Shhh...art in progress at Ruinart, in Champagne

By The editor , Published: 8 April 2019

Since its creation in 1729, la Maison Ruinart has been closely linked to artistic creation—it's a legacy that manifests every year when carte blanche is given to an artist to create an ensemble of works inspired by the champagne house. In 2019, the Brazilian artist Vik Muniz was awarded this honor. Ruinart reveals the backstage of his residence, which gave birth to seven works convoking nature.

In the vineyards

Vik Muniz came to seek inspiration in Sillery, the historic vineyard of the house, during the 2018 Ruinart harvest. He discovered vineyards that produce the wine's best fruits despite a harsh climate.

In the vineyards

Chardonnay

The artist found inspiration in Les Crayères de Ruinart, in Reims, for "Chardonnay Leaf". With this work, Vik Muniz pays tribute to the emblematic grape variety of this champagne house. The artist reconstructed a giant chardonnay leaf using elements from the vines, such as leaves and vine shoots.

Master of cellars

During his stay, Vik Muniz exchanged often with Frédéric Panaïotis, cellar master of the Ruinart house, which proved an opportunity for the artist to capture the relationship of man and nature. This link inspired him in the work "Flow Hands," which features the titular hands of the cellar master.

Master of cellars

Vine stock and charcoal

The photographs taken by Vik Muniz during his stay at the Ruinart house served as a starting point for a series of works reinterpreting vine cuttings using pieces of blackened wood and charcoal.

Roots

For the first time this year, Ruinart brings art and gastronomy closer by having a chef pull up a seat to this artistic collaboration. Vik Muniz, Frédéric Panaïotis and David Toutain, a 2-star Michelin chef, designed a 6-hand menu based on the theme of roots.

Jéroboam

Vik Muniz’s work is also displayed on a box set containing a Ruinart Jéroboam bottle of '"Blanc de Blancs". With a limited edition of 30 pieces, this wooden box was designed as a real decorative element to give it a second life after the bubbles (and wine) are gone.

Getting to Les Crayères of the Ruinart House, in Reims

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