Quentin Carnaille
Quentin Carnaille was born in Roubaix in 1984. After graduating with an architecture degree in 2009 (from the Institut Supérieur d’Architecture in Tournai), he produced the first of his sculptures using old timepiece mechanisms. Diverting them from their primary function, Carnaille used the timepieces to adorn jewels or accessories which, beyond being decorative, pose the question of time and the relativity of its passage, a recurring theme in his work.
Following this first phase of research came a period of intense creativity in which Carnaille diversified his use of timepiece mechanisms. By freeing them from their mechanical arrangement and linking them together with magnets, they began to take the appearance of real sculptures. In the Horlogerie series Carnaille finds his own intimate rhythm, turning towards the future to give his questionings a universal reach. Comprised of original creations as well as homages to iconic artworks, Horlogerie was Quentin Carnaille’s introduction to the art scene. 2013: exhibitions in Lille and Geneva; 2014: Belgium; 2015: Luxembourg and Germany; 2017: Taiwan, Kuwait, China, United Arab Emirates…
His work then took a new turn. Alongside his continuously evolving sculptural experiments (like Apparition, in which the timepieces are trapped in ice), Carnaille also explores new forms of expression through installations and happenings, approaching a conceptual minimalism fully expressed in Introspection, his first piece devoid of clockwork components. Introspection associates a refined aesthetic with the artist’s metaphysical considerations, inviting the viewer to a return to the self, while simultaneously proposing a meditation on mankind and its origins.
Continuing in this direction, Carnaille realised Identity in 2017. Leaving his studio and taking to the streets, for three weeks the artist’s mirror-faced cubes covered the faces of figurative sculptures around the city of Lille. A demonstration of strength, Identity transformed commemorative sculptures into contemporary sculptures, thereby arousing the public’s interest in them. Through the use of elementary modes of perception, Identity is a reflection on otherness, it is an aesthetic and mental shock and marks a climax in Carnaille’s artistic production so far, making him the heir to a line of artists who, in the words of Malraux, desired to « bring art to the masses. »
And so, Quentin Carnaille’s research continues, somewhere between technical prowess and the wish to place art at the service of a primordial source, that of time and of mankind; or how to allow the latter to see the former not as an implacable enemy, but rather as an idea of the possible from which both are born.
Journal
German Polosin KOPF Watch Review
It's not often that a watch face is actually a face, but in this instance, the whole case is a head (with a face in...
Albert Villa Casablanca (Yellow) Watch Review
The watch industry (and many watch collectors (sorry!)) can sometimes be seen to have a snobby view on less expensive...
Sequent x Seconde/Seconde/ Smart(ass) Watch Review
Smart watches are often purely about functionality and rarely much consideration is given to how they might fit into a...
Kieser Design Tragwerk.T (Unique Piece) Review
Are you aware of any modularly configurable, handmade mechanical watches that were inspired by an insect? Kieser...
Chopin Opus 10 No. 12 “Violet Edition” Watch Review
"Polish" and "Swiss watchmaking" are not words often heard in the same sentence, however, the 2 have come together to...
MAALS Sligo Watch Review
From production of a limited edition, inexpensive quartz watch, to bespoke one off commissions; that's where UK based...
Alexander Shorokhoff Revolution AVG Watch Review
There are a few watchmakers that seem to never run out of creative ideas; Alexander Shorokhoff is definitely one of...
Belchengruppe 1247 Visuren #22 Watch Review
A watch brand founded by a designer should be right on the edge of creativity -Â That's exactly what seems to have...
Cyrus Kambys Titanium Watch Review
Cyrus are not known for making many traditional looking watches, however, this one takes things in a slightly...
Oligo Blue, Brown & Black Watches Review
Many watch brands try to peak interest by introducing unorthodox case designs and extravagant movement complications;...
Strond G-AXDN 24h Automatic Watch Review
There are so many aircraft inspired watches around, but none that have a piece of the world's fastest commercial...
Byrne Petroleum Green GyroDial 311 Watch Review
Ever get bored of your watches? Well, Byrne have created an animated complication, which should reduce the chances of...