Rare Champagne reveals Reims art installation

Rare Champagne and Mayor of Reims Arnaud Robinet unveiled a new contemporary art installation in front of the town hall last Thursday.

The piece, titled ‘Rise’, was created by Arnaud Lapierre and is six metres tall and five metres wide, consisting of 200 bubble-shaped golden mirrors that shimmer in the sunlight.

Lapierre said of the work: “I wanted to recreate the autumn sun. I wanted to create an installation where each piece of golden mirror dances, and at the same time resembles champagne bubbles, bunches of grapes and also the frenzy of solar particles.”

The piece also carries some resemblance to a piece of jewellery, a homage to Rare Champagne’s link to jewellery.

‘Rise’ was previously unveiled at Paris’ Alfred Sommier Hotel in late June of this year. Its arrival in Reims has been timed to match the arrival of autumn.

Speaking at Thursday’s unveiling, Mayor Robinet said: “We are delighted to receive this contemporary artwork so everyone from Reims, France or further afield can experience and admire it. This is a unique experience that Rare Champagne has offered Reims, a city known for its coronations and Champagne. It’s one that resonates with the richness of our area.”

It will remain in its current position in front of Reims’ Hôtel de Ville until 9 November. Afterwards, it will be relocated to Rare Champagne’s Head Office at 12 Allée du Vignoble, also in Reims.

Maud Rabin, Rare Champagne’s global brand director, said of the installation: “All his [Lapierre’s] creations are infused with moral values. He has a talent for capturing and recreating emotions with incredible imagination. We are delighted to share part of this journey together; we see it as an extraordinary odyssey.”