Who are you ?
Around a bird
Qui es-tu ? offers a vibrant artistic interpretation of Qui es-tu, toi qui regardes ?, a photograph by Muriel Pénicaud, winner of the 2024 Julia Margaret Cameron International Award, through eight unique interpretations.
This collective initiative brings together eight master artisans, each engaging their material, gesture, and exceptional craft to converse with the image of a brilliantly white, mysterious bird—a figure that invites contemplation and reflection. The resulting creations celebrate the richness and diversity of the applied arts, offering multiple sensitive and nuanced perspectives on this singular source of inspiration.
This unprecedented project presents eight original works, each in resonance with the bird, while developing its own distinct narrative. It highlights the subtle interplay between heritage and innovation, tradition and contemporary creation, and reimagines the way materials respond to one another within a collective work. The exhibition thus demonstrates the capacity of the applied arts to combine technical excellence, sensitivity, and poetic interpretation.
The Photographer
Muriel PÉNICAUD: The photographer whose work Qui es-tu, toi qui regardes ? (Who Are You, You Who Watch?) inspired this project.
Her photographic gaze captures the ephemeral, reveals the invisible, embraces the world’s contradictions, and explores universal themes such as origins, roots, nature, freedom, and the quest for meaning.
A former French Minister of Labour and ambassador, she continues her commitments to women, youth, and the arts, notably through the Fondation Sakura, which she founded to support emerging artists engaged with societal issues.
The Artisans
Jérôme BLIN: Creator of unique women’s garments, employing haute couture techniques.
Aurore BOUTER: Glass artist, creator of volumetric and sculptural works.
Véronique BOYENS: Thread artist, producing ultra-realistic works in tensioned thread.
Elisa ESPADA: Lacquer artisan, creator of panels and lacquered objects.
Alyssa JOS: Botanical designer and artisan, transforming Parisian fallen leaves into unique luxury interior creations.
Pierre LETZ & Daniel MARTIN: Fashion designers specializing in bespoke bridal couture.
Stéphanie TROLEZ: Cabinetmaker and eco-responsible straw marquetry artist, creator of organically shaped furniture.
The exhibition can be discovered in the hotel’s display windows and entrance.
Extend the experience with Birds Cocktails at the Bar du Faubourg.
