Charlotte Perriand Built Spaces Not Walls — Reminding Us To Pause, Take Note, Learn And Strive To Do The Same

Left: Charlotte Perriand face à la vallée, vers 1930 © ADAGP, Paris 2019 © AChP

Right: Charlotte Perriand sur la « Chaise longue basculante, B306 » (1928-1929) – Le Corbusier, P. Jeanneret, C. Perriand, vers 1928 © F.L.C. / ADAGP, Paris 2019 © AChP

Jean-Paul Claverie’s introduction to Charlotte Perriand, her life’s work and the overall impact it had historically at last year’s exhibition Charlotte Perriand: Inventing A New World commemorating 20 years since her passing in 1999 was a great reminder of how meaningful creating spaces for freedom and happiness is — past, present and future.

Some of the highlights from Clavierie’s introduction resonated and reminded us of the importance to remember innovation, design and creativity and their impact on the progression of modernity in society . . .

Early 20th Century French Architect and Designer Charlotte Perriand was committed to creating and building spaces not walls. Born in 1903 and died in 1999, she left a mark as a creator and pioneer of modernism across the world in design and architecture but also for society and social awareness. Committed to building spaces for freedom and the happiness of the people living and owning those spaces — Perriand’s commitment to maintaining a dialogue between the arts and intellectuals world-wide about the importance all of areas are to building of modernity was consistent and strong — in the arts and architecture as well as socially and politically.

The exhibition looks at her architectural and design work and the roles of women and nature in our society, her social awareness and a life of freedom and her commitment to how we want to be and live and use technologies. Art is everywhere and expresses itself in many ways and the impact the reach it has into shaping our cultures and societies is great — reminding us to embrace new ideas and to stay open.