Pierre Hermé Paris, known as the Picasso of the pastry world, is currently selling products and exhibiting art in collaboration with art for a limited time.
The special project, "ARIGATO CHOCOLAT," is a limited-edition set of bonbon chocolates paired with artwork packaged using one-of-a-kind photographs by Tokyo-based French artist K-NARF. 100 units will be sold, along with an exhibition of the production process and related fictional advertising work.
The collaboration began when Richard Ledu, head of the Asia branch, and K-NARF met. Richard's deep knowledge of art and the two, coincidentally from the same hometown, led to a mutual connection, and the project began. This summer, K-NARF remodeled a Hong Kong tram to create an imaginary photo developing lab. At the same time, he exhibited his installation "PHOTOGRAHIC CONTRAPTIONS" at the Pierre Hermé Paris boutique in Hong Kong, which concluded with rave reviews. Now, at Pierre Hermé Paris Aoyama, he is showcasing his creative process and a handmade projector installed on Yamaha Motor's TRICITY scooter, also designed by K-NARF. At a reception party prior to the exhibition, K-NARF demonstrated his actual creative process. The tools he uses are all familiar everyday items, such as packing tape and stickers available at stationery stores. Using these tools, he processes freshly taken photographs to give them the feel of old-fashioned photographs, creating an imaginary neo-vintage photographic world. "Pierre Hermé Paris' sweets are handmade, but they also have a modern aspect, which I can relate to as an artist. As an artist, I always want to provide experiences. Pierre Hermé offers food experiences, but I want people to experience photography," says K-NARF.
On November 7th and 8th, K-NARF will also be holding a workshop at Pierre Hermé Paris Aoyama. The program begins with taking a photograph as a motif, and participation is planned to be limited to the cost of materials.
"I want people to enjoy it as they are," says K-NARF.
The limited-edition "ARIGATO CHOCOLAT" bonbon chocolate assortment of five (limited to 100 pieces, 5,000 yen) includes flavors of Mogador, Shock Chocolat, Infiniment Cafe, Makassar, and Nuage.
【Event Information】
“ARIGATO CHOCOLAT” PIERRE HERME PARIS × K-NARF
Venue: Pierre Hermé Paris Aoyama
Dates: October 2nd – November 8th
Cooperation: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
