THE INSPIRATION

“Life begins in the most cosseted, intimate of spaces, and I wanted to offer that experience again – to offer the opportunity to reflect on the origins of life.” – Mario Botta

THE ARCHITECTURE

The sleek vertical wooden slats, aligned in organic, feminine curves, invite the viewer to explore what lies within. An ingeniously designed panelled screen separates two minimalist stools, each sitting in an identical curved space. At once a sculpture and a structure, the installation combines the Bauhaus codes so closely associated with La Prairie’s own design aesthetic.

THE EXPERIENCE

Once inside, the viewer becomes the participant, experiencing the parenthetical space as a respite from the outside world – a place where time stands still. A soundscape designed especially for the installation envelopes the participant with an audio composition that enhances the intimacy of the interior. Seated on one of the stools, the participant spies another through the screen. Thus, the two share a single sensation, if only fleetingly.

THE ARTIST

Born in Mendrisio in 1943, Mario Botta began his career working with Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn. Strongly influenced by the two great masters, his architectural vocabulary evolved to design pure, imposing, geometric forms. Every one of his works is covered with a mantle of sacredness, through which he demonstrates the importance of architecture as a means of expression of human memory. Photo credit: Nicola Gnesi – Courtesy of Fondazione Henraux.

AN INTRINSIC LINK WITH ART

With this new venture, La Prairie is delighted to continue its series of collaborations with Swiss artists in 2018. At the 2018 edition of Art Basel in Hong Kong, La Prairie commissioned a film installation on the power of light by Julian Charrière, in homage to La Prairie’s White Caviar Crème Extraordinaire. The 2018 edition of Art Basel in Basel witnessed La Prairie’s collaboration with Manon Wertenbroek, a series of photographic works that highlighted the design, science and indulgence of Skin Caviar Premier.

A CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT

In honour of Mr Botta’s continued dedication to the importance of the shared experience of art, La Prairie will make a donation to the Fondazione Teatro dell’Architettura, a new cultural centre designed by Mr Botta.