In Jaime, you can almost hear the word “gem.” And that’s a good way to characterize artistand designerJaime Hayon. Half-conquistador, half-imp, thisadventurer of design embraces life with an extraordinary creative zest,an immediate empathy for his nearest and dearest, and an infectious vitality. Skipping from one language to another in a heartbeat, he simultaneously chats in English as wellas French, Italian and Spanish,all with asingular nonchalance and ease. Jaime isa man of the presentand the future,a decidedly optimistic mutant, equipped for a world with a brighter tomorrow. Born in Madrid thirty years ago, this Almodóvar of design is on a ceaseless quest for encounters and new lands. The paradox arises from the overlap of this free-wheeling spirit and his inspirations, drawn entirely from the sensuality of his background: fragrances, sounds, languages,visions of childhood and his Iberian roots. The primary colors, the excess, the organic baroque shapes of the furniture and ceramics, the manga-meets-Iberia “toys”: his imagination flows as freely as a stream from the tip ofa colored pencil or brush with the talent ofa master draftsman. Jaime Hayon is a generous artist, and his work distills everything that has crossed his path.
Like an ethnologist of shape and material, he explores nature and people in equal measure, transforming them though the prism of his unbridled flights of creativity—his free spirit radiates most brilliantly in the scenographies that fully express his exuberance and joie de vivre. The recent monograph on his work, published by Gestalten, captures the full range of his prolific and eclectic work. Form, style and color are deployed with a rare mastery, whether in his partnerships with companies as diverse as Arquitect, Bisazza, Camper, Bosa, Metalarte, Palluco or Bernhardt Design, with the collaboration of his companion, Nienke Klunder. His “Rencontre” with Baccarat is typical of this atypical talent. This masterful stylistic undertaking between colored cut crystal or pieces engraved with gold and metallic ceramics successfully bridges the gap between sumptuous transparency and velvety opaqueness. Hayon’s sense of humor reframes the importance of his creation in a limited edition of monumental works. The “Crystal Candy Set” can be enjoyed to excess; with this exceptionally beautiful work, Baccarat once again demonstrates its extraordinary creativity.
