OBJECTOLOGY: Inside the World of Hermès

'Cape Cod Shadow' watch. Quartz movement, Fauve Barenia leather wrist

'Cape Cod Shadow' watch. Quartz movement, Fauve Barenia leather wrist

“Objectology: se trata menos de presentar una ciencia exacta que de compartir una cultura del objeto profundamente arraigada en nuestra maison. El principio escenográfico de esta exposición, el diálogo entre las creaciones originales de nuestro Conservatorio y aquellas de nuestras últimas colecciones, pone de manifiesto una constante de Hermès. Nuestros objetos, vestimentas y accesorios, llevan la marca de una curiosidad incansable por lo contemporáneo”, rezan las palabras de Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Director Artístico de Hermés, en la primera página del dossier de la exhibición recién inaugurada por la casa francesa. 

“Objectology: centers in presenting an exact science more than just a mere culture around an object which is profoundly attached to the maison. In the front line of the exhibition’s scenography lies the dialogue between original creations of our Conservatory and those exposed in recent collections. And just there we find a perennial manifesto of Hermès: our objects, vestments and accessories carry the brand of curiosity towards everything contemporary,” read the words of the first page of the exhibition’s dossier, written by Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Hermès’ Artistic Director.

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all photos by yours truly

all photos by yours truly

"Chaîne d'Ancre Punk" long necklace in silver and rose gold. 

"Chaîne d'Ancre Punk" long necklace in silver and rose gold. 

Desk leather set. From the Hermès' Conservatory Collection; 1955

Desk leather set. From the Hermès' Conservatory Collection; 1955

Men's Nécessaire. Calfskin box; from the Conservatory Collection. 1960.

Men's Nécessaire. Calfskin box; from the Conservatory Collection. 1960.

En esta exhibición, más que recorrer una puesta en escena vas a presenciar diálogos entre objetos de colecciones de hoy y ayer. Podrás contemplar no sólo la riqueza de cada una de las piezas y su creatividad inspiradora, sino también cómo viven con nosotros día tras día, en una presencia silenciosa e íntima. Las creaciones de las colecciones pasadas son un testimonio de cómo nuestra relación recíproca y leal con ellas supera las pruebas del tiempo.

Algunos de estos objetos han encontrado instintivamente su forma, mientras otros han tomado más tiempo, miles de gestos de artesanos y confrontaciones pacientes con el material, hasta que su forma, muchas veces la más elemental, ha sido plasmada.

In the exhibit, more than a mise-en-scène you’re gonna witness a dialogue between objects of yesterday’s and today’s desire. You’ll contemplate not only the richness and inspiring creativity behind every ‘it’, but also a close relationship of man and object, everyday in a silent and intimate affair. Hey-day creations are a testimony of a reciprocal and loyal liaison that tests time and space.

Some of these objects have found their own shape instinctively, while others have taken an up-front tête-à-tête from artisanal connoisseurs with la matière, until it finally permeates through history.  

Left from above: wool cape owned by Émile Hermès; 1940. Below: Men's jacket in Étreviere calfskin finishing. Right from above: 'Hermès Cavale' bovine skin saddle. Below: 1910 Moroccan bovine skin saddle. 

Left from above: wool cape owned by Émile Hermès; 1940. Below: Men's jacket in Étreviere calfskin finishing. 

Right from above: 'Hermès Cavale' bovine skin saddle. Below: 1910 Moroccan bovine skin saddle. 

Details from a backstitched lambskin women's jacket.

Details from a backstitched lambskin women's jacket.

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Bovine leather and steel pocket watch from the Conservatory Collection; 1930. Hermès was inspired by Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time' when it started producing watches back in 1920.  

Bovine leather and steel pocket watch from the Conservatory Collection; 1930. Hermès was inspired by Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time' when it started producing watches back in 1920.  

Left: '394 EA' silk tie; 1972. Seven cm tie in silk twill from the contemporary collection. Right: Military belt made out of natural bovine leather; 1914. 

Left: '394 EA' silk tie; 1972. Seven cm tie in silk twill from the contemporary collection. 

Right: Military belt made out of natural bovine leather; 1914. 

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Postillion boots in bovine and ox leather from the XIX. 

Postillion boots in bovine and ox leather from the XIX. 

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Above: 'Cinhétic' bag in Villandry calfskin and palladium finishing. Below: 'Kelly' bag in calfskin from 1930. 

Above: 'Cinhétic' bag in Villandry calfskin and palladium finishing. 

Below: 'Kelly' bag in calfskin from 1930. 

Left clockwise: 1975 'Brides de Gala' silk hanky designed by Hugo Grygkar. 'Brides de Gala Tatouage 90' and 'Fouets and Badines 90' silk twill hankies. Right: 'Rond' bag with double handles; 1939. Fun fact is that the zipper was discovered by É…

Left clockwise: 1975 'Brides de Gala' silk hanky designed by Hugo Grygkar. 'Brides de Gala Tatouage 90' and 'Fouets and Badines 90' silk twill hankies. 

Right: 'Rond' bag with double handles; 1939. Fun fact is that the zipper was discovered by Émile Hermès, grandson of the maison founder, in one of his trips to Canada. 

Detail from the 'Pippa' bendable chair. Contemporary collection. 

Detail from the 'Pippa' bendable chair. Contemporary collection. 

Left from above: Scottish blanket in wool and lambskin; 1920. 'Album de Colportage2' cashmere and silk blanket; contemporary collection.Right: 'Tie Set' tart plate in porcelain; contemporary collection. 

Left from above: Scottish blanket in wool and lambskin; 1920. 'Album de Colportage2' cashmere and silk blanket; contemporary collection.

Right: 'Tie Set' tart plate in porcelain; contemporary collection. 

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La exhibición 'Objectology' estará abierta a todo público en el Museo de Arte Contemporáneo hasta el 17 de septiembre. Entrada gratuita. The exhibit will be open to the public at the Panama Museum of Contemporary Art until September 17. Free entrance.