Pauline Bonnet
Philtre ou Poison? 005

This glass vase by Pauline Bonnet is covered in delicate swirls of colour and resembles the surface of an ancient amphora. This work is part of the "Philtre ou Poison" (potion or poison) series, inspired by ancient glass cosmetic bottles, flasks, and vials which held balms, perfumes and ointments. Each work is made by hand: sometimes clumsy and chubby, or sleek and sensual, the variations and imperfections imbue every vessel with a unique character. The domestic objects represent an elsewhere and perform a fictitious interior, which the viewer is invited to participate in. This vase can be paired with Pauline’s other smaller glass piece, fitting together in a playful reinterpretation of the ancient art of hand-blown glass. An emerging artist based in Marseille, Pauline experiments with the arts from the fire––including ceramics and glass blowing––to make evocative pieces that are both objects and subjects.