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EDITORIAL - LIVINGS

ELISE PÉROI

“An Enchanting Fusion Of Ancient Communication And Intricate Craftsmanship Unfolds In A Captivating Exhibition At The Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles Paris.”

BY SUNA MOYA - 05 JULY 2024

ELISE PÉROI
“An Enchanting Fusion Of Ancient Communication And Intricate Craftsmanship Unfolds In A Captivating Exhibition At The Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles Paris.”

GIADA FORTE & ELISE PÉROI - PORTRAITURE — GIADA FORTE *(left)* ELISE PÉROI *(right)*

Langage des Oiseaux (“Language of Birds”) is an art exhibition that emerged from a creative collaboration between designer Giada Forte of forte_forte and artist Élise Peroi. This exhibition focuses on two main ideas: language and technique. The first idea explores bird songs as a form of ancient, pure communication, which some believe is a type of communication from long ago. The second idea considers the knot as the first simple tool humans created. Philosopher Walter Benjamin suggested that birds communicate in a way where sound and meaning are directly connected, without any confusion. This pure form of communication might be similar to how early humans communicated before developing complex language and tools.

Hosted in the expansive room of the Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles Paris, the exhibition immediately captures attention with Giada Forte’s mesmerising creation, “La Cappa.” This exquisite white cape is meticulously crafted from handmade, micro-pleated silk chiffon, with long macramé fringes gracefully cascading down its length. The intricate design is further embellished with delicate glass-beaded lace and ornate crochet feathers, adding to its ethereal elegance.

As we further discover the exhibition, Élise Peroi’s screens are captivatingly displayed in transparent frames. The woven forms and fabrics within them seem to dance in harmony, showcasing organic shapes and textures. This invites the audience to find their own meanings in the images. The interplay of light and depth contrasts beautifully with the woven fabric, combining elements of nature with both rough and soft surfaces. Each piece offers layers to explore, and the colors and images shift with the changing light.

At QCEG, we were thrilled to have the chance to speak with this inspiring artist and delve into her creative process.

— SUNA MOYA

“I want people to feel the
threads as they move, intertwining and weaving
together to create a rich tapestry of natural
colors and textures. My art celebrates the essence
of nature, capturing its unique shapes, moods, and
rhythms. Each piece explores how the natural world
speaks through fabric, revealing its intricate beauty
and complexity. Just as architecture shapes and frames
our environments, my work integrates these elements,
building structures within the fabric that mirror the
organic patterns and forms found in nature. I am
constantly seeking innovative ways to express this
connection, so my creations reflect the profound
relationship between nature, design, and architecture.
Through my work, I aim to bring this vibrant dialogue
to life, allowing every thread to echo the harmony,
depth, and structure I find in the natural world.”

— ELISE PÉROI

QCEG: How does it feel to be French living in Belgium? How has this cultural mix influenced your work?
ELISE PÉROI: I was born and raised in France, but now I live in Brussels, where I have my studio. Moving to Brussels to study at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts was a turning point. I graduated with a Masters in textile design in 2015. The combination of my French background and the vibrant Belgian art scene has greatly enriched my work. This cultural blend allows me to view things from various perspectives, adding depth and complexity to my projects.

QCEG: What inspired the concept for your artwork?
ELISE PÉROI: I love architecture and how it shapes spaces. I like to use textiles to create areas you can move through and feel. It's about creating a journey you can touch.

QCEG: Your work lets people imagine moving through different spaces. How do you start creating these pieces? Do you begin with sketches?
ELISE PÉROI: Usually, I paint fabrics. But for this project, I used collage techniques. I pieced together different fabric shapes, like a patchwork quilt, to make the installation.

QCEG: Did you plan for the installation to be this big?
ELISE PÉROI: I wanted it to be large, but I didn’t know exactly how it would look in the end. I'm discovering its final shape along with everyone else.

QCEG: Did you make the dress in the installation?
ELISE PÉROI: No, the dress was made by "Giada Forte." They provided the fabrics that helped bring this project to life.

QCEG: Tell us more about working with Giada Forte and how you chose the fabrics.
ELISE PÉROI: My work explores how flexible textiles can be in expressing ideas of landscape and living spaces. I think of fabric as part of architecture that moves through space. Birds inspire me because they carry seeds and choose their own spaces. This idea of flexibility and movement is key in my work.

QCEG: Your art is also eco-friendly. What are your future plans after this exhibition?
ELISE PÉROI: This exhibition makes me want to create something bigger, like a house with fabric walls that people can live in. I also want to work on smaller pieces and other new projects.

QCEG: Do you see your work as more about architecture or design?
ELISE PÉROI: My work is a mix of painting, architecture, and creating spaces. I explore how empty and full spaces interact, which you can see in the transparency of my forms. Nature is a big inspiration for me. My installations are like paintings, weavings, and sculptures all in one.

QCEG: Do you plan to have an exhibition in China?
ELISE PÉROI: Not right now, but it’s something I’m considering for the future.

QCEG: What message do you want people to get from your work?
ELISE PÉROI: I want people to feel the threads as they move, intertwining and weaving together to create a rich tapestry of natural colors and textures. My art celebrates the essence of nature, capturing its unique shapes, moods, and rhythms. Each piece explores how the natural world speaks through fabric, revealing its intricate beauty and complexity. Just as architecture shapes and frames our environments, my work integrates these elements, building structures within the fabric that mirror the organic patterns and forms found in nature. I am constantly seeking innovative ways to express this connection, so my creations reflect the profound relationship between nature, design, and architecture. Through my work, I aim to bring this vibrant dialogue to life, allowing every thread to echo the harmony, depth, and structure I find in the natural world.

Thank you for sharing your insights with us. We look forward to seeing your future works and exploring the spaces you create.