Curiosity Cloud by mischer’traxler

The project was part of an ongoing collaboration, ‘Small Discoveries’, which celebrates moments in nature and how people interact with the natural world. Curiosity Cloud, the special project developed for London Design Festival, took its cues from Perrier-Jouët’s connection to the Art Nouveau movement and the traditional use of insect motifs throughout this period. The installation comprised 250 mouth-blown glass globes made by the Viennese glass company Lobmeyr. Each globe contained a single hand-fabricated insect and each insect was printed on to foil, which was laser cut and then hand embroidered to create the body. Capturing the full range of human engagement with this natural order, 25 insect species were represented, falling into three categories: extinct, common, and newly discovered. From a distance, the insects were quiet and calm. A scattered few across the installation moved, their vessels emitting a soft, glowing light. As visitors entered the darkened room and approached the installation, the insects came to life – moving more rapidly and emitting trilling noises as they collided with the glass in which they were encapsulated. The contemporary interpretation of the Art Nouveau movement perfectly captured the spirit of Perrier-Jouët. The anemone motif found on the Houses Belle Epoque bottles is by Emile Gallé, one of the most famous artists of the period. The champagne house also has an impressive collection of original Art Nouveau furniture on display at its Maison in the Champagne region of France. Following the Festival, Curiosity Cloud was relocated to Champagne, to be displayed alongside these classic pieces creating a dialogue between different time periods. Supported by Champagne Perrier-Jouët.