Title
Cosmos and Matter
Posted In
Furniture Design, Industrial / Product Design, Lighting Design
Duration
07 November 2024 to 16 February 2025
Opening Hours
Fri, Sat & Sun 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
Location
29 Boulevard Raspail
Paris
France
Email
[email protected]
Detailed Information
TitleCosmos and MatterPosted InFurniture Design, Industrial / Product Design, Lighting DesignDuration07 November 2024 to 16 February 2025
Opening HoursFri, Sat & Sun 2 p.m.–6 p.m.Location
29 Boulevard Raspail
Paris
France
Email[email protected]

While the buzz around sustainability in design may sometimes overshadow its tangible impact, it continues to be a powerful force driving innovation and creativity. Case in point: "Cosmos and Matter", an immersive exhibition in Paris that proves how sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials can seamlessly align with avant-garde design. Occupying an elegant Haussmannian apartment in the 7th arrondissement, the installation (running from 7 November 2024 to 16 February 2025) unites 22 designers, artisans, and artists who champion materials such as reclaimed wood, upcycled textiles, construction waste, and vegetable leathers, to demonstrate how ecological mindfulness can fuel both artistry and craftsmanship.

Curators Marie-Cassandre Bultheel and Hélène Aguilar conceived Cosmos and Matter less like a showroom and more as a blueprint for a new "art de vivre”. Unfolding across ten meticulously curated rooms, the exhibition invites visitors to journey through a realm where natural cycles meet human ingenuity, and ancestral wisdom intersects with contemporary aesthetics, offering us an opportunity to reconsider our relationship with the spaces we inhabit and the materials that shape our lives.

Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. "Facteur commun" by Jörg Koziol. Wooden sculpture. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. "Facteur commun" by Jörg Koziol. Wooden sculpture. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Cushions and rugs by Muskhane; Floor lamp and chair by Elisa Uberti. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Cushions and rugs by Muskhane; Floor lamp and chair by Elisa Uberti. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

"Mask" by Anna Alexandra. Sculptural masks in papier-mâché and acrylic paint. Photography by Elia Nedkov.

"Mask" by Anna Alexandra. Sculptural masks in papier-mâché and acrylic paint. Photography by Elia Nedkov.

The concept of Cosmos and Matter stems from Bultheel and Aguilar’s shared vision of re-establishing harmony between humanity and nature through beauty. As Bultheel explains, “Inhabiting our spaces is more than a utilitarian interaction with matter; it is a sensitive and precious relationship with the Earth and cosmos.” This question—how can we inhabit our interiors differently?—formed the starting point for imagining the apartment as a sensory journey through ten conceptual scenes, each highlighting different facets of sustainable living. Highlights include two salons inspired by the celestial cycles of the sun and moon, a bar celebrating the transformative power of botanics, and a dining room exploring the cultural and ecological dimensions of food. The ten spaces also serve as a dynamic setting for a rich program of meetings, workshops, talks, and even dinners, creating an immersive environment where ideas and experiences converge.

Nouveau Langage. Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. "Réflecteur Gabarit 1 & 2" by Sacha Parent & Marie Simon Thomas. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Nouveau Langage. Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. "Réflecteur Gabarit 1 & 2" by Sacha Parent & Marie Simon Thomas. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Le Corps de la Terre. Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. Ceramics by Marcela Paz Undurraga. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Le Corps de la Terre. Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. Ceramics by Marcela Paz Undurraga. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Ceramic plates and basin by Linda Pappa. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Ceramic plates and basin by Linda Pappa. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

The Salon de la Lune offers a tranquil yet thought-provoking space imbued with feminine energy and the rhythms of nature. Grounding the space are MUSKHANE’s wool felt spherical cushions and circular rugs; handcrafted by local artisans in Nepal, their round forms playfully echo lunar craters. Ceramist Elisa Uberti adds a tactile dimension with stoneware floor lamps featuring merino wool fringes as do the 3D printed stools by Hors Studio which specializes in the creation of biomaterials from waste. Made from Leatherstone© (recycled leather and natural binders) in collaboration with bold design, the stools also serve a practical purpose during meetings and talks. A hand-crafted loudspeaker by Timothée Musset, a furniture maker who uses ancestral woods often sourced from historic buildings under restoration, further enhances the room’s celestial harmony, bringing a spiritual and religious connection to music.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Wooden loudspeaker by Timothée Musset; Cushions and rugs by Muskhane; Wall lamp by Elisa Uberti; Stools by HORS Studio and bold design. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Wooden loudspeaker by Timothée Musset; Cushions and rugs by Muskhane; Wall lamp by Elisa Uberti; Stools by HORS Studio and bold design. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Cushions and rugs by Muskhane; Wall lamp by Elisa Uberti; Stools by HORS Studio and bold design. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Cushions and rugs by Muskhane; Wall lamp by Elisa Uberti; Stools by HORS Studio and bold design. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Cushions and rugs by Muskhane; Wall lamp by Elisa Uberti; Stools by HORS Studio and bold design. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Cushions and rugs by Muskhane; Wall lamp by Elisa Uberti; Stools by HORS Studio and bold design. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

