Parallel to the stands of the international design brands, quite a few art and design installations were showcased during Maison & Objet 2015 last week in the Inspirations 2015 section of the design fair. While scouting new designs and products, we got the chance to attend some shows and get inspired by designers and artists who present their architectural, visual and digital vision and work. Artist Elizabeth Leriche focused on the hand, as a tool for new luxury and presented Human Made installation. From the alphabet of materials and the grammar of crafts, neo-artisans’ expertise is putting together sensitive, rare items. Beyond their function, these works show a radical uniqueness. The art of making is freeing the object from the norm so that it can leave its mark in time.

Meanwhile, Francois Bernard presented his Nature Made installation, focusing on the idea that scientists, artists and designers of living things are summoning the spirit of nature and playing with its laws using somewhat bewitching rituals. Leaving things to chance, the experiments and mutations made by these bio-magicians are catalyzing the supernatural. Thus are born fascinating creations that herald a new generation of objects.