In an exhibition started earlier this month, French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel presents a mysterious set of sculptures. With his signature style and preference for materials that have more than one character, materials that reflect or reverse, these pieces are ambiguous and enticing.

Othoniel’s artworks for the “Îles Singulières” exhibition at chateau la coste Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade (France) are comprised of watery blue and brushed metal-look silver bricks. The two materials come together to form what appear to be waterways and small streams, with the blue reflecting off the mirrored silver bricks, and their varied tones giving the appearance of movement.

The large scale sculpture is wholly abstract. Using the same two brick choices, the silver floats above an ocean of blue in a jagged 3D diamond island. The works were designed for the new space created by Renzo Piano, and Othoniel continues to explore how to form additional hints of architecture into the spaces he is commissioned to design for, and to take individuals on a mental and physical journey.

The bricks were also used in various other exhibitions, including Les Noeuds Mathématiques in Buenos Aires, Argentina (show running from June 28 – November 7, 2019), which also featured his signature beads.

Jean-Michel Othoniel’s Solo Shows from 2019:
– Musée du Louvre, Paris, France
– Oracles, Galerie Perrotin, Paris, France
– Les Noeuds Mathématiques, Centre Culturel Néstor Kirchner, Buenos Aires, Argentine
– Iles Singulières, Château La Coste, Puy-Sainte Réparade, France
– Galerie Perrotin, Shanghai, Chi