Crystal Magazine Apr 16, 2021
In the blessed month of Ramadan, Van Cleef & Arpels shares a message of harmony with two artworks
Extract from Perlée short videos created in collaboration with Arthur Hoffner
Since its foundation in 1906, French High Jewelry Maison Van Cleef & Arpels has constantly expressed its dedication to creation, sharing and education. This commitment is evident through a variety of collaborations within the cultural and artistic spheres. This year, the Maison transmits the values and creative expression of Ramadan through creative collaborations with talented artists, conveying messages of harmony.
This Ramadan, French visual artist Arthur Hoffner presents his aesthetic interpretation through fascinating installations. Inspired by the Perlée collection, a symbol of joy and femininity, his creations showcase movement, unity and harmony mirroring the true values and spirit of the season of Ramadan.
Also for this occasion, Middle East calligraphist Wissam Shawkat has created a beautiful series of calligraphy artworks complementing the values of Ramadan. This partnership has resulted in his artwork titled ‘Pearls Radiant Harmony’.
A dreamlike landscape by Arthur Hoffner
Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques across the Middle East will proudly display locally-inspired installations by French designer Arthur Hoffner on the occasion of Ramadan. This up-and-coming designer gained recognition at the Villa Noailles Design Parade, of which Van Cleef & Arpels is a partner. He met the Maison’s team at this event in 2018 with whom he started to collaborate, especially on the Perlée universe.
Window display by Arthur Hoffner
Taking this long-term partnership to the next level, Arthur Hoffner has imagined artistic installations representing the special relationship between day and night during Ramadan. These creations echo the playful nature of the Maison’s Perlée collection and will be seen across display windows, boutique interiors and exteriors and digital media during this period of harmony in the region.
These imaginative installations represent a symbolic architecture, which is Arthur’s personal interpretation of an imaginary Middle Eastern city bringing harmony between daylight and nighttime. The city becomes a playground for the beads of the Perlée collection, which roll, slide, hide and come together in this poetic, colorful and joyful architecture. Symbolic touches like arches celebrate the connection to spheres and geometrical elements as well as the culture and landscape of the region.
The geometrical aspect of the bead from the Perlée collection, and Ramadan were the two main drivers of the creative process which also brings to life the values of unity, harmony, and post-sunset reunions during this special period.
Wissam Shawkat’s calligraphic harmony and unity
Van Cleef & Arpels aims to give visibility to the art form of Arabic calligraphy and share inspiration with the new generation of calligraphists. As a culturally relevant art form in the region, Van Cleef & Arpels aims to recognize local talent and perpetuate Arabic calligraphy with a contemporary twist, thus encouraging future innovation.
“Let Harmony bring us together to enlighten our lives.”
‘Pearls Radiant Harmony’ by Wissam Shawkat
For the second year in a row, the Maison partners with a calligraphy artist to add a special touch to its greeting for Ramadan. Iraqi calligraphist, Wissam Shawkat, has created a series of artworks inspired by the perfectly spherical beads of the Perlée collection, harmoniously coming together.
Wissam Shawkat’s main artwork titled ‘Pearls Radiant Harmony’ is showcased in an illustrative technique while conveying the spirit of the season. Wissam creates movement using his unique calligraphy style – Al Wissam, to unify the three designs. Each artwork edition brings alive the message of positivity and unity, translating the very ethos of Ramadan and the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr to come.
