The Intoxication of Time: Between Physical Reality and the Mystique of Intoxication
With The Intoxication of Time, I designed a contemporary vanitas where the skull and the bottle merge in a symbolic communion. This work explores the fine line between our natural physical reality — that of matter fading away — and the mystique of poetic intoxication. The bottle no longer contains liquid, but it seems to have distilled the very essence of time, leaving behind a trace of metallic lace where the void becomes as important as the fullness.
The dripping technique, blending steel and bronze, gives this vanitas an organic, almost spectral appearance. The skull seems to emerge or fade within the structure of the bottle, illustrating this eternal cycle where celebration and finitude meet. The bronze brings its warm highlights to emphasize the preciousness of the moment, while the steel offers its raw strength. It is a piece from the Intimate range that invites deep meditation on the beauty of the ephemeral and the poetry of surrender.
Steel base diameter 4 in Height 12,2 in - Width 4 in - Depth 4,3 in
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Vanitas" in the context of this sculpture? A Vanitas is a category of artwork symbolizing the fragility of human life and the passage of time. Here, it is reinterpreted in a modern way by the union of the skull and the bottle, evoking the intoxication of the senses and existence.
How is the metal lace created? It is made by fusing drops of steel and bronze. This high-temperature fusion process allows the metal to be "woven" without using a mold, making each lace pattern absolutely unique and impossible to reproduce.
Is the sculpture fragile despite the lace appearance? Although visually light and airy due to its transparency, the sculpture is made of fused metals (steel and bronze), which gives it great structural strength. It is designed to last over time.
What are the dimensions of "The Intoxication of Time"? This piece measures approximately 25 in height by 10 in width. Its tall and slender format allows it to fit perfectly on a bookshelf or a display cabinet.
Is the work signed? Yes, the sculpture is signed directly in the metal by Philippe Buil. It comes with a numbered paper certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing that it is an original work by the artist.
