Jewels on Fire: The Artistic Rebellion of Isabelle Azaïs
How would you describe your jewelry?
"These jewels express fire: the fire of bright colors, the inner fire of the artist. The aesthetic is shimmering, brilliant, luminous, almost violent. Placed on the torso, very close to the heart, the flames come out, the body burns, the artist is consumed."
What is the meaning behind your work?
"My jewelry is a pretext for discussion, militant objects. In the last series, I worked with helium balloons. But where are these balloons that we launch in clusters into the sky going? For some time now, balloon releases have been making me gloomy."
What materials do you prefer to use and why?
"I don’t want any more diamond and gold on my skin. I am looking for experimentation, with unusual materials. I do not contribute to the creation of a treasure like those that are plundered in wars. Value lies in a no man's land of subjectivity."
What is your vision of contemporary jewelry?
"Contemporary jewelry is nomadic art objects like mobile phones and laptops. Collectors must be able to travel with works of art that serve as protection against mediocrity."