November 10, 2023 / IMMERSIVE VENUE, OAK STUDIO & GALLERY
By Gwennaëlle Bourdon
Since the opening of the OΔK Oneofakind Gallery, Place Montoulieu, in March 2023, Emmanuelle Vidal, antique dealer-scenographer, and Antoine Vignault, designer-gallery owner, present every two months, an exhibition of contemporary art and collectible furniture, with timelessness as a common thread.
What is the history of the place?
Antoine Vignault (A.V)
– The OΔK gallery is located in the former home of a Capitoul family. When we were looking for an exhibition and sales space, it was this historical aspect that immediately appealed to us. The fireplace, which is on the left wall of the gallery, indicates that we are in the old kitchens.
Who creates the scenography of the gallery?
Emmanuelle Vidal (E.V) – The staging of new pieces within the gallery is done in common with Antoine, in a rather natural way. He has an eye for creating an aesthetic and cohesive décor. As for me, who is an antique dealer, I like to dress in the costume of a scenographer to animate my finds: furniture and objects from the second half of the twentieth century, which are sometimes described as “vintage”. A language shortcut. Scenography is crucial because it helps visitors project themselves into a setting that can match their own interior.
What are the inspirations of Studio OΔK?
A.V – My work as a designer is essentially focused on the choice of natural materials, which develop a beautiful patina over time, such as bronze, wood, stone, etc. And on the search for proportions in accordance with the habitat of my clients. As far as aesthetics are concerned, I prefer purity and beautiful materials, which allow me to associate my creations with the existing décor. The idea is that the furniture from the OΔK studio does not steal the show from the pieces of art in place at my clients’ homes. Even if it is made by talented regional craftsmen.
Why “One of A Kind”?
E.V – With Antoine, we take the same trajectory, which is to offer rare or exceptional pieces, or pieces that you can’t find every day. Unique pieces for the contemporary part of the gallery, and also pieces from small series that are highly sought-after, for the antique part, which is my specialty. At OΔK, everything is therefore “one of a kind”.
Which artists and designers are you exhibiting?
A.V – We currently work with more than 30 artists and craftsmen, some of whom have gained international renown. These include the designer Nicolas Aubagnac, the visual artist and sculptor Clotilde Ancarani, the designer William Guillon and the painter and designer Hoon Moreau. She created the desk carved in solid oak and stained with Indian ink, around which this interview takes place.
E.V – For the decorative arts of the twentieth century, I would mention Pierre Chapo, Pierre Cruège, Christian Liaigre, Angelo Mangiarotti, Carlo Nason and Gio Ponti. The 1950s armchairs on which we are seated are by Silvio Cavatorta. They consist of a patinated brass base and are upholstered, after restoration, with a golden velvet from the house of Elitis. At the request of our customers, I also manage to hunt for prestigious pendant and wall lamps from Éditions Lunel and Maison Arlus.
Who are OΔK customers?
A.V – We have mainly developed a clientele of decorators and architects based in France (Jacques Grange, Jean-Louis Deniot, Marc Deloche, …) but also in the United States, Switzerland or England. From November 2023, they will be able to discover, as well as private customers, the exhibition “At the Dawn of the Thousand and One Nights”, which immerses us – through the creations of the painter Corinne Tichadou – in a journey through time, between myths and legends.
