Seeking a convergence of art and the artistry of winemaking, Moët & Chandon extended an invitation to the visionary Daniel Arsham to translate the essence of Cellar Master Benoît Gouez’s idea of Haute Oenologie -embodied in Collection Impériale Création No. 1 – into a masterpiece.
One of the preeminent artists of his generation and hailed as the Archaeologist of the Future, Arsham intertwines the essence of time within his contemporary creations, seamlessly bridging the realms of past, present and future in a variety of materials. Arsham’s remarkable artistic prowess harmoniously converges with the craft of champagne-making, a savoir-faire inherently bound by the concept of time, from harvest to the slow maturation of champagnes in the cellars. His talent was particularly attuned to Moët & Chandon’s new Collection Impériale Création No. 1, a timeless oenological creation that is a product of the House’s centuries-old savoir-vin, composed as an assemblage of seven remarkable vintages from different years and aged in distinct environments to enhance their individual qualities. As such, Arsham’s aesthetic approach found a particularly fitting synergy with the House’s inherently time-sensitive champagne-making expertise.
During a springtime visit to Epernay, Arsham explored the estate of Moët & Chandon in the company of Benoît Gouez. While the natural beauty of the vineyards and the historical legacy preserved within the House’s centuries-old cellars left an indelible impression on the artist, a large stained glass by Félix Gaudin, that has adorned the entrance of the cellars since the late 1890s, piqued his curiosity. Its central figure titled “La Renommée” is an allegorical representation of the global reputation and success of Moët & Chandon, which depicts the connection between the House’s abundance and its achievements through depictions of its bountiful vineyards and the savoir-faire of its winemakers.
An avant-garde masterpiece and collectible limited editions
Drawing elements from his eye-opening tour of Moët & Chandon’s estate and the stained glass, Arsham created a monumental, sculptural, wall-mounted work of art – a shallow relief – that weaves a modern narrative by encapsulating the essence of the House’s legacy in an avant-garde masterpiece. Two central putti gracefully raise a plaque adorned with «1743,» the year the House was founded by Claude Moët; a female mythological figure – the Greek deity “Pheme,” personification of fame and renown, joyously toots a trumpet, resounding far and wide the reputation of the House; the architectural façade of the Château de Saran evokes the family saga of the Maison; the sprawling vineyards extending into the horizon represent the abundance of the House’s natural estate; and a wooden wine barrel – a nod to the oak casks used for the aging of some of the vintages assembled in this cuvée d’exception – pays tribute to the oenological expertise and imperial connection that distinguishes the House.
Recalling the chalky soils of the Champagne region that grace Moët & Chandon’s cellars, Arsham selected a white cast resin as the medium for his creation. Subtle traces of visible erosion caress this masterpiece, instilling a sense of the passage of time with Arsham’s signature touches that infuse the artwork with an enigmatic and timeless quality. Measuring 3 meters in length and 1.3 meters in height, Arsham’s relief will take its rightful place in the Galerie Impériale, as a permanent fixture in the cellars of Moët & Chandon. Becoming an integral part of the legacy of the House, this masterpiece will captivate visitors with its timeless modernity juxtaposed harmoniously with the ancient walls that surround it. Drawing inspiration from his relief, Arsham ingeniously designed 85 limited-edition bottles —extraordinary three-dimensional time capsules that serve as packaging for Collection Impériale Création No. 1. These exquisite artist-designed objects transcend their utilitarian purpose as collectibles that will endure long after the champagne they hold is savored, enchanting discerning owners for years to come.
An authentic encounter of two creators of time
Arsham’s artistic process draws a striking parallel with the masterful blending and aging of vintages by Benoît Gouez. Just as the Cellar Master has skillfully combined champagnes from diverse years to craft the extraordinary Collection Impériale Création No. 1, Arsham has creatively composed his own artwork using carefully curated elements sourced from the universe of Moët & Chandon. This harmonious synergy is a testament to the genuine collaboration between the artist and the House, and the authenticity of their partnership in celebration of the Maison’s timeless legacy. In turn, Daniel Arsham acknowledged that in creating Collection Impériale Création No. 1, the Cellar Master’s delicate interplay of vintages mirrored his own sculptural composition.
