The conclusion after reading In Praise of Shadows is clear: Matthieu Gicquel is moving toward something simpler, more sincere. The glass is textured—why change or alter it? Perhaps the intrinsic beauty of an almost “raw” object carries as much magnetism as a more “pure” one.
Gicquel chooses plaster as his medium to texture the glass, imprinting it with forms that are endlessly random yet always unique. His purpose transcends creation itself. The strength of his work does not rest solely in the objects he crafts, but in the thoughtful approach that shapes them.
Over time, his technique has refined itself, giving rise to the “Yuugen” texture, which emerges beautifully at 900°C. The textured glass is alive, raw, and real. In Gicquel’s hands, East and West, concept and object, unite seamlessly. Wabi-sabi is reimagined, and so is glass.
Text by Frédéric Martin
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Dimensions: Diam: 36, thickness: 5 cm Weight: 12 kg Material: Optical glass and iron Handcrafted in France This exclusive collection of unique, numbered objects, crafted in 2023, celebrates the purity of optical glass. Each piece invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the material’s depths, embarking on a contemplative and introspective journey. This collection represents a personal reinterpretation of the Japanese concept of Yūgen—a profound expression of subtle beauty and mystery, revealed through the interplay of light, texture, and form. Brand: Matthieu Gicquel -
Dimensions: 29x29x5 cm Weight: 10 kg Material: Optical glass and iron Handcrafted in France This 2023 collection features exclusive, numbered creations that celebrate the purity of optical glass. Each piece invites the viewer to delve into the depths of the material, embarking on a contemplative journey of discovery and introspection. The collection is a personal reinterpretation of the Japanese concept of Yūgen—a profound sense of subtle beauty and mystery, expressed through the interplay of light, texture, and form. Brand: Matthieu Gicquel -
Dimensions: 39x29x5 cm Weight: 14 kg Material: Optical glass and iron Handcrafted in France This exclusive 2023 collection features unique, numbered pieces that celebrate the purity of optical glass. Each object invites viewers to immerse themselves in the depths of the material, embarking on a contemplative journey of reflection and discovery. The collection is a personal reinterpretation of the Japanese concept of Yūgen—a profound sense of beauty and mystery, subtly unveiled through the interplay of light, texture, and form. Brand: Matthieu Gicquel -
Dimensions: 230x50x80 cm Weight: 130 kg Material: Optical glass and iron Handcrafted in France This 2023 collection features unique, numbered creations that celebrate the purity of optical glass. Each piece invites the viewer to dive into the depths of the material, embarking on a contemplative journey. The collection serves as a personal reinterpretation of the Japanese concept of Yūgen—a profound awareness of beauty and mystery, subtly revealed. Brand: Matthieu Gicquel
