Charles Kaisin conjures an installation of 2,500 miniature origami pieces for Rolls-Royce

A front facing image of a male with wavy black hair looking at the camera posing with one fist resting down on the table. The male is wearing red checkered trousers and a black V neck jumper with a white shirt. On the table are various sized stoneware items.
Belgian designer Charles Kaisin is the latest figure to join the Rolls-Royce Art Programme and has created an origami installation for the motoring marque’s London showroom
(Image credit: Charles Kaisin)

The Rolls-Royce Art Programme counts a diverse roster of artists among its alumni, including Angela Bulloch, Ugo Rondinone and Isaac Julien.

Now, the latest creative luminary to be called upon by the British motoring marque is Belgian designer Charles Kaisin, who enters the fold with an intricate installation for Rolls-Royce’s London showroom in Berkeley Square.

The artwork – due to be unveiled tomorrow – will be suspended from the ceiling and comprises more than 2,500 miniature origami pieces. Kaisin graduated from the Royal College of Arts in 2001 but it was his spell at Kyoto University of Arts that kindled his interest in the Japanese art of origami.

Each individual piece has been folded into the shape of the Spirit of Ecstasy, and once pieced together will recall Rolls-Royce’s iconic bonnet ornament on a larger scale. Some 500 hours were needed to craft and assemble the delicate artwork, which is made from silver paper that will reflect light back into the space.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Kaisin will extend his creative reach beyond the Rolls-Royce showroom for a surrealist dinner celebrating the new commission – his first in London following similar concept events across the world. The designer has masterminded the entire multi-sensory concept, from costumes through to music and table settings.

Opera singers and a pianist are just some of the theatrics that lie in store for guests, who will enjoy a five-course meal concocted by French Michelin-starred chef David Martin. Each course is served by performers wearing uniforms specially made to complement the dishes; and guests will receive their very own piece of Kaisin origami to remember the evening by.

The artwork is suspended from the ceiling and comprises more than 2,500 miniature origami pieces

The artwork is suspended from the ceiling and comprises more than 2,500 miniature origami pieces

(Image credit: Charles Kaisin)

Charles Kaisin Dinner Invitation

To celebrate the commission, Kaisin masterminded a multi-sensory fantastical dinner complete with performances and a surrealist invitation

(Image credit: Charles Kaisin)

Drawing of the origami components that comprise the sculpture

Drawing of the origami components that comprise the sculpture

(Image credit: Charles Kaisin)

Each course will be served by performers wearing uniforms specially made to complement the dishes

Each course will be served by performers wearing uniforms specially made to complement the dishes

(Image credit: Charles Kaisin)

Sketch of one of Kaisin's costumes

Sketch of one of Kaisin's costumes

(Image credit: Charles Kaisin)

A sketch of one of the costumes that performers will be donning for the event

A sketch of one of the costumes that performers will be donning for the event

(Image credit: Charles Kaisin)

Kaisin has previously used origami in his work for Ornis, installed in the lobby of the Théâtre de Liège in Belgium earlier this month.

Kaisin has previously used origami in his work for Ornis, installed in the lobby of the Théâtre de Liège in Belgium earlier this month.

(Image credit: Thierry Lechanteur)

INFORMATION

The installation is on view from 28 September – 16 October. For more information, visit the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars website

ADDRESS

Rolls-Royce
15 Berkeley Square
London, W1J 6EG

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