Perrier-Jouët’s latest commissioned design work, Ephemerā by mischer’traxler, was revealed at DesignMiami/ 2014. Exploring traditional craftsmanship, modern technology, the ephemerality of nature, and the Art Nouveau movement, mischer’traxler has captured the very essence of Perrier-Jouët with its own unique interpretation. Ephemerā is the opening work of a new, year-long artistic residency with the Vienna-based duo and the historic champagne house, entitled ‘Small Discoveries’. The collaboration has been designed to stimulate curiosity, exploring the magical dialogue between Mankind and Nature. Small Discoveries, an innovative series of original works to be revealed throughout 2015 with exclusive limited editions.
Ephemerā sparks curiosity and enchants the audience with a delicate game of hide-and-seek, played out through a mechanical ornamental garden. Comprising a room with a large oak table and two mirrors, the elegant furniture pieces come alive with colourful metal plants and insects that represent current, extinct and rediscovered species. Representing nature’s lively, deferential relationship with mankind, plants rise up and move to their own choreography, if they ‘feel’ they are not being watched. When someone approaches, they ‘hide’ and fold back into the table, reinventing a kinetic form of traditional marquetry. Similarly, digital leaves grow across the mirrors extending into 3D forms, but only as long as people are not too close. Otherwise they retract, leaving just a normal, reflective mirror.
This is the third year that Perrier-Jouët has revealed an original commission first at Design Miami/. A continuation of the brand’s support of young designers, these partnerships demonstrate the brand’s belief in infusing art in the everyday experience. Each new commission joins the Perrier-Jouët collection at The Maison Belle Epoque, which hosts the world’s largest private collection of original French Art Nouveau pieces.