Salon de la Lune. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

In contrast to Salon de la Lune’s ethereal serenity, Salon du Soleil exudes vitality, celebrating masculine energy, action, and creation courtesy of designer Arnold d’Alger whose gilded murals adorn the room’s walls and ceiling. Titled "Galaxie", these shimmering compositions invite visitors to contemplate humanity’s place in the vast cosmos, blending cosmic awe with intimate connection. Focusing on the life-giving and destructive properties of the sun’s power, the murals also serve to provoke an element of reflection on how we harness and balance its energy in our interiors.

Salon du Soleil. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Murals by Arnold d’Alger. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

Salon du Soleil. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Murals by Arnold d’Alger. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

"L’âme du bois" (detail) by Pauline Effantin. Mobile sculpture. Photography by Pauline Effantin.

"L’âme du bois" (detail) by Pauline Effantin. Mobile sculpture. Photography by Pauline Effantin.

At the heart of the exhibition, La Table des Vivants is a space that delves into the cultural and ecological significance of food. A large organic-shaped table and 19 stools in oil-stained birch wood by Little Anana serves to anchor the room accompanied by tableware made from recycled clay from ceramicist Manon Ledieu, wooden spoons and trays by Léa Laborie, and Lucie Ponard’s glazed stoneware and "earth paintings" fashioned from construction waste. Transcending the conventional boundaries of design exhibitions, this ephemeral dining environment will also host a series of experiential dinners helmed by Shira Bio, a culinary artist focusing on plant-based cuisine and the art of fermentation.

Adding a unique layer of artistry, Bio's painterly installation of edible leathers, made from dehydrated fruits and vegetables, underscores the creative possibilities of food as both sustenance and medium. Together, these elements transform the dining environment into an ephemeral experience, where sustainability and craftsmanship converge to inspire reflection on the deeper connections between food, culture, and ecological mindfulness.

Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Cosmos and Matter, exhibition view. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

La Table des Vivants. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

La Table des Vivants. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

La Table des Vivants. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

La Table des Vivants. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

La Table des Vivants. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Fermentation jars by Shira Bio; Wooden vessel by Timothy Musset. Table and stools by Little Anana. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

La Table des Vivants. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Fermentation jars by Shira Bio; Wooden vessel by Timothy Musset. Table and stools by Little Anana. Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

La Table des Vivants. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Edible leathers made of dehydrated fruits and vegetables by Shira Bio; Table and stools by Little Anana. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

La Table des Vivants. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Edible leathers made of dehydrated fruits and vegetables by Shira Bio; Table and stools by Little Anana. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

In Bar Botanique, the concept of sustainability converges with sensual delight, from the plant-based perfumes of Eric Roux, the perfumier behind Paysan Parfumeur, to the chocolates of Carrés Sauvages, a French brand that champions certified organic and fair-trade crops. A floral installation made from hand-painted, upcycled paper by French florist Tij celebrates life’s fragility and resilience whilst poignantly challenging the environmental toll of industries such as floristry. Joanna Prunes, meanwhile, honours local flora through textiles created from upcycled fabrics dyed with pigments derived from plants such as chestnut bark, eucalyptus, and grapevine for the tablecloth and napkins she created specifically for Cosmos and Matter.

Bar Botanique. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

Bar Botanique. Exhibition view, Cosmos and Matter. Photography by Jérôme Galland.

"Tufa" by HORS Studio. Sculptural vase made of Leatherstone©. Photography by Florent Tanet & Ella Perdereau.

"Tufa" by HORS Studio. Sculptural vase made of Leatherstone©. Photography by Florent Tanet & Ella Perdereau.

Pomegranate vessels by Linda Pappa. Made of wild Cretan clay. Photography by Art of Euphoria.

Pomegranate vessels by Linda Pappa. Made of wild Cretan clay. Photography by Art of Euphoria.

As the exhibition looks beyond its Parisian debut, plans are already in motion to bring Cosmos and Matter to other ephemeral spaces across Europe. In doing so, it aims to weave a broader narrative of sustainability and interconnectedness, challenging us all to reimagine how we inhabit not only our interiors but our planet. For now, however, it remains a rare gem in the Parisian design landscape—an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the profound beauty of living in harmony with both the cosmos and matter.

Portrait of Marie-Cassandre Bultheel (left) and Hélène Aguilar (right). Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Portrait of Marie-Cassandre Bultheel (left) and Hélène Aguilar (right). Photography by Mathilde Hiley.

Cosmos and Matter: A Parisian Exhibition Proving Sustainability and Avant-Garde Design Can Coexist

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