Chromatic Mediation: “Are you familiar with black torula?”

Conceived and developed since 2011 by Sumiko Oé-Gottini, a sensory design researcher specializing in color, “chromatic mediation” aims to raise awareness about socio-ecological transition issues and to highlight material and immaterial heritage through the observation of color.

During her artistic research residency at the Martell Foundation, Sumiko Oé-Gottini explores in situ the “black torula,” which is the chromatic translation of the famous “angel’s share.” This unique living organic black, iconic to Cognac, will both reveal the history of its centuries-old craftsmanship and challenge our perception of color closely linked to our relationship with the world.

A chromatic mediation experience around black torula will be offered to the public during the European Heritage Days in September, in collaboration with artisans from the Mobilier National and the Manufacture de Sèvres.

Sumiko Oé-Gottini is an artistic advisor, exhibition curator, and sensory design researcher specializing in color. The 2024 laureate of The Josef & Anni Albers Foundation (USA), she is developing a “chromatic mediation” program in partnership with the Mobilier National and the Manufacture de Sèvres. She has been invited by numerous institutions such as the Palais de Tokyo, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, the Kyoto Art Center…She co-directed and then accompanied as an expert, the Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto (2014-2023). She is the author of several texts, including “Sensation-Subtraction” in the catalog of the exhibition “The Experience of Color” at the Musée de Sèvres, ed. LienArt 2018, “The Tale of Genji and the Colors of Heian” in the catalog of the exhibition “At the Court of Prince Genji” at the Musée Guimet, ed. Gallimard 2024… Current: Curator of the exhibition “Sentience, Listening to the Scent of Color,” with Marie Menestrier, director of the abbey of Maubuisson, a contemporary art site in the Val d’Oise department (March 29 – September 1, 2024).