Born in Nantes, Brittany in 1968, Pierre Matterne discovered his fascination for sculpture and architecture early in life. A regular stroll past the majestic Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul ignited his interest in stone and sculpture. At 15, he joined the Compagnons du Tour de France, an esteemed guild for artisans. The guild’s itinerant nature required Pierre to relocate every six months, further feeding his thirst for new experiences and knowledge.
His journey to Paris, where he restored the Louvre, marked a significant milestone. Surrounded by some of the finest art pieces in the world, he was deeply immersed in the city’s vibrant art scene. Following his stint in Paris, Pierre’s love for sculpture led him to Pietrasanta, Italy, renowned as the world’s hub for stone and sculpture.
In 1997, Pierre established his first studio in Turin. He also worked on various projects, including a church restyling assignment in Piedmont in 2002. Pierre continued to keep his stone studio alive by accepting any work that allowed him to sculpt, staying true to his passion.
His artistic odyssey took him to Taiwan in 2003, where he participated in a symposium to make contemporary sculptures. The experience introduced him to the concept of scholars’ rocks, naturally sculpted stones that were revered as much as human-made artwork. It was during this trip that Pierre decided to make a stopover in Hong Kong, setting the course for his future.
Pierre was instantly drawn to Hong Kong’s dynamic energy and towering skyscrapers. He felt that the city was a blank canvas, all set to create a new world. He soon established his second studio in Hong Kong in 2004. His first job in the city was a project at the Tung Chung Novotel, achieved by reaching out to architects and developers.
His meeting with art consultant Alison Pickett in 2003, during his church project in Tuscany, blossomed into a strong personal and professional relationship. They shared a deep love for art and sculpture, specifically, large sculptures. Alison became not only Pierre’s life partner but also his partner in crime.
The Covid pandemic in 2020 led Pierre back to Italy. During this period, he rediscovered Italo Calvino’s “Invisible Cities,” which inspired him to sculpt his version of invisible cities from stones. He exhibited these sculptures in Hong Kong in March 2021, at an exhibition named “Urban Rocks.” He was delighted by people’s interaction and connection with his work.
Despite questions about his future in Hong Kong, Pierre sees himself as a Hong Kong artist. He recently established a new workshop in Kennedy Town and is excited about the opportunities the city offers. His journey, filled with diverse cultural and artistic experiences, continues to shape and enhance his artistic vision.
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