Launched just two years ago, the L'OEil de KO gallery, the decorative counterpart to Studio KO, the well-known architecture firm founded by Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty, continues to inspire us with its consistently discerning, unique, and poetic selection. On the occasion of its participation in the Wabi-Sabi Lab fair, from November 28 to December 2, 2024, Acumen had the privilege of meeting its artistic director, Nathalie Guihaumé.
An Aladdin's cave of a different kind. Nestled in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, the Studio KO offices house a truly unique gallery. Named L'Œil de KO (The Eye of KO), it was launched two years ago. At its helm is artistic director Nathalie Guihaumé. Initially, I did small decorating projects for Studio KO, selecting vases, tableware, and so on. Even then, I enjoyed working with artisans. Karl, for his part, was also passionate about objects; he loved browsing flea markets. So it was quite natural that he suggested we open an online gallery, L'Œil de KO. »
Selecting the various pieces, which range from decoration to pure art, the artistic director insists that she has no set criteria or specifications for curating the selection in her online gallery. “Karl and I work on gut feeling,” with whom the curator collaborates closely. She does, however, admit to focusing on “powerful works that have a strong material presence.” ».
« When our customers discover our various items online, they want to see them, to touch them. And for good reason: it's true that Studio KO has a taste for the unique. Proof of this can be seen in Talia Mukmel's Terra Cotta creations, made of sand and flour then baked in a macrame basket, or in the brass and silver bead smoking set by Zoé Mohm. The most disconcerting creation is undoubtedly Thibault Philip's Viscère service, designed from a mold of animal organs.
In addition to discovering striking works, Studio KO supports certain talents through collaborations. The most recent collaboration is with Maison Pelletier Ferruel, which produces a range of glass pieces with an organic feel. They use the same technique as in Murano, it's truly magnificent, each piece is unique. "These are collaborations in which the artistic director suggests and provides guidance. For example, it was after a meeting with the jeweler Chloé Valorso that the striking crab-shaped candlesticks and knife rests were created. It was also through a collaboration that Zoé Mohm designed the elegant cork stopper caps."
A poetic and joyful decorum, which perfectly complements the universe of Studio KO, which last month signed its first line of rugs, "Echo", for the Galerie Diurne.
KO'S EYE
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OEILDEKO.COM
