Le Souffle

There are places where time finally seems to slow down at last offering an escape from the relentless pace of modern life, and moments when it pauses, allowing us to take a breath. My artistic autumn season began when I stepped into the nave of the Church of Saint-Eustache, a place where contemporary art holds a unique place in the heart of Paris. The air felt as if it was infused with history and serenity, and the atmosphere was almost sacred, enveloping everything. Light streamed through the immense stained-glass windows, casting vibrant colours that danced across the stone walls and interplayed  with the incandescent red of the monumental coral sculpture by the French artist Lydie Arickx. This sculpture stands as a testament to creativity and passion, a true embodiment of artistic expression that deeply resonates with the soul. Meanwhile, the grand organ stood silent and watchful, a witness to the centuries, its pipes like sentinels guarding the secrets of the past. Almost no sound fills the air. Only the sound of time passing – something we all too often forget to notice in our busy lives, a gentle reminder of the moments that slip away unnoticed. 

Suspended in space, ‘Le Souffle’ (French for 'The Breath') is more than just a work of art; it is an invitation to pause and reflect, to take a moment for ourselves amidst the chaos of daily life. It encourages us to look up and appreciate the intricate details of the surrounding architecture and the craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. It is an opportunity to rediscover the pleasure of slowness, a luxury that often elude us in our fast-paced world where every second is accounted for, and every minute is filled with tasks. Furthermore, it encourages us to take the time to pause, to breathe deeply, and to contemplate the fragility of life, in a subtle interplay between transparency, light, and spirituality. At a time when everything seems to be moving ever faster, this installation serves as a poignant reminder that it is sometimes necessary to stop and listen more closely to the world around us, to reconnect with our inner selves and the environment, to find solace in the stillness.

Laser-cut from aluminium with a delicate, lacelike design, the large suspended coral takes the form of a red, tree-like shape. It evokes images of deep-sea coral, the Tree of Life, a leaf and a heart. A symbol of the richness and vulnerability of marine ecosystems, it represents a natural world that is under threat from human activity, as well as the resilience and fertility of life. Despite its impressive dimensions of 7 metres high, 6 metres wide and weighing 450 kilograms, it appears remarkably light. The work also has an ecological dimension: its lightweight, durable and fully recyclable material embodies the principles of reuse and sustainable development. Le Souffle is like a stained-glass window transformed by light. Bathed in the shifting colours cast by the side windows, it creates a mesmerising spectacle that captivates the viewer and invites contemplation. The sculpture reflects on life, ecology and the transmission of traditions, uniting the past, present and future. It is a fitting addition to Saint-Eustache, standing in a place committed to the ‘Green Church’ initiative where art and nature exist in harmony. The work urges us to cherish and protect our planet, reminding us of our responsibility to care for the environment for future generations. A beacon of hope, it encourages us to reflect on our relationship with nature and the impact of our decisions.

The massive coral represents a living cathedral-like lace woven over time, a remarkable organism that constructs itself, very gradually and quietly, in the ocean's depths. The Tree of Life and Knowledge, a powerful symbol of the connections among all life forms on our planet, serves as a moving reminder of the importance of safeguarding our environment for future generations. Each component of this fragile ecosystem plays a vital role, and it is crucial to comprehend how these interactions influence our world in significant ways. It conveys a message of respect for the environment, clear ecological awareness, and care and attention towards ourselves and all living beings – an empathetic work that acknowledges  its own vulnerability. By caring for and nurturing our planet, we safeguard not only our own well-being but also the future of those who will inherit this beautiful Earth. It is essential that we must act with awareness and responsibility, recognising that every action matters in the ongoing struggle for sustainability and the conservation of our natural resources. 'The Breath' installation is a collaboration with Loo & Lou Foundation and Coral Guardian.