Sotheby's
Wall and Ceiling Mural – Sotheby’s Paris Auction Room
We reated a monumental mural that seamlessly integrates walls and ceilings in Sotheby’s new auction room in Paris. This ambitious project spans over 645 square feet (60 square meters), distributed across the two entrance vestibules and the winter gardens located on the upper floors. Each component was meticulously planned using precise layout mapping, accounting for the unique dimensions and architectural details of each space.
The mosaic was entirely handcrafted using the indirect laying technique. In this method, the tiles are temporarily affixed face-down to kraft paper, enabling optimal application to the final surfaces. To ensure exact adherence to the layout plan and achieve flawless execution, we developed a custom workspace featuring full backlighting. This allowed us to assemble the mosaic with millimeter precision.
The selection of materials played a pivotal role in imbuing the artwork with brilliance and durability. We utilized Italian glass tesserae and Briare enamels, renowned for their exceptional quality and timeless aesthetics. The production of this mural required over 1,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, resulting in 1,500 pounds (690 kg) of mosaic tiles, which were carefully packed in custom-made wooden crates for transport.
This project is a testament to exceptional artisanal expertise, blending tradition and innovation to create a unique space that reflects Sotheby’s prestige.
Architect: Architecture Studio
Pattern creation : Mathilde Herrero
Client: Degaine
Mosaic Production: Chifoumi Studio
Installation & Grouting: Granits & Matériaux
Photos : Romain Ricard
The Meeting of Art and Craftsmanship
The mosaic we created for this exceptional venue—the prestigious Sotheby’s auction room—represents a subtle and profound dialogue with contemporary art and, more broadly, with art in all its forms. It is a convergence point where craftsmanship meets artistry.
Here, the boundaries between these two realms blur, and a shared language emerges, enriching and redefining artistic practices. This work celebrates the fusion where artisanal heritage, steeped in history and expertise, interacts with the most avant-garde forms of contemporary expression.
It is in this union that the true richness of art resides—a collaborative space where traditions are reimagined to echo modern creations. This mosaic serves as a symbolic bridge between often distinct worlds, demonstrating that together, they can form a new harmony.
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