(1962 - present)
Jacques Jarrige is a renowned French sculptor and furniture designer who is best known for his innovative and captivating creations that blur the lines between art and design. With a distinctive style marked by fluid lines and organic forms, Jarrige's
contemporary furniture and
jewellery stand out for their ability to evoke emotion and captivate viewers.
Born and raised in Paris, Jarrige's artistic journey began at an early age. His father was an avid art collector, and their home was located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris where Jarrige was captivated by the local galleries focusing on African art, particularly the sculptures, which evoked powerful emotions with just simple forms.
Jarrige initially studied architecture at the L’École des Beaux-Arts but found the rigid structure and two-dimensionality limiting. Moving on to study decorative arts at L’Ecole Supérieure d’Art Moderne he began to be drawn towards sculpture, and on completion of his first work – a chair made from steel bars that he welded together in his kitchen – he knew he had found his medium.
His first exhibition was held in 1991 at the Galerie En Attendant les Barbares – a highly influential gallery for avant-garde art and design. More exhibitions soon followed and inspired by gallery owner Frederic de Luca to pursue his own unique style, Jarrige embarked on a period of work producing
sculptural furniture and design objects with more organic and flowing shapes and form.
Whilst Jarrige’s work is largely associated with interior sculpture, jewellery, and design, perhaps the work of which he is most proud is the outdoor project Wave Sculptures in Nature. Here the artist connected a series of large volcanic rocks near his home in southern France with ribbons of aluminium. Created during the pandemic, Wave Sculptures in Nature epitomises Jarrige’s playfulness and his ability to create a dialogue between his work and the surroundings in which it sits.
Since 2010, Jarrige has been represented by Valerie Goodman Gallery in New York. It’s a relationship that has borne significant fruit with Jarrige’s work becoming increasingly dynamic and his expression of form more free. With pieces that are full of movement, it is not surprising to hear that dance is a strong influence on his designs. “Ballet,” says Jarrige, “is an expression of being present with the body and creating movement. I express through my body while creating, so dance resonates strongly in my work. Whether it’s a table or lamp, it has form, gesture, and expression.”
Today, Jacques Jarrige continues to push the boundaries of art and design with his innovative creations. His work is still regularly exhibited throughout Europe, but more than anything he is finding inspiration from his collaboration with Goodman and the reception his work is receiving on the New York art scene. “I feel that there is less of an emphasis on an artist’s CV or museum credentials in the United States,” he explains, “and it has given me a freedom to take more chances and really show the world my vision. I am now free to work.”
Long may he do so.