Discover the meticulous art of marbling through an immersive training course led by French contemporary artist Mathias Kiss. Explore a rare skill, combining technique and innovation, by reinventing the traditional codes of French decorative art.
A former Compagnon du Devoir (companion of duty), Mathias Kiss has acquired exceptional expertise in gilding, marbling, trompe-l'oeil, and the restoration of antique ornaments. He revitalizes classic motifs such as marbling, reintegrating them into a contemporary context and blurring the lines between art and craft. His approach redefines our perception of space and objects.
During this training, you will learn the basics of marbling combined with revisited gilding, while discovering Kiss's unique approach, which transforms traditional techniques into modern creations. Immerse yourself in a world where ornamentation becomes a reflection on space and materials.
Join us for an experience where ancestral know-how and contemporary artistic vision meet.
Presentation of Mathias Kiss and his artistic approach
History of historical elements, such as gilding, and their role in decoration and architecture
History of gilding and its role in decoration and architecture
Historical and contemporary references
Exploration of the concepts of luxury, excess, and subversion in art
Freehand Drawings
Textural Effects and Finishes
Experimenting with Different Media
Creating Aging Effects and Patinas
Oxidation and Alteration Techniques
Reflection on the Aesthetics of Deconstruction
Practical Exercises: Merging Marbling, Gilding, and Raw Materials
Going Beyond Classical Conventions
Working in Small, Medium, and Large Formats
Approval of Marbling Codes with a Contemporary Approach
Development of a personal project
Final technical and artistic adjustments
Presentation of works and critical feedback
Discussions and assessment of the training
Perspectives and applications in artistic and professional practice
Mathias Kiss is a French artist who is redefining the relationship between craftsmanship, art, and architecture. In his creations, he places craftsmanship, long relegated to the background, at the heart of his work. For him, this craftsmanship becomes a form of artistic expression in its own right, at once subtle, profound, and full of meaning.
A former Compagnon du Devoir, he masters various artisanal techniques, ranging from painting to restoration, including trompe-l'oeil and patina. But he doesn't simply reproduce ancient skills: he reinvents them, incorporating contemporary elements. His work proves that craftsmanship is not simply a decorative art or a frozen tradition, but a living art form, capable of meeting today's creative demands.
Mathias Kiss challenges traditional hierarchies in architecture and decoration by placing craftsmanship at the heart of his work. He encourages his audience to rethink the boundary between art and craft, demonstrating that craftsmanship can be a true form of artistic expression, capable of challenging our perceptions and interacting with our times. His work, both poetic and technical, invites us to rediscover forgotten skills and give them a central place in contemporary creation.
During his years of work restoring cornices and gilded frames, Mathias Kiss has acquired a unique perspective on these architectural elements. Rather than restoring them to their original function, he deconstructs them, freeing them from their traditional framework, and transforming them into autonomous works. Thus, these cornices, decorative elements intended to delineate a space, become reinvented creations detached from their context. Gold, treated with ancient techniques, is used in a resolutely modern manner, making this material, often perceived as "sacred" and elitist, more accessible.
Alongside his reflections on architectural deconstruction, he also explores the mirror, both as a material and a concept. His work on reflection, perception, and visual distortion through crumpling effects enriches his creations, introducing a new perceptual dimension.
Recently, he designed a collection of candlesticks and vases for Christofle. This series allows each artist to personalize their objects by constructing or deconstructing them, creating an interactive experience where art becomes a personal and transformative activity.
Mathias Kiss skillfully blends innovation with respect for traditional techniques, reintroducing craftsmanship into the contemporary debate. He values not only the preservation of ancestral know-how, but also its ability to adapt to contemporary creation, giving birth to a new art form where history and modernity meet to create something radically new.
Price(s) including the cost of training, accommodation and full board, materials and personal protective equipment.
