The exhibition covers nearly twenty years of Damien Germay's creative output, an experience the artist describes as rewarding for both the visitor and himself. While reviewing his archives, Germay identified a clear guiding principle in his work since his early days in stage design to the founding of his studio in 2007: inspiration drawn from nature.
Trained at Saint-Luc in Tournai and Le Fresnoy in Tourcoing, Damien Germay fosters a dialogue between craftsmanship and digital techniques, viewing error and randomness as integral parts of the creative process. The exhibition highlights this balance between spontaneity and control.
The immersion begins with pieces inspired by natural elements – fire, water, air, rock, forest. Works like Mer Noire, a coffee table where the sea is digitally frozen and then covered in dark leather, exemplify this approach. The digital conception results in an object that feels traditionally crafted.
Five gold-leaf mirrors reflect the light of a sunset, while ceramic pieces continue this exploration of waves. Older creations, such as a green resin table molded from a tree trunk and a small metal cabinet repainted in trompe-l'œil, evoke the sense of unease the artist aims to provoke.
Visitors leave the exhibition with the impression of having followed the intimate journey of a creator constantly in dialogue with their materials, rather than just a collection of objects.
