Humankind has come a long way. From cave paintings, which showcased stick figures, to realistic portraits and 3D printing, art has seen an uncanny transformation. In such a time, where social media and technological advancements have taken strong roots, global artists need to keep up with the times. An artist who has achieved to amalgamate art, technology, and design, while still innovating every step of the way is Mathieu Lehanneur.
Who is Mathieu Lehanneur?
Maison&Objet’s Designer of the Year 2024, Mathieu Lehanneur has recently been in the news for resurrecting the Olympic and Paralympic torches for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. While the world has just taken notice of the French designer, he has, in his own right, proved his artistic ardour, as his pieces are snagged by major collections across the world. Born in 1974, Mathieu Lehanneur is a master of all trades, be it mere objects or architectural wonders.
His radically multidisciplinary approach combines the thriving potential of nature, science, history, and technology to distil it into his unique vision. He deems human welfare to be of utmost importance as he manufactures urban spaces which are both a testament to sustainability and showcase the future of design.
Never-Before-Seen Silhouettes
One may argue — what’s so special about Mathieu Lehanneur? After all, he does design lamps, chairs, tables, and bean bags(?) While there lurks some truth to it, he transforms these mundane objects into a full-blown experience. No two pieces are the same, as he manoeuvres shapes, lines, and silhouettes to his own advantage. Take, for example, his ‘S.M.O.K.E.’ table lamp, which plays with the idea of bubbles, imprisoning a cloud of smoke within.
Another creation, AKA the ‘Deep Time’ chandelier, disrupts the ambience owing to its resonance with the lightning bolt. Lehanneur has taken inspiration from the natural surroundings, which he replicates in his idiosyncratic visual vocabulary. The ‘Sunflower’ chandelier is yet another piece which serves as the evidence. As the name suggests, the lighting source is made in the shape of the sunflower head. It is also reminiscent of a beehive, which can effectively trigger an individual’s trypophobia.
A Mobile Home?
For their 60th anniversary, Renault teamed up with Mathieu Lehanneur to revamp their iconic Renault 4L. Drawing inspiration from the Parisian Nomad Hotel suite, he combined the design of architecture and an open-air hotel room to engender ‘SUITE N°4.’ The exterior dimensions of the automobile remain the same, the hatch and rear section display transparent polycarbonate windows. Utilising transparent solar panels on the roof, the iconic car is made 100% electric. The grill of the car exhibits an embossed surface made of aluminium and rendered the colour of cement. It is a nod to his ‘Ocean Memories’ table collection, which showcases fluidity, dynamism, and movement.
While the exterior retains many aspects of the original Renault 4L, Lehanneur decided to opt for a calming homely ambience inside the car. The seats and the dashboard are laced with yellow velvet. The back employs thick, ribbed chenille fabric, complete with bolsters and pillows in the boot. A wooden bench slides out, providing additional seating. The concept of his collaboration takes from the fact that journeys are defined by the feelings of escapist experiences. While the ‘resident’ will be confined within the ‘room,’ the atmosphere around them will be ever-shifting.
Light At The End Of The Track
A quintessential aspect of the Olympics is the Olympic torch relay. It is the time when the torch is passed from hand to hand; a symbol of equality and unity. It’s no wonder that Mathieu Lehanneur was bestowed the honour of designing the iconic memento. Lehanneur divided the recycled steel torch into two parts. The upper part is polished to reflect the light of the surroundings. The lower part resembles the waves seen in his previous design ventures and the flow of the River Seine. The side slit ensures that the flames funnel upwards.
From afar, the torch looks like two uncorked champagne bottles glued at the bottom. It is representative of the equal number of male and female participants. The ripples; a mix of seamless curves and rounded silhouettes evoke feelings of calmness and serenity. It is as if one is transported to the banks of the River Seine, tossing stones from its banks. The wavy exterior of the bottom half assists in refracting light off of its surface, ensuring it glistens in the holder’s hand.
New Headquarters for New Designs
In 2018, Mathieu Lehanneur unveiled his eponymous brand. By 2023, he had inaugurated ‘Factory,’ a collaborative space to bring together the brand’s in-house activities — headquarters, exhibition space, and workshop. Built in lieu of an old electricity station, the 800 square meter space is located in the Ivry–sur–Seine neighborhood. The building is nestled between high-rise skyscrapers and a football field.
But why did a renowned artist who is, frankly, the most sought-after designer in Paris open his independent practice? The answer lies in the question itself. After years of working with high-end galleries and blue-chip companies, Lehanneur deems it time to break course and focus on satisfaction; away from the clashes between stakeholders and clients. With an autonomous venture, he conceptualizes his projects and builds at his discretion. Truth be told, we are ecstatic for him to shed corporate jargon and focus on reproducing his perplexing thought process.
Image Courtesy – Maison&Objet
Hi Ya’ll !!
I love writing about pop culture and all things queer.
Sub Editor at Abir Pothi
