Family
A Decadent and Enchanting Feel.
At
Théodore Fivel
Because of the International Fair of Contemporary Art (FIAC) I have to visit Theodore Fivel, an artist who is becoming extremely popular. A dandy looking young man, he welcomes me into his home on a sunny morning. His apartment, nestled in the very heart of “Les Halles”, in an 18th century building, has a decadent and enchanting feel. Just like in the past, Theodore lives as an artist. His home is very personal, dotted with objects of all kinds, of items bought here and there. A man of taste, his work reflects his kindness, at the same time tormented and poetic. His last series called “charge” is calling me and I followed him to his workshop at the gates of Paris.
Location
Paris
TSF
Théodore, can you tell me who you are?
Théodore
I am young, handsome and talented. Hahahaha!
TSF
For how long have you lived in this apartment?
Théodore
I can’t really remember. I think it’s since the 17th century.
TSF
Where do you feel most comfortable?
Théodore
In the dressing room, when I am dressing. In the kitchen when I am eating dinner, in the bathroom when I am relaxing, but above all on the terrace when I am meditating and watering my plants.
TSF
How did you design this place?
Théodore
A bit like I designed my life – meeting people, old loves… and new loves.
TSF
Which is your favourite item?
Théodore
My wooden bear from childhood and my dear mother’s metal swordfish, things I have always had with me.
TSF
What is your typical day like?
Théodore
Morpheus frees me from his embrace, I look at the sky through the window, I eat a boiled egg, read my horoscope, get on my futuristic scooter and go to my workshop; in the evenings, I take a drink with well-bred friends, I go back home, take a bath, have some soup, and then start all over again the next day.
TSF
Can you tell us about your latest project?
Théodore
I am currently working on a series called “charge”; these are painted sculptures and the paint is charged with different media, hence the name of the series. It follows on from my work with sand and marble. Its meaning is multi-layered, it transcends pleasure as it moves towards the cosmic.
TSF
Which artist inspires you the most?
Théodore
The friends I work with: Marianne Vitale, Vava Dudu, Michael Portnoy and more mainstream, Arnold Böcklin, Mike Kelley, Sterling Ruby, Isa Genzken, Gelitin and Jonathan Meese.
TSF
What are your favourite places in Paris?
Théodore
Traditional and secret because they disappear too quickly.
TSF
What is THE error of style not to make?
Théodore
Thinking that there is such a thing as bad taste and not daring.
Photos : Constance Gennari@thesocialitefamily
