But these words and figures, though accurate, would fail to convey the essentials: his subjectivity, his whimsy, his singular taste. The truest biography of Pierre Marie would be, above all else, sensitive and composed of flamboyant motifs, interlacing ribbons, colours, wilfully baroque drawings steeped in the exotic influences that adorn the various pieces in his flat in Paris’s 9th arrondissement. It is a place he designed as an expression of himself: a fully realised world, a living, moving portrait.

This personal, designed history begins writing a new chapter today. Indeed, Pierre Marie is exploring a new playing field: interior design, which he has chosen to tackle while remaining loyal to patterns and drawing in the spirit of an ‘interior decorator-architect’, similar to the approach taken to the Profession in the 19th century. In that era, the decorator took on the tasks of architect, interior decorator and industrial designer, with a comprehensive approach to interiors that went as far as designing every object and piece of furniture in the room and having them crafted by renowned artists. It is a complete, cross-cutting approach in which design comes to life, expands into space and, before our eyes, transitions from 2D to 3D. Which results in rugs, tapestries, stained glass, light fixtures and objects to discover in Pierre Marie’s gallery starting from the beginning of September 2018.A unique setting designed as an installation-cum-window display with a changing décor, which will gradually accommodate the artist-ornamentalist’s future creations through his collaborations with craftspeople and craft production factories: stained glass, rugs, lighting, furniture, etc. A few hundred metres from his emblematic flat, which has been featured in many publications, Pierre Marie has planted his flag, his colours, his wants and his desire. It is a gesture tinged with exhibitionism, and with a fierce desire for freedom.

And there is strength too: the strength of someone who is not afraid to reveal himself, to have skin in the game. ‘Putting myself centre stage allows me to present a total vision, to offer an experience for both the visitor and myself,’ explains Pierre Marie. months, then had it woven at Manufacture Robert Four in Aubusson. It is a unique, surprising work, the centrepiece of an immersive installation to experience this autumn.