#Japan #Tokyo #Art Exhibition #Astier de Villatte #Sophie Delaporte

Explore the Enchanting World of Sophie Delaporte at Astier de Villatte

In December 2022, the highly anticipated flagship store of Astier de Villatte opened its doors in Omotesando, Tokyo. Spanning approximately 300 square meters, this stunning shop not only offers a full range of the brand's offerings including ceramics, incense, candles, and lighting fixtures but also features a gallery space upstairs. This is where a unique exhibition by the renowned French visual artist and photographer Sophie Delaporte will take place.

Delaporte's collaboration with Astier de Villatte has a rich history, having previously photographed many of the brand's visual images, and a selection of her works was published in a photography book in 2010. The exhibition will highlight extraordinary photographs featuring the designers of Astier de Villatte, its staff members, and friends of the brand and artists who share deep ties with it. Visitors can immerse themselves in the surreal world created by these unique personalities.

Exhibition Details:

• - Exhibition Period: August 22, 2026 (Saturday) to October 12, 2026 (Monday)
• - Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• - Venue: Astier de Villatte Flagship Store, 5-2-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

About Sophie Delaporte

Sophie Delaporte operates from France as a visual artist and photographer. Her work, embracing various media such as film, installation, and animation alongside photography, explores important themes revolving around women and the environment. Through a critical and socially aware perspective that defies conventional notions, she addresses societal and environmental issues through her creations.

Her works, bursting with vibrant colors and unique compositions, blend the aesthetics of fashion photography with the experimental nature of contemporary art, earning her recognition both domestically and internationally. In 2015, she presented the project “True Color,” which focused on air pollution and artificial coloring in the food industry, showcased at the Traverse Vidéo Festival, held at the Abattoirs Museum (FRAC Midi-Pyrénées) in Toulouse. In 2019, her works highlighting the fashion industry's impact on the environment won her the “Eye on Talents Photography and Sustainability” Grand Prix. Notable series like “Troubled Waters” and “Fragile Landscapes” were displayed in front of the Paris City Hall during Paris Photo, sparking newfound awareness of environmental issues through art.

Alongside her artistic endeavors, Delaporte has collaborated with various luxury fashion brands, including Astier de Villatte. By perpetually navigating between the realms of commercial photography and contemporary art, she continues to expand the possibilities of visual expression. Through her incisive works, she raises profound questions regarding the social and environmental issues underlying beauty in today’s visual culture.

About Astier de Villatte

Founded in 1996 by Benoît Astier de Villatte and Ivan Pericoli, Astier de Villatte draws inspiration from decorative arts, popular arts, and the forgotten history of objects, initially with the help of friends from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Eventually, the duo took complete responsibility for running the brand, building its reputation through word-of-mouth rather than relying on advertising strategies. Their unique creative endeavors have merged to create an unmatched worldview.

Preserving the tradition of ceramic workshops from 18th century Paris, Astier de Villatte's workshop offers a rare modern interpretation. With a focus on techniques such as “estampage,” they have modernized historical decorative techniques.

The brand also boasts a printing house located in the outskirts of Paris, one of the last remaining letterpress workshops, continuing the craft of printing books using lead plates. Additionally, they have published an eclectic guidebook titled “Ma Vie à Paris,” an art book collaboration with the artist Lou Doillon titled “Drawings,” and a new edition of Balthus's “Mitsou.”

Astier de Villatte's creative endeavors extend to fragrances as well. Working with esteemed perfumers, they create an impressive collection that includes eau de cologne, care products, incense, and an ambitious series of perfumed candles themed “Around the World in Scents.”

Whether visiting the flagship store or exploring their collaborations, Astier de Villatte continues to captivate a diverse audience with its rich artistry and dedication to preserving artisan traditions.