/
About RoWin’Atelier:
Lulled by a childhood sensitive to culture and creativity, Hervé Winkler and Frédéric Rochette are two French architects, whose association gave birth to RoWin’Atelier in 2011. As teenagers, they decided to study architecture at the Val de Seine School of Architecture, combined with interior architecture/design training for Hervé and at the Paris la Villette School of Architecture for Frédéric. In parallel to the architectural projects, RoWin’Atelier develops furniture pieces in limited series. Their taste and knowledge for architecture, but also for decorative arts, painting and sculpture of the 20th and 21st century are the sources of inspiration for their work. Very attached to exceptional materials, Hervé and Frédéric work in collaboration with craftsmen to promote artisanal know-how. A line runs through the practice of the two partners, a clear and recognizable line, the elegance of contrasting materials in simple and balanced forms. The material is both a silhouette and a volume in space. These two personalities come together to create pieces with a demand for finishes and different degrees of reading. Rhythm, presence, visibility and virtuosity characterize their sculptural works. http://www.rowin-atelier.com/
Image Credits:
1. OLPE vase by RoWin'Atelier, 2024. Photography by Paul Hennebelle. Courtesy of Galerie Scene Ouverte.
2. NONE lamp by RoWin'Atelier, 2021. Photography by Paul Hennebelle. Courtesy of Galerie Scene Ouverte.
3, 4, 5 and 6. PILE series by RoWin'Atelier, 2024. Photography by Paul Hennebelle. Courtesy of Galerie Scene Ouverte.
7. COOD Lamp by RoWin’Atelier, 2021. Photography by Paul Hennebelle. Courtesy of Galerie Scene Ouverte.
8. Close up of MYMU Table by RoWin’ Atelier, 2021. Photography by Alexandra Mocanu. Courtesy of RoWin’Atelier.