ROLLS-ROYCE SELECTS CHARLES KAISIN TO JOIN ART PROGRAMME

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is pleased to announce that Charles Kaisin has been selected to join its­­­ Art Programme. Kaisin will create a unique installation for the marque which will be on public view in the Rolls-Royce Showroom in Berkeley Square, London, from 28 September to 16 October. The installation, which will be suspended from the ceiling and made of more than 2500 miniature origami pieces, will form the shape of the Spirit of Ecstasy, the iconic symbol of Rolls-Royce. Each individual origami piece will also be handcrafted into the shape of the Spirit of Ecstasy and will be made of silver reflective paper, ensuring that the installation reveals distinctive light patterns throughout the space. The entire installation will take over 500 hours to craft and assemble, resulting in a delicate work of art weighing approximately 4.5kg.

Kaisin, who graduated from the Royal College of Art in London in 2001, spent a year at the Kyoto University for the Arts and it was there that his interest in the art of origami was peaked. He joins a list of prestigious names to have collaborated with the marque over recent years, including: Isaac Julien, Angela Bulloch, Ugo Rondinone, Will Cotton and artists whose work will be presented by the marque this year including Mohammed Kazem, Sudarshan Shetty and Yang Fudong. Kaisin visited the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood earlier this year to gain insight into its world-renowned engineering, design and excellence, leading to the inspiration for this new work.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “The Spirit of Ecstasy has been a source of inspiration for artists around the world since its creation in 1911. Charles Kaisin’s double interpretation of the Spirit of Ecstasy, formed from individual origami pieces, is a beautiful representation of the figurine who proudly graces the bonnet of each Rolls-Royce motor car, embodying the status of the pinnacle of true luxury.”

Charles Kaisin, commented, “Rolls-Royce, for me, signifies ultimate luxury. To be given the opportunity to partner with such a marque is a great privilege. Rolls-Royce has provided me with an enriching environment which has in turn allowed me the freedom to explore and push the boundaries of my own work.”

In addition, Rolls-Royce will host an exclusive surrealist dinner at the end of September to celebrate the collaboration. Kaisin will design the entire concept including the menu, costumes, music and table design. The dinner will encompass all the senses and will be in the style of a performance from beginning to end. Guests will be treated to live performances by two opera singers and a pianist and each of the five courses will be served by performers wearing costumes designed specifically for each course. Kaisin has enlisted renowned French Michelin-starred chef David Martin for this exceptional event. Guests will be presented with a small origami piece in the shape of the Spirit of Ecstasy, linking to Kaisin’s full scale installation. This dinner will be the first scenographic spectacular that Kaisin has created in London, having organised concept dinners for the global elite across the world.

Kaisin has previously worked on projects for the Museum of Contemporary Art Grand-Hornu in Belgium, luxury house Delvaux, Royal Boch and for the fashion brand Chine Collection. He recently conceived the design of the Almaha Marrakech Hotel, which launched in February 2016.