CasaSugar

Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne Exhibit Debuts in Paris

CasaSugar — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0700

A major exhibition of the works by famed '60s French artist couple Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne kicks off in Paris today at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and will run through July 4. The Lalannes are known for their large-scale animal and nature sculptures, notably their sheep sculptures. But in this exhibition, more than 150 pieces, including those monumental sculptures as well as smaller everyday objects like furniture and silverware, will be on view. It will be the first retrospective in Paris since 1977, but as you may remember, Lalanne works took over Park Avenue in New York just this past Fall. Now more than ever, there's simply no reason not to say bonjour to Paris. Summer voyage, anyone? Check out some of the works on display below.

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Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne's Sculptures to Graze on Park Avenue

CasaSugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:30:19 -0700

In conjunction with the Paul Kasmin Gallery, the New York City Parks Public Art Program will debut the first ever, large-scale outdoor exhibition in the US of Claude & François-Xavier
Lalanne’s sculptures along Park Avenue from Sept. 13 to Nov. 20.

The exhibit, on multiple sites along Park, will include more than eight monumental works by the influential couple, including François-Xavier’s famed "Moutons," which I've featured on CasaSugar before. The epoxy and bronze woolly animals will be featured in a life-size flock of 12 sheep and lambs.

Hear about other works in the exhibit when you read more.

Some of the exhibit's other best-known works will be featured, including Claude's "Pomme de New York," a large-scale bronze sculpture of an apple, epitomizing the city’s iconic image; François-Xavier’s "Singe Avisé," a pensive, cross-legged monkey; and Claude's "Choupatte," an anthropomorphized cabbage with bird’s feet.

If you happen to be in Manhattan during the exhibition, you simply must stop by. Not only is it the first major outdoor show of the Lalannes’ work, but it's also a very rare treat to see the pieces in person. That is, unless you are Marc Jacobs, who owns his very own Lalanne sheep.

Photo courtesy of Paul Kasmin Gallery

Ask Casa: Claude Lalanne Sheep Sculptures

CasaSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:15:03 -0700

Hi Casa,
You featured some imitation Claude Lalanne sheep sculptures in June. I have been looking for these for 10 years, since they were featured in an issue of House & Garden in September 1998! Can you let me know where I can purchase them?Thanks!
Stily

To hear my response to Stily, read more.

Hi Stily,
I don't blame you for seeking out Lalanne's sheep; they're highly coveted objets d'art, and Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne have recently become hotter than ever in the States. Even Marc Jacobs has one! Although the sheep sculptures that I featured in June have since been sold, I've actually found a few other options for you.

The Sheep by After Francois-Xavier Lalanne ($4,800) is from 1975 France. Overall it is in fine vintage condition, but it does have a small loss to one foot and its casters do not roll smoothly.

The Claude Lalanne Attribution Sheep ($5,000) is made of lacquered wood and wool, has slightly matted fur, and its casters do not roll smoothly. On second thought, it may be the same sheep as above, as they're both from the dealer Wright Now.

The French Sheep In the Style of Francois-Xavier Lalanne (inquire for price) is from 1970 France. It is in great condition with only minor scratches on the brass due to age. It has a solid wood body.

My other suggestion to you is to contact 1stdibs, which specializes in antiques and art pieces, and ask them to keep an eye out for you. Until then, perhaps try counting sheep!

Hope that helps,
Casa

How Would You . . .

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:00:43 -0700

For the next round of this challenge, I'd like you to take a look at this Pair of Sheep Sculptures (sold). These 1960s Dollys were made with real angora in the manner of one of the art world's most original designer-sculptors, Claude Lalanne. LaLanne and his wife Francois-Xavier are a sculpting and industrial designing pair known for their Surrealist and Realist objets d'art, like these life-size furry creatures that Coco Chanel kept in her living room. The French couple have been collaborating for 50 years, but have recently become hotter than ever in the States, with their pieces selling for big bucks at auction houses like Sotheby's, an English language book on their work published and a major New York exhibition of their work last year. So, my question for you is how would you use these LaLanne imitation sculptures in your home? Would you leave them as is as art pieces? Would you put hats on them in your front window to give passersby a smirk? Would you even buy them if you could afford to? Would you use them as a coat rack at parties? Hang your beret on their muzzles? Use one as a doorstop? Keep the in a kids' room? Tell me how you envision these sheep in your home by commenting below!
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