Marine Breynaert: The Art of Sublimating Light
Categories : In the neighborhood, Artists, published on : 4/25/25
Just a few steps from the hotel, on Rue de Varenne, artist-designer Marine Breynaert is one of the many talents lighting up our neighborhood.
In her hands, metal meets light to give birth to exceptional pieces. Like true jewels—imagined and developed with master artisans—her creations blend art and functionality. Marine Breynaert has established herself as a reference in the world of contemporary design.
Her signature? Luminous sculptures crafted like fine jewelry, where light doesn’t merely illuminate a space—it transforms, enriches, and animates it.
The Reflection of Metal, the Sparkle of Light
Since childhood, Marine Breynaert’s toy chest included ball bearings and gears, thanks to her grandfather, who ran a factory specializing in industrial motor repair. It was in this mechanical universe, ruled by metal, that Marine discovered her calling. She retains from that time a love for hefty, substantial objects.
Frequent visits to the Drouot auction house with her mother sparked a fascination for jewelry, particularly from the Art Deco period.
Her art studies at the Sorbonne and the École Nationale des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) broadened her creative practice to include textiles, screen printing, sculpture, drawing, painting, and photography.
But for her, nothing compares to the brilliance of metal.
Marine’s studio, a true haven of creativity, is a place where metal comes to life and light becomes a medium in its own right.
Marine also explores the subtle interplay between her lighting fixtures and flame, crafting candleholders and torches. Her lighting is never harsh—it’s a glowing shimmer, a flicker, reminiscent of firelight. She effortlessly places several lamps side by side, like a group of candles. Her metal lace lampshades have an intimate, subtle, and vibrant presence. Each project begins with the sensory experience of light it will provide.
Her inspirations include the chiaroscuro of Rembrandt, the elusive light of Vermeer, and the clarity of Northern European painters.
Metal is her signature—hammered, brushed, powder-coated, patinated, sanded. She also incorporates other materials: glass, marble, alabaster, oxidized wood. Marine Breynaert is a master of luminous sensation; for her, light is a medium, a sensitive counterpoint to the brilliance of metal that makes her creations vibrate with life. A story where light, subtly balanced, dances and evolves through delicate, powerful forms.
Creations That Inspire Light and Poetry
To develop her collections, Marine works closely with master artisans. The artist envisions atmospheres, emotions—a light that adapts to the intimacy of each space. Her work is both aesthetic and sensual, designed to transform homes, hotels, and living spaces into magical places.
Marine Breynaert explores light through sculptural creations that reshape spaces. Her flagship piece, the Black Swan lamp, embodies the subtle balance between the strength of metal and the delicacy of light. Each piece is a work of art, designed to bring a unique and intimate ambiance.
She also collaborates with leading figures in interior design, such as publisher Pierre Frey and decorator Jacques Garcia, creating bespoke lighting for prestigious projects.
Among her most notable collections, the Donna and Magda series—merging candles and bulbs—have become best-sellers. Her Insects collection, using materials like porcupine quills, explores the fusion of art and nature.
Her creations are now displayed in prestigious galleries and are part of the Mobilier National collection. The Galerie Dumonteil, located at 38 Rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris, features her latest creations from the Insects collection—true jewels of light.
Design as a Philosophy of Life
In her universe, every project is a meeting—a meeting of materials, light, and space. Marine’s studio is not just a production site but a true creative lab, where each idea takes shape through light, giving birth to uniquely characterized works.
Marine Breynaert is more than a designer—she is a light sculptor, a poet of shadow and brilliance, an alchemist of materials. Through her creations, she offers much more than lighting—she invites us to live the art of light.
Marine Breynaert’s Favorite Spots:
- Casa Bini: This restaurant immerses you in a refined Italian ambiance, offering exquisite cuisine—perfect for a relaxing moment after an artistic stroll.
36 Rue Grégoire de Tours, 75006 Paris – Tel: +33 1 46 34 05 60 - Varenne sur Mer: A seaside-inspired bistro where authenticity and simplicity in the dishes make you feel like you’re on vacation.
36 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris – Tel: +33 1 43 35 31 01 - Musée Rodin: Nestled in a lush garden in the heart of Paris, the Rodin Museum invites visitors to discover the masterful works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, in a constant dialogue between iconic sculptures and nature.
Colombe de la Taille
