“Twenty-two backlit works by Guillaume Bottazzi for a program in Neuilly”
Push open the front door of the building at 124 avenue Achille Peretti in Neuilly-sur-Seine, and you’re immersed in an unprecedented sensory experience, an unreal universe that links neurobiology and art in our living spaces.
Twenty-two backlit works were created in collaboration with the ORY architectural firm and a decorator to create a singular ambience. Guillaume Bottazzi’s enamels project a light that positively alters your behavior. These marvelous creations immerse visitors in the poetics of space.
“I’ve long dreamed of painting with light, and the sensory and immersive power of this material allows me to make people dream and help them feel good.” Guillaume Bottazzi
Twenty-two backlit creations at Neuilly
These creations mark a profound transformation of our environment, since science states that when we are confronted with sensory experiences, the effects on us are measurable.
This leads the artist to compose in conjunction with scientific data, which is becoming richer by the day. Numerous publications help to refine our knowledge, which in turn, when combined with aesthetic proposals, produce positive effects on our behavior.
It’s taken all this time for Science and Health to validate that the elements around us influence us and act to modify our “human heritage”.
The curves of Guillaume Bottazzi’s creations, recognized as a pioneer in neuroesthetics, soften our spaces. In fact, this trend is gaining considerable momentum worldwide. The artist has already created over a hundred environmental works in public spaces that encourage your good mood, and you’re invited to try them out.
Ecological materials and sustainable development
The materials used to create these works are natural and made using enamels, materials used in jewelry and stained glass. Enamels are powdered minerals deposited on tempered and laminated glass. Enamel is a powdered natural material composed of various minerals, such as silica, feldspar, kaolin, metal oxides, titanium, copper carbonate, cobalt, iron oxide, manganese and tin.
The materials are durable and stand the test of time. The bases are made of lacquered wood and the LEDs are low-energy.
- In detail
These immersive light creations produce dopamine. They activate neurotransmitters in our brain that directly influence our behavior. The production of dopamine creates a sensation of pleasure, a system fundamental to our survival as it motivates us to take actions and adopt behaviors that are necessary for it. This molecule encourages risk-taking and the triggering of the reward system.
These lights promote the secretion of serotonin, a molecule produced by neurotransmitters. Serotonin reduces our anxiety, relaxes us, and decreases our nervousness, worry or discomfort. Often referred to as the “happy hormone”, serotonin is involved in mood management and is associated with happiness. When serotonin levels are balanced, it reduces risk-taking and encourages you to maintain a favorable situation. It is also essential to your survival.
These creations can act on our orbitofrontal cortex, which helps modulate our social behaviors, i.e. enhances our ability to manage situations with other individuals.
They promote the production of oxytocin, and recent studies have begun to suggest that oxytocin may have a role in various behaviors, such as orgasm, social recognition and empathy, hence its nickname “attachment hormone”.
These creations can activate mirror neurons, which are the same ones we activate when we look at someone we love, which explains why they can reduce your feelings of loneliness.
These sensory stimuli all around you promote the development of your brain.
They encourage our development and the modulation of new neurons.
4. Short biography
Guillaume Bottazzi has been working in Europe, Asia and the USA for over 30 years. The artist has created over 100 works of art in public spaces. He receives private and public commissions from museums, such as the Miyanomori Art Museum, the Century Art Museum, the Tokyo Museum of Art and History and the Mori Art Museum; from cities and metropolises, such as the Tokyo Metropolis, the City of Tokyo, Bruxelles Capitale and the City of Nice; and from ministries, such as the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. In 2023, forty of his environmental artworks scattered across France took part in the 40th European Heritage Days.
In 2024, he created a 150 m² polyptych in Paris La Défense. Labelled by Paris 2024 for the Cultural Olympiad, it can be seen from the Grande Arche, as an extension of Richard Serra’s sculpture. The work is part of the largest open-air art trail in France. From Alexander Calder to Joan Miró, César, Daniel Buren and Takis, the greatest artists have left their mark on the business district.
Guillaume Bottazzi has created his own Maison de Création, similar to a Maison de Haute Couture. His heritage works are highly successful, and the artist collaborates with many renowned architects.