At home With Harrt Studio | Season 3 - Episode 2

- Hello Charlotte and Philippe, can you introduce yourselves?

Charlotte and Philippe: Hello NV GALLERY, we're delighted to welcome you to Philippe's home and Harrt's offices. This is where we design and conceive all our creations. We started imagining this project during the lockdown.

Charlotte: At the time, I was doing a lot of paint testing. I had a real obsession with ink, and Philippe was very supportive of my research. We did a lot of trial and error, but together we've now found our identity, which draws its inspiration from modern art, minimalism and the Bauhaus era. We were planning to set up a small poster design studio, which we did, before finally designing and publishing a lamp. Philippe is more into design than I am, and does everything himself. I'm more on the painting side and Philippe on the plaster, concrete etc. side.

- What's the link between your interior and your art?

Charlotte and Philippe: The link between our interior and our art is deeply rooted in our creative process. We've found that it's difficult to conceive of something that doesn't fit harmoniously into Philippe's apartment or mine. When we imagine a painting or an object, we try to visualize it in our own space. Although at Philippe's, where the entire interior is adorned with wood panelling and mirrors, it can sometimes be difficult to find the ideal place to hang our creations, we've noticed that they manage to blend in, even when simply placed against a wall.

Our aim is to create a mood through our work. Working with solids and gradients, we pay particular attention to color, as it plays an essential role in the atmosphere of a room. Our creations are often described as soft, evoking the serenity of a sunset. In short, our art is an extension of our interior, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in our living space.

- How important is interior design to you?

Charlotte and Philippe: We're both very partial to minimalist vintage pieces from the 30s and 40s, such as those by Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer and Eero Saarinen. We're also inspired by the Memphis movement, which is less minimalist but characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes.

Charlotte: My childhood was marked by a sense of wonder every time I returned to my grandfather's house. My grandmother, a former Beaux-Arts student, had a strong taste for designer furniture and abstract paintings. Her death, when I was still young, was a poignant moment. Yet she had already left an indelible imprint on my memory. I don't know if this predestined my professional career, but it undeniably exerted a strong influence on me. When he died, my grandfather didn't change a thing. For over 30 years, everything remained unchanged. It was one of my favorite places in the world, a place where sublime furniture, paintings and a multitude of objects brought back from all over the world were intermingled. I've kept this passion for objects and I love to hunt. Often small objects of little value, but well placed, they find a special place in Philippe's and my homes. Philippe and I have the same taste in many respects! And that's why we get on so well and love working together. We've been friends for a long time now, and ever since our We met and wanted to set up a project like this.

- What do you love about NV GALLERY? What's your favorite piece?

Charlotte and Philippe: We really like the minimalist, elegant overall look and the choice of beautiful materials. Our favorite piece, although it's hard to choose, is the POWERS floor lamp in beige. We love its slightly pop design. It contrasts quite well with Philippe's interior, which is a mix of Haussmannian and minimalism.

- Can you tell us about the history of this apartment and the steps that led to this result?

Philippe: I was lucky enough to choose an apartment that was beautiful even before I moved in. Indeed, Haussmann-style apartments often have unique beauty potential thanks to their moldings and parquet flooring. This is the case in this apartment, as almost everything is original. The only work I undertook was in the kitchen, where I chose plywood fronts to bring out the fresco while making the room warmer. As for the decor, I wanted to contrast the glitz of the Haussmann style with sober, Scandinavian design pieces such as the dining room table and matching chairs by Frama. Finally, the presence of plants is essential to interior well-being. Hence their presence in the form of a "little jungle" in the large living room.

- What's your typical day like? How do you manage your various activities?

Charlotte: Now that I'm working full-time for a company, I really feel the weight of time. My days are often very full, and it's sometimes difficult to find time to devote to my passion for painting. Fortunately, I'm supported by Philippe, who is now taking on more responsibility to help our artistic projects move forward and grow. Finding the balance between my professional obligations and my creative passion is not always easy. After a busy day at work, it can be difficult to get into the right frame of mind to create. But despite this, the arrival of sunny days rekindles my desire to paint. The light, the colors and the new perspectives that spring offers us inspire me more and more. We're lucky enough to work with a gallery in the Marais district, which offers us some exciting opportunities. We have several ongoing commissions to fulfill, which adds to the excitement and challenge of reconciling my busy schedule with my passion for art. I'm grateful to be able to complete these projects and see our work take shape, even if it sometimes requires sacrifice and organization.

Philippe: For my part, the last few months have been devoted to designing plaster lamps and mastering the material. Now that these are ready, I'm exploring new materials to create new lamps, such as ceramics and wood.

- Finally, a book, a film, an address, a recent discovery or an obsession... What would you like to share with us?

Philippe: Recently, I went to the "Le monde comme il va" exhibition at the Fondation Pinault, where I really enjoyed Kimsooja's installation of mirrors on the floor of the museum's rotunda, turning the magnificent scenery beneath our feet upside down.

Charlotte: "Veiller sur elle" by Jean-Baptiste Andrea, despite its Goncourt prize, is a remarkable choice of reading. His poetic writing transports us to a world where beauty mingles with the harshness of a time shaken by war. The intense feelings between the protagonists add a romantic dimension to this story, making it both moving and captivating.