Paris-based Galerie Scene Ouverte Presents A Monumental Ceramic Door By Vincent Dubourg | A Brutalist Ode To The Gates Of Paradise

On view at ceramic brussels 2025, the 4-meter-tall door will be presented with works by six international artists and designers who unveil the medium’s potential for innovation and poetic exploration.

Preview Day: Wednesday, January 22, 2025

On View: January 23 – 26, 2025

Galerie SCENE OUVERTE is thrilled to announce its participation in the second edition of ceramic brussels, taking place from January 22 - 26, 2025, at the historical landmark Tour&Taxis, Avenue du Port 86C. Dedicated to showcasing visionary creators who redefine the boundaries of artisanal innovation, the gallery will showcase works by five international artists and designers, including the monumental four-meter-tall ceramic door ‘Portes du Paradis’ by acclaimed designer Vincent Dubourg.

Renowned for his hybrid creations that merge furniture, sculpture, and architecture, Dubourg offers a poetic reinterpretation of design. His work challenges the conventions of traditional contemporary furniture through organic, dynamic forms as metaphors of society and nature. ‘Portes du Paradis’ embodies Dubourg’s exploration of thresholds—both physical and symbolic—as spaces of transition, ambiguity, and hope. The installation features mobile panels and a frame crafted from baked earth tablets, reminiscent of ancient Mesopotamian architecture. These elements evoke a tactile connection to humanity’s shared heritage, where the raw material of clay carries the weight of history and the breath of life. Each surface is imbued with a tension between chaos and harmony, reflecting the perpetual movement of transformation and renewal. Drawing from brutalist and constructivist influences, Dubourg’s work transcends mere functionality. In ‘Portes du Paradis,’ the door becomes a symbol of humanity’s eternal pursuit of solace and transcendence, a passage between the anguish of existence and the serenity of aspiration.

The presentation will also feature compelling works by other designers, each offering their own vision on materiality and form. Rino Claessens presents his 'Modular Ceramic Bench,' a testament to his experimental approach to ceramics. Combining tactile sensitivity with a process-driven methodology to craft unconventional objects. His work bridges the rich history of ceramics with a contemporary vision, highlighting the profound connection between material, hand, and gesture. In addition, Caroline Desile presents ‘Basalt .01' and ‘Cantilever .04,' exploring the dialogue between nature and architecture. Her pieces reflect a perpetual search for balance, merging geometric precision with raw organic textures, questioning both individuality and collective identity through harmonious series.

Finally, Saraï Delfendahl’s ‘Le Roi des Oiseaux’ captures her signature poetic world of terrestrial creatures, blending expressionist naivety with the refinement of ceramic varnishes through a vibrant and mythical narrative where humanity and nature intertwine. Following its presentation at ceramic brussels, Galerie Scene Ouverte will unveil a solo show by the artist from January 30 – March 8, 2025.