Last week, Subtile had the immense pleasure of participating in Collectible Brussels. It was a week fueled by creative fever, where design met emotion, and where we invited visitors to experience a sensory journey through the four elements: Water, Fire, Air, and Earth.
At the center of our concept stood a reimagined fireplace—a dialogue between mineral strength and organic warmth. This central piece, a collaboration between Subtile X Terretceterra, revisited the hearth not just as a functional object, but as the “motor of hominization” that brings us together.
This vision was brought to life by the incredible Cathy Deprez, with whom we have collaborated for nearly three years. Her handcrafted organic ceramics gave the mantel a soul, echoing the textures of the earth. We owe a massive debt of gratitude to Cathy for her unwavering presence throughout the fair and her vital help with the complex setup.
During the opening, the installation transcended the physical. The element of Air was embodied by the performance of the dancer Eurydice, whose movements wove through the exhibits, revealing a hidden dimension of the work and breathing life into the space.
We were proud to unveil CUMULUS, a series of mirrors by Valentin Bony. Shown for the very first time, these limited-edition pieces—crafted from laser-engraved mirrored PMMA—invite us to “keep our heads in the clouds.” They encourage a return to spirituality: to look at oneself, yes, but perhaps a little less, and to reconnect with the world instead. A heartfelt thank you to Valentin for his constant energy at the booth and the inspiring conversations he shared with every visitor.
The element of Air and the passage of time were further explored through the video projections of Alexandre Aldavert. His work, The Birth of Color, is a visual ode to life. Since 2020, Alexandre has filmed the sky daily, capturing nearly 365 sequences of light and shade. His narrative, imbued with tenderness, serves as a reminder of our common bond: the sky that tells the story of our lives.
Sylvain Machot presented his polished stainless steel tables, which received extraordinary praise from industry specialists. Knowing the staggering number of hours Sylvain dedicated to the manual polishing process, we were thrilled to see his impeccable craftsmanship recognized. These pieces are perfect for expanding a room’s horizon and reflecting the beauty of surrounding nature.
From Barcelona, architect Marion Delaporte—supported by Kultur LX—joined us to present her intimate series, Le Câlin. Inspired by her daily life as an architect and the fluid gestures of a choreographer, Marion uses copper and plaster to create “embraces of form” as a candler. These delicate, elevated lines are deeply personal, capturing the warmth and comfort of a human hug.
Finally, the element of Earth and water was represented through the willow work of artist-scenographer Erik Barray. His approach is an intimate dialogue with nature, extending
the growth of the plant through the human hand. His creations act as protective cocoons—suspended refuges where time slows down.
As we look back on this beautiful week, we are reminded of what Subtile stands for. As always, we strive for contemporary propositions that are “dans l’air du temps,” yet we remain deeply rooted in ancestral methods and historic resonances (such as the coming exhibition between Guillaume Slizewicz & Françoise Lombaers and the mosaics of Maison Hannon). By integrating the old with the new, we invite everyone to remember our shared heritage while looking toward the future.
Thank you to the designers for their presence and their help for the installation, and everyone who came to share this moment with us.
See you now at the gallery!
