Greubel Forsey Robert Filliou Art Piece. Introduced in 2015, this horological work of art pays tribute to Robert Filliou (1926 to 1987). Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie.
At the 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie held in Geneva, Greubel Forsey introduced their Art Piece 1 paying tribute to Robert Filliou (1926 to 1987).
Who was Robert Filliou? Well, this Frenchman was described as a filmmaker, sculptor and Fluxus artist. Fluxus artists are described as those who combined different artistic media notably during the 1960s and such works are known to be non-commercial and anti-art.
Why did Greubel Forsey want to create a timepiece paying homage to Filliou? Well, it was for the Chapaeux! Exhibition “… which reactivates the Galerie Légitime of the Fluxus artist”, states the brand.
This “Chapeaux! A Tribute to Robert Filliou” exhibition brought together 14 contemporary artists as part of the FIAC or Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain in Paris which was produced by the Time Art Gallery Greubel Forsey and curated by Raphael Cuir.
By all accounts, Filliou must have been an extraordinary artist, especially after knowing that the good folks at Greubel Forsey made such a concerted effort to create a tribute piece for him.
Interestingly, the watch does have a certain character about it. On the dial side, it is “stamped with the principle of equivalence” that was important to Filliou – “well made, badly made, not made”.
Greubel Forsey decided on “badly made” simply because it contrasts with their obsession for high quality craftsmanship.
The magnifier on the side of the case allows one to have an unobstructed view of Wigan’s unbelievable micro-sculpture – the miniature replica of Filliou’s Couvre Chef(s) d’oeuvre that was created in 1965 where playing cards seem to be spewing out from a bowler hat. Photo: © Greubel Forsey
For those familiar with Greubel Forsey timepieces, especially those made in collaboration with the amazing micro-artist Willard Wigan, they will be familiar with the magnifying system found at the side of the case.
This magnifier will allow one to have an unobstructed view of Wigan’s unbelievable micro-sculpture. In this particular example, it is the miniature replica of Filliou’s Couvre Chef(s) d’oeuvre which he (Filliou) created in 1965 whereby what seems like cards are spewing out from a bowler hat.
Sketches of the Greubel Forsey Robert Filliou Art Piece used on the brand’s Christmas and New Year greeting card. Try spotting the sketches (side profiles) that became bas reliefs of Greubel Forsey personnel involved in this artistic adventure which is also found on the rear of the Robert Filliou Art Piece. What we discovered through this card is the fact that Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey personally initiated supporting the Adenium Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation founded on 19 August 2010. Its aim is to implement social, educational and humanitarian projects, wherever possible, for the development, benefit and well-being of children worldwide.
On the case back of Art Piece 1, you’d have to look closer and discover the bas-relief profiles of those who embarked on this artistic adventure.
Is this watch “badly made” in any sense? The layman, us included, will probably beg to differ. This Robert Filliou Art Piece 1 looks good, seems to have been made with a a strong character and stands out for its expressiveness.
For us, it is definitely a piece of horological art.