To describe Michèle Lamy requires you to forget neat categories and forgo any ideas of clearly delineated borders. You could call her an artist, a performer, or a designer, but no label reliably conveys her essence or spiritual force. You could say that for Lamy, life itself is a work of art. Controversial and enigmatic, her energy and creative output are mesmerising.
The latest edition of hube magazine features an outstanding conversation between Michèle Lamy and Marina Abramovic. We couldn’t resist and asked Michèle after this interview, which rising artists and creatives she is keeping an eye on?
Courtesy of the the1989
Bassan’s artistic path was defined by his upbringing in Northern Italy and rooted in a Renaissance-inspired, finely tuned, intricate aesthetic. Since then, his focus has shifted to the contemporary art world and the vibrant community it encompasses. A pivotal moment came in 2019 with his solo exhibition in Paris, where Bassan presented a body of work that recontextualised his figurative scenes within a modern framework. Moving away from the tightly rendered figures of his previous exhibitions, such as ‘Martyrdom’, Bassan adopted a looser style characterised by painting and layering techniques, resulting in a more abstract expression of his artistic vision.
His layered compositions evoke a collage-like quality, assembling memories into a frenetic rhythm. A shift towards introspection, influenced by the pandemic lockdowns. In 2020, Bassan also explored ceramics, adding a tactile dimension to his art. While painting remains a personal diary, ceramics provide a physical outlet for his creativity.
Represented by SAMUELE VISENTIN
Currently residing between California and France, Scarlett initially trained in photography at The California Institute of the Arts. After graduation, her creative path broadened to painting and installation art after finding the darkroom too limiting. The interdisciplinary practice reflects her nomadic lifestyle, drawing inspiration from mythos, geography, and the cultural interplay.
Central to Rouge’s artistic philosophy is the notion of art as a contemporary religious movement, infused with symbolic language and archetypes. She views the artist as a modern-day shaman, using video artworks and performance pieces to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary societies, challenging societal norms and political discourse, drawing Mysticism and symbolism from the teachings of Jung and Campbell. Driven by an intuitive desire to reconnect spirit with matter, Scarlett’s work delves into the depths of the human psyche and explores invisible energies that shape existence. Whether through her performances with LAVASCAR or her self-styled ‘movable murals,’ Scarlett Rouge utilises art for anthropological discovery and reflection on the human condition.
Photography courtesy of the artist
Photography by HUGO FAZI
Vincent Pressiat is a graduate of the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne who worked at fashion houses like John Galliano, Maison Margiela, Saint Laurent, and Balmain before establishing his own label. Pressiat’s approach stands out for its recontextualization of historical silhouettes through emotions proving that his vision revolves around crafting garments for individuals embracing gender fluidity, catering to both sensitive men and women seeking a conquering aesthetic.
By merging elements from the Victorian era and the ’70s, the designer challenges traditional notions of gendered fashion, infusing historical references into contemporary high fashion. He draws inspiration from meticulous detail and the historical narrative of clothing with a sense of Parisian elegance, while emphasising volume, ornamentation, and commercial viability. His collections feature sculptural leather blazers, corsets, and corset-tie leather trousers, evoking a sense of eccentric elegance and strength. Quirky names like evil gilet underscore his intention to infuse humour and confidence into his designs, aiming for wearers to feel both untouchable and sensitive.
Clara Cullen is an Argentinian-born writer and director who works in film, theatre, and opera. She began her journey into filmmaking under the mentorship of renowned directors Spike Lee and Werner Herzog. Cullen’s directorial skills have been critically acclaimed through a series of short films, including ‘Beauty is a Form of Genius’, ‘Above and Below’, and ‘Max’.
Clara has directed ‘Hercules in Mato Grosso’ and ‘Should I Lose You’ opera performances at the Dixon Theatre, in addition to her work in short films and commercials for Chanel and Hermes. Her approach to film and interdisciplinary pursuits in opera led to her selection for the Prada Foundation’s film residency, Belligerent Eyes, in 2016. Cullen’s handheld cinematography style could be described as a balance between dreamy conscience and her reflective background in documentary filmmaking. She captures the beauty of small moments with authenticity and depth. This contributes to the unique cinematic experience of her films. Her recent work is gaining recognition on the film festival circuit. She is committed to pushing the traditional boundaries of filmmaking and telling stories with personal involvement, depth, and authenticity. This solidifies her place as a major figure in contemporary cinema.
Photography courtesy of the artist
Courtesy of LG OLED ART and the artist
An Argentinian artist, choreographer and dancer trained as an art historian. Cecilia Bengolea uses performance, video and sculpture to explore movement as a medium for radical empathy and emotional exchange. She sees dance as a collaborative, liberating practice, using it to exorcise violence and trauma from personal and collective memory.
Over the past decade, Bengolea has immersed herself in Jamaica’s dancehall scene, exploring social street dance and its connection to nature. She aims to create “harmonious communication highways” that synchronise the self with the environment, landscape and wildlife, which often feature prominently in her videos and sculptures.
Represented by ANDRÉHN-SCHIPTJENKO
Another talent Michèle is drawn to is German artist Anne Imhof: “She is emerging in the sense that the world did not catch up with her… She is thousands of light years ahead!”
Imhof’s works, whether performances, two-dimensional paintings or sculptural installations, are characterised by her use of perspective, framing and symbolism. She treats the body as a gestural surface, using distinct positioning, posture and colour to create poignant abstractions that reference both the history of painting and contemporary culture.
Imhof’s performances have been described as tableaux vivants, in which living images are transformed into still lifes imbued with a vampiric melancholy. The artist works with a community of individuals to create durational installations that blur the boundaries between performance and audience interaction. These performances often involve ritualistic actions, slow-motion movements and intimate portraits of radical dis-identification.
Represented by SPRÜTH MAGERS
Photography by NADINE FRACZKOWSKI
Courtesy of SPRÜTH MAGERS
