Guerlain and Matisse: Where Art Meets Alchemy

Art Dubai Fragrance and Beauty Maison Guerlain, partnered this year for the first time with Art Dubai, premiering new iterations of its iconic Bee Bottle, including the release of Guerlain X Maison Matisse and Guerlain X Yves Klein Archives.

Guerlain’s signature Bee Bottles were created 170 years ago and since then became iconic collectable items, reinterpreted and transformed into works of art commissioned by acclaimed artists, from French modernist Yves Klein to several international women photographers in the project “Dear Eugénie”.

At the heart of the exhibition at Art Dubai, Guerlain proudly presents two spectacular masterpieces: Guerlain X Maison Matisse and Guerlain X Yves Klein Archives.

Handpainted perfection

The Maison Matisse Edition of Guerlain’s iconic Bee Bottle has been coated in an exclusive, entirely hand-painted design inspired by Matisse’s renowned painting ‘La Musique’ (1939).

Drawing directly from the painting’s signature motifs and colours—from philodendron leaves to sapphire blue and lemon hues—the bottle houses an exclusively created perfume, Couleur Bonheur. Other highlights of this Guerlain x Maison Matisse collaboration: yellow bergamot, vivacious rose, deep purple iris, and apricot and leather accords express the rhythm and palette of ‘La Musique’ through their fruity-chypre blend.

Furthermore, this striking heirloom piece has been produced in only 14 signed and numbered pieces worldwide. This includes one—auspicious number eight—available in Singapore, $23,600.

What guests can expect

Guests to Guerlain’s exhibition, curated by Ann-Carolie Prazan, will go on a one-to-one immersive journey. Guided by a Guerlain expert, visitors will explore the universe of perfume and art created by Jon One, Tarek Banaoum, Li Hongbo and the Dubai-based jewellery designer Nadine Kanso with her exclusive unveiling of the creation “Rêve D’Amour”. Exhibiting locally and regionally, the Bee Bottle by Nadine Kanso draws inspiration from the Arabic alphabet, creating a contemporary exceptional creation with a touch of Middle Eastern flair.

Guerlain will also show “De Nectar at d’Ambroisie” by Constance Valero, an interactive artwork presented in augmented reality, which is symbolized by the dazzling orchestration of bees. The bee, unique symbol of the Maison since 1853 which continues to inspire and guide the Maison’s commitment to sustainability, commitment to preserving biodiversity and sustaining innovation.

The commissioned young artist Constance Valero, who enjoys dancing, puts a lot of emphasis on scenography and movement. Starting from the systematic motif of the hive, the wired and modular structure will the space with weaving honeycomb patterns. This exquisite digital Art piece is an example of a tribute to life and tenacity, an ode to the supremacy of organic functioning.