Launched just two years ago, the l'OEil de KO gallery, the decorative counterpart of Studio KO, the well-known architecture firm founded by Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty, continues to make us dream with a selection as sharp, singular and poetic as ever. On the occasion of its participation in the Wabi-Sabi Lab trade show, from November 28 to December 2, 2024, Acumen had the privilege of meeting its artistic director, Nathalie Guihaumé.
An Ali Baba's cave of a different kind. Nestled in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, Studio KO's offices are home to a very special gallery. Named l'OEil de KO, it was launched two years ago. It is headed by artistic director Nathalie Guihaumé. " Initially, I did small-scale decoration projects for Studio KO, selecting vases, tableware and so on. Back then, I already enjoyed working with artisans. Karl, for his part, was also an object enthusiast, loving to hunt at flea markets. So it was only natural that he suggested I open an online gallery, l'OEil de KO.
Selecting the various pieces, which range from decoration to pure art, the artistic director assures us that she has no grid or specifications for cultivating the selection of her online gallery. " We work from the heart with Karl", with whom the curator works in tandem. Even so, she admits to focusing on "strong works that have a lot of materiality ".
" When our customers discover our different objects online, they want to see them, touch them. " And with good reason: it's true that Studio KO has a taste for the singular. The proof is in Talia Mukmel's Terra Cotta, made of sand and flour then baked in a macramé basket, or Zoé Mohm's smoker's set in brass and silver beads. The most disconcerting creation is undoubtedly Thibault Philip's Viscère service, designed from a cast of animal organs.
In addition to unearthing disconcerting works of art, Studio KO supports certain talents through collaborations. The latest of these is with Maison Pelletier Ferruel, which delivers a range of glass pieces with an organic allure. " They use the same technique as in Murano, it's really beautiful, each piece is unique. " Collaborations in which the artistic director suggests, gives leads. A meeting with jeweller Chloé Valorso, for example, gave rise to the astonishing crab-shaped candlesticks and knife holders. Zoé Mohm also collaborated on the design of the elegant cork caps.
A poetic, cheerful decorum that perfectly complements the universe of Studio KO, which last month signed its first line of rugs, "Écho", for Galerie Diurne.
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