A January to Remember: Christie’s Celebrates Contemporary Creativity
Christie’s January Showcase: A Symphony of Art, Design, and Creativity
By Shari Inessa, Editor-in-Chief of What We Adore Magazine
This January, Paris stands as the epicenter of contemporary brilliance as Christie’s France unveils a trio of groundbreaking exhibitions at its prestigious Avenue Matignon headquarters. With a commitment to celebrating the finest in art, design, and innovation, Christie’s invites us to explore the creative minds shaping our cultural landscape. From iconic designers to emerging talents, these exhibitions are a masterclass in elegance and artistic vision.
Left: Mathieu Lehanneur © Rudy Waks
Right: Elie Top © Carlijn Jacobs
Mathieu Lehanneur: Here and Now
Exhibition Dates: January 17–23, 2025
Renowned for his ability to weave nature, humanity, and time into his creations, Mathieu Lehanneur returns to Christie’s with Ici et Maintenant (Here and Now). Following the acclaim of his 50 Seas series, this exhibition dives deeper into themes of individuality and permanence, offering a poignant reflection on identity and legacy.
Lehanneur’s centerpiece, the I Am chair, epitomizes modern-day heraldry, where each piece is tailored to the unique initials of its owner. These sculptural creations are not just furniture but emblematic tributes to personal existence. Complementing this is Wallflower, a swirling floral installation that captures the chaos and beauty of nature, and Paradise,a cabinet that evokes the serenity of the heavens.
A standout feature is the artist’s homage to the Paris Olympics – a glowing installation celebrating the Olympic cauldron as a symbol of unity and aspiration. Lehanneur’s work invites viewers to pause and immerse themselves in the poetry of design, where every piece tells a story that transcends the present moment.
Mathieu Lehanneur, chair I am, DR
Elie Top: A Decade of Audacious Elegance
Exhibition Dates: January 27–29, 2025
Marking ten years of his eponymous jewelry house, Elie Top presents Liaisons Dangereuses, a collection inspired by the grandeur of the Enlightenment. Known for his fearless blending of epochs and materials, Top’s creations redefine jewelry as wearable art. With bold lines, intricate craftsmanship, and dramatic contrasts, his work pays homage to history while imagining the future.
This milestone exhibition not only debuts his latest designs but also revisits the most iconic pieces from his illustrious decade-long journey. Each creation is a paradox of strength and delicacy, precision and poetry. From dazzling brooches adorned with antique diamonds to patinated metals that evoke timelessness, Top’s collection celebrates the duality of elegance and rebellion.
Stepping into this exhibition is akin to entering a treasury of modern mythologies – where every piece whispers secrets of the past and promises of what lies ahead.
Valmont Fleur de Lys brooch, Antique diamonds, Yellow gold and Silver with patina”. “Dangerous Liaisons” Collection
Le Ciel Par-dessus le Toit: A Platform for Rising Stars
Exhibition Dates: January 8–13, 2025
Christie’s dedication to contemporary creation takes center stage with the fourth edition of Le Ciel Par-dessus le Toit (The Sky Above the Roof), a showcase of its in-house artists. Featuring talents such as Audrey Guttman, Raphaël Denis, and My-Lan Hoang-Thu, this exhibition is a vibrant tapestry of emerging voices.
From bold installations to intimate works, the collection reflects the diversity and dynamism of modern art. Each piece is a testament to Christie’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent and providing a global platform for their vision. With its emphasis on innovation and experimentation, this exhibition is a beacon for the future of artistic expression.
Editor’s Note:
“Walking through the hallowed halls of Christie’s this January is an experience that transcends the ordinary. Each exhibition offers a distinct narrative – Mathieu Lehanneur’s poetic exploration of individuality and nature, Elie Top’s daring reinterpretation of classical elegance, and the fresh perspectives of Christie’s emerging talents. Together, they create a symphony of creativity that bridges the past, present, and future.
These exhibitions are more than a celebration of art and design; they are an invitation to reimagine the world through the lens of brilliance. Whether you are a collector, an aficionado, or a curious soul, Christie’s January program promises moments of inspiration that linger long after the doors close.”
Shari Inessa
Editor-in-Chief
What We Adore Magazine
Recommended
-
A January to Remember: Christie’s Celebrates Contemporary CreativityDecember 31st, 2024
-
Christie’s London Old Masters Sale: Record-Breaking Triumph with Van Dyck’s Rare MasterpieceDecember 10th, 2024
-
Phillips Hong Kong Presents Iconic Works at November’s Modern & Contemporary AuctionNovember 6th, 2024
-
Timeless Treasures: Christie’s Showcases Two Haute Couture Masterpieces by Paul Poiret and Yves Saint Laurent!November 5th, 2024
-
MILLON Accelerates its International Expansion in Northern Europe With MILLON BeneluxOctober 3rd, 2024
