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For three centuries, Maison Ruinart has intertwined its champagnes with the world of art. The 2024 edition of their Carte Blanche showcases six talented artists, including Japanese performer Tomoko Sauvage. Fabien Vallérian, the art and culture director of the Maison, discusses this inspiring collaboration.
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Légende photo: ARTISTIC GLASSFor the year 2024, Maison Ruinart, in collaboration with Fabien Vallérian, has crafted a large-scale Carte Blanche. Among the globally renowned artists, Tomoko Sauvage presents her unique organic and sound sculpture.
This 2024 Carte Blanche – Conversations with the Living – features six artists, including you, Tomoko, from various countries (Netherlands, Cameroon, Brazil, Japan, United Kingdom, United States). Can you share the inspiration behind this collaboration?
Fabien Vallérian: Our collaboration with artists has always emphasized their sensitivity to environmental themes and the balance between humanity and nature. For Carte Blanche 2024, we wanted to deepen this commitment by featuring a collective of dedicated artists. I reconnected with Tomoko, inviting her to create something exceptional.
Tomoko, how did your artistic vision evolve during this Carte Blanche?
Tomoko Sauvage: My research on water, sound, and bubbles spans fifteen years, but I refined my approach specifically for Maison Ruinart, immersing myself in the Champagne region and the Maison’s unique environment. It was akin to an artistic residency where I explored the vineyards and ancient chalk pits.
Will the artistic creations be displayed in the “artists’ garden” of Maison Ruinart?
Fabien:Indeed, we are curating a sculpture garden set to open in October, featuring permanent installations from various artists. Tomoko’s contribution, unique to this setting, transforms her art into a lasting experience.
Your artistic focus, Tomoko, revolves around sound and waves. Was your sculpture conceptualized with vibrations in mind?
Tomoko:Absolutely. My work intertwines craftsmanship, architecture, glass, and sound, particularly reflecting the fluid movement of water. During this process, I discovered the Jalatharangam, an Indian instrument played with sticks over water-filled bowls. For this Carte Blanche, I conducted electroacoustic research, utilizing water bowls and underwater amplification through electronic microphones. The sound aspect harmonizes beautifully with the visual experience, as the transparent glass mimics the appearance of icy water and wave-like curves.
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Ruinart: Where Art Meets Champagne
Your idea of combining sound with fluidity is intriguing for Ruinart, as champagne is fundamentally a liquid filled with bubbles. Tomoko has been fascinated by the sound of bubbles for fifteen years, making this collaboration especially fitting. For us, this is a first—working alongside a sound artist represents a unique mutual discovery.
The Artistic Legacy of Maison Ruinart
The DNA of Maison Ruinart has always been to pioneer contemporary artistic creation, tracing back to its first commission for a poster designed by Alphonse Mucha in 1896. This historical context raises an interesting question: why is the champagne sector particularly invested in contemporary art?
Fabien explains, “Historically, the Ruinart family collected art from the 18th century, imparting an artistic education to their children. Thus, it seems natural that André Ruinart called upon Alphonse Mucha in 1896 for the first-ever advertisement for champagne. Innovation is a hallmark of the Ruinart family, which established the first Champagne House in 1729. We honor this heritage by inviting artists globally for creative residencies to explore the history and codes of our House. We grant them freedom in their creative process, allowing them to share their vision of Ruinart, which often transcends our brand to discuss broader themes such as nature, biodiversity, and life itself.”
CSR Commitment and Environmental Responsibility
Fabien adds, “Maison Ruinart is at the forefront of advancing CSR policies, committed to environmental certifications for our vineyards and champagne production. We prioritize soil health, having eliminated herbicides since 2020. We exclusively use green energy and recycle 99% of our production waste. Our packaging includes second skins made from recyclable paper sourced from eco-managed European forests, and we’ve transitioned from air to sea transport to further our sustainability efforts.”
Art and Ecology: A Synergistic Relationship
Tomoko shares, “My sculpture explores the concept of chance through water movement and sound. The connection between the source and the environment is vital; this circulatory aspect holds importance for me. Sound travels through all entities, making our bodies, the earth, and the air resonate. There’s an unpredictable element, too; the water moves in unforeseen ways, adding to the complexity of the experience.”
The Influence of Art on Champagne Creation
Fabien notes, ”Yes, artistic partnerships profoundly impact our champagne creation process. Our cellar master, Frédéric Panaïotis, is particularly attuned to art, often visiting fairs, discovering artists, and collecting pieces. This interaction fosters unexpected inspirations, creating neural connections that wouldn’t arise otherwise. The exchange with artists is crucial for a cellar master, as it forges unique connections between diverse worlds. While the influence on the final product may be subtle, it nurtures a sense of community and belonging.”
Upcoming Presentation at Art Basel Paris 2024
When asked about their upcoming presence at Art Basel Paris in October 2024, Fabien hints at an exciting presentation that embodies the synergy between Ruinart’s champagne and contemporary art.
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Maison Ruinart: A Celebration of Art and Champagne
Maison Ruinart is directly associated with the world of art, being the official champagne of prestigious art fairs, including Art Basel Paris.
We are proud to showcase the work of Pascale Marthine Tayou in our exhibition space. Tayou is one of the six selected artists for the Carte Blanche 2024. In October, he will unveil a permanent sculpture at the Jardin des artistes, located at 4 Rue des Crayères in Reims, where it will be displayed for all to admire.
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Ruinart: Where Art Meets Champagne
Your idea of combining sound with fluidity is intriguing for Ruinart, as champagne is fundamentally a liquid filled with bubbles. Tomoko has been fascinated by the sound of bubbles for fifteen years, making this collaboration especially fitting. For us, this is a first—working alongside a sound artist represents a unique mutual discovery.
The Artistic Legacy of Maison Ruinart
The DNA of Maison Ruinart has always been to pioneer contemporary artistic creation, tracing back to its first commission for a poster designed by Alphonse Mucha in 1896. This historical context raises an interesting question: why is the champagne sector particularly invested in contemporary art?
Fabien explains, “Historically, the Ruinart family collected art from the 18th century, imparting an artistic education to their children. Thus, it seems natural that André Ruinart called upon Alphonse Mucha in 1896 for the first-ever advertisement for champagne. Innovation is a hallmark of the Ruinart family, which established the first Champagne House in 1729. We honor this heritage by inviting artists globally for creative residencies to explore the history and codes of our House. We grant them freedom in their creative process, allowing them to share their vision of Ruinart, which often transcends our brand to discuss broader themes such as nature, biodiversity, and life itself.”
CSR Commitment and Environmental Responsibility
Fabien adds, “Maison Ruinart is at the forefront of advancing CSR policies, committed to environmental certifications for our vineyards and champagne production. We prioritize soil health, having eliminated herbicides since 2020. We exclusively use green energy and recycle 99% of our production waste. Our packaging includes second skins made from recyclable paper sourced from eco-managed European forests, and we’ve transitioned from air to sea transport to further our sustainability efforts.”
Art and Ecology: A Synergistic Relationship
Tomoko shares, ”My sculpture explores the concept of chance through water movement and sound. The connection between the source and the environment is vital; this circulatory aspect holds importance for me.”
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