Pierre Emmanuel Martin on the Art of Silence, Substance, and the Power of Light
In an age of excess, Pierre Emmanuel Martin finds beauty in restraint. The French artist and designer is known for his quiet, monochromatic compositions—works that feel at once deeply modern and ancient, balancing raw tactility with a sense of infinite stillness. His pieces, often built from layers of linen, plaster, ground coffee, and Chinese ink, are meditations on form, material, and the spaces in between. “I need to be surrounded by calm and serenity,” he says. “Mixing materials, adding layers—this is what makes me feel safe.”
It’s this philosophy of considered simplicity that informs Martin’s latest collaboration with Lemieux Et Cie, a collection of limited-edition prints that translates his sculptural approach to paper. Each piece is an extension of his studio practice—textural, organic, and imbued with a quiet energy that invites reflection. His work is less about making a statement and more about creating space: for thought, for presence, for light to move freely across a surface. “Light is so important! I recently left Paris, which became too intense for me, and decided to move to the south of France. How light is beautiful here. It gives me such a good energy to create.”
Here, Martin shares his thoughts on the recurring motifs in his work, the alchemy of materials, and why true elegance has nothing to do with convention.
Your work is deeply connected to the idea of refuge and solace, with the circle as a recurring motif. Can you share how this symbol emerged in your practice and what it represents to you?
The first symbolism of the circle is infinity. It has neither beginning nor end, which is why it is linked to the notions of universe, eternity and perpetual cycle. The circle represents for me the protection of the mother. The most peaceful feeling. It refers to our origin when we were in our mother’s womb. When I started to paint the first shape which came to me was the circle. I did so many circles and circles in other circles. May be it was a vital need, a need of infinity, of eternity. Drawing them made me feel safe and comfortable. My art is also very connected to cell division. Our starting point is cellular and I like to remember that. The circle is the best representation of the cell. And the cells reproduce infinitely.
Your process involves layering unconventional materials like raw linen, plaster, ground coffee, acrylic, and Chinese ink. What draws you to these materials, and how do they shape the final composition of your work?
I have always been attracted by raw materials. I love their simplicity and their touch. I like to be inspired by nature and its "brutality". Chinese ink was obvious for me as I am in love with calligraphy since I was a child. I could spend hours watching a calligrapher working on beautiful paper. The plaster is a beautiful material. It can be kneaded in the hands. It changes consistency when mixed with other materials. When it dries it becomes porous and absorbs other materials wonderfully. Coffee is the symbol of a break, a moment of relaxation. And it’s important to relax. We don’t do it enough. I like this sentence which says "To create, artists need to seat down and do nothing ". It is so true. Black is my color. I wear black, I design black, I wanted to make black art. Mixing all these materials together, adding layers, make me feel safe. The only problem is to choose when is the last layer and when the piece is finished.
Your interiors and artwork share a quiet, monochromatic elegance that feels both modern and timeless. How do you balance restraint with expression in your creative approach?
My interiors and art work represent who I am, what I want, how I want to live. I need to be surrounded by calm and serenity. When I arrive somewhere, I always reorganize with some details. Most of the time I change the light or if the light doesn’t suit me I buy a lamp that I like. Light is so important I can do this even at friends or at a hotel. I recently left Paris which became too intense for me and decided to move to the south of France. How light is beautiful here. It gives me such a good energy to create. I hope people feel this energy with my art. My work may seem dark but in fact it is subdued.
The limited-edition prints you’ve created for Lemieux Et Cie reflect your tactile, organic aesthetic. What do you hope collectors will experience when they bring these pieces into their homes?
First I am paper addict. Some papers are art pieces themselves. When I go to Sennelier, my favorite art shop in Paris, I can spend hours choosing papers, touching them, weighing them, smelling them. It gives me a lot of joy and emotion. I am very respectful of these people who continue to make traditional paper, most of the time with cotton. The support is important in art. I really hope collectors will have this feeling. Having art at home is not only decorative, it is an experience. It is important to share the intentions of the artists when they did their art. Art is something very subjective and very intimate. It is up to each of us to live with serenity surrounding ourselves with art. Creation is a necessity for us. If it can be some source of happiness for those who buy it, then I will be happy. I myself like to buy art and surround myself with the creation of others. It is vital.
As an artist and designer, your work blurs the lines between art and interiors. How do you see the role of art in shaping the atmosphere of a space, and what advice would you give to those looking to incorporate meaningful pieces into their homes?
I grew up surrounded by art and design. My father is architect, as my brother and his wife. Our parents took us very young to museums and art galleries. Even as a child I was feeling so happy to see so many beautiful things. It quickly became obvious to me that creation made people happy. Our parents asked us for our opinion when they had to choose a piece of furniture, a painting, an object or a lamp and I liked that. I thank them very much for giving us this opportunity to always keep our eyes open. What I mean is that it is so important to put art in your life, in your home, because it makes you happy. What I would say to someone who wants to put art in his home is , forget others’ opinion, forget trends, forget fashion. Be moved by what you buy. Do it for you, only you. The biggest mistake in taste is to live in a place that doesn’t resemble you. There is no universal good taste. There are places embodied by those who live there and art is part of this incarnation.
To see all Pierre's beautiful work visit our limited edition prints.
https://lemieuxetcie.com/collections/limited-edition-art-prints
