About the artist
LOÏCK ALAIN
Loïck Alain is a self-taught designer from Belgium, whose work uniquely blends artistic and scientific influences. Raised by a cinema artisan mother and a father with a scientific background, Loïck developed a multifaceted vision that is reflected in his work. His academic background in Cultural Management and Industrial Engineering allowed him to combine creativity with technical precision.
Over the past decade, Loïck has explored various fields, from music and tattoo art to gastronomy, even working as a restaurant chef. Each of these experiences has broadened his perspective and contributed to his evolving style and approach.
Today, Loïck collaborates with Adeline Halot’s fashion studio, where he creates dynamic pieces for the fashion industry. His work is characterized by the blending of shapes, materials, and innovative techniques, always aiming to convey emotions and sensations through his designs. This ability to integrate diverse influences and disciplines has allowed him to stand out in his field, creating proposals that are not only visually striking but also conceptual and functional.
Inspiration for the "Symbiosis of Time and Water" Piece at EAST WEST during Barcelona Design Week
The collection presented at EAST WEST for the 2024 edition of the Barcelona Design Week is titled "Symbiosis of Time and Water", a work deeply influenced by the Wabi-Sabi philosophy. This Japanese philosophy, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and aging, served as the foundation for exploring the relationship between materials and time, especially the concept of "sabi", which honors the patina and wear that time leaves on objects.
Each piece in this collection tells a story of transformation and identity, where time and elements play a crucial role. Water, as a transformative force, occupies a central place in the work. It is water that, with its power, modifies and shapes the materials, mimicking the continuous flow of life and the changes we all undergo. The patina left by the water, which gently alters the surfaces of materials, becomes a visual reflection of permanence in impermanence.
By incorporating these elements, Loïck Alain not only creates a visual connection between the artwork and nature but also invites the viewers to reflect on the process of change and evolution that both objects and people experience over time. The piece aims to convey a sense of stillness, inviting contemplation and respect for the traces that time leaves on everything we touch.
With this collection, Loïck Alain pays homage to the beauty found in transience, in what fades and renews, and in the synergy between time and water—essential elements for the continuous creation and transformation of life itself.
FEATURED WORKS
Roji ("Path of Dew") – Basins
Material: Oxidized Steel
Concept: Reflects the delicate balance between permanence and change.
Process: As water interacts with steel, rust forms, symbolizing the organic passage of time.
Design: The basins feature a cross-shaped channel for water, symbolizing the union of opposites—steel (matte, absorbing light) and water (shiny, reflective).
Metaphor: Water is traditionally seen as a destructive force against steel, yet here, it creates unique textures, demonstrating the harmony between creation and decay.
Ichinichiippo ("One Day, One Step") – Mural Piece
Material: Polished steel, slow and fast oxidation processes
Concept: Reflects constant evolution and the passage of time.
Design: The mural changes in response to its environment, symbolizing how we evolve each day.
Interactive Reflection: As viewers move closer, the piece shifts—symbolizing the clarity and constant change of our personal journey.
