The Giraffe

Installed in 2005, Françoise Matt-Halm's sculpture "Giraffe" is made from electro-galvanized sheet metal, standing 2.70 meters tall and weighing 30 kg.

The artist first designed the piece as a model before laser-cutting the necessary parts and welding them together. A powder-coated paint gives it bright, vivid colors and a striking appearance.

This creation is based on three major artistic principles. First, stylization: starting from a figurative image suggested by the title, the artist refines and simplifies the features to create geometric shapes assembled to evoke the animal in the viewer's mind. Details disappear, leaving the observer to mentally complete the work.

Second, lightness: the electro-galvanized sheet metal, flexible and lightweight, allows for a fine and airy structure, enhancing the impression of the giraffe's lightness, notably visible at the Nouveau Bassin.

Finally, cheerfulness: the artist favors bright colors, sometimes far from reality, such as orange and blue here. This chromatic choice brings a joyful and enchanting dimension to the sculpture.