Cazenave André

Biography

Known predominantly for his luminous sculptures and Moon Rock Lights which date from the late 1960s - Andre Cazenave was one of the leading designers for Atelier A, a French boutique design label and store, based in Paris. As familiar as we now are with technological advances, back then man had just landed on the moon, achieving an impossible dream. Similarly, objects that had always been crafted by hand using age-old skills passed down carefully through generations could now be mass-produced with great speed and efficiency all over the world simply by flicking a switch.

Atelier A, though in no way against the progression of technological advancement, saw their remit as redressing the balance somewhat when it came to the utilitarianism resulting from the enormous levels of industrialisation. They therefore took everyday, practical objects and aspired to elevate them to design classics.

Dedicated to design inspired by nature, Cazenave was especially interested in introducing organic pieces to contemporary interiors and modern homes.

His light sculptures can be used anywhere, both inside and out. Designed and made in France, the moon rock lamps were hand crafted specifically to appear like real stones. Cast from fibreglass, they were coated with a multitude of fine stone imprints, a process also done by hand resulting in no two being exactly the same.

Cazenave's sculptures did not eschew industrial production, but in line with the ethos of Atelier A, they demonstrated the opportunities this type of production now afforded for an intersection with aesthetic and meaningful design.