The LVMH Métiers d’Art program has announced that Josèfa Njtam has been chosen as the recipient of its prestigious 2023 artistic residency. This residency program pairs artisans and artists in collaboration with key design producers within the luxury empire, providing them with the opportunity to work closely together and create unique and innovative artwork. Njtam’s residency began in January of this year, and she has been working in the renowned Jade metal parts factories located in Portugal and France, known for their exceptional expertise in metal parts and jewelry production.
Njtam is widely acclaimed for her bas relief sculptures, molecular statues, and 3D structures made from resin and ceramic. What sets her apart is her ability to merge West African and European cultures and artifacts, resulting in fresh and distinctive artistic images. As a recipient of the LVMH Métiers d’Art residency, Njtam collaborates with a specialized team of artisans who provide support and expertise, rather than working directly with a luxury brand studio.
The main idea behind the residency program is to foster a connection between artisans and artists, allowing them to influence and inspire each other’s work. By placing artists in close proximity to artisans, their artwork gains a certain artistic stamp, while artisans are encouraged to tap into their inventiveness and creativity. Jean Baptiste Voisin, director of strategy for the LVMH group and chairman of LVMH Métiers d’Art, highlights the magic that happens when artists are immersed in the atelier, often finding inspiration in discarded materials, much to the surprise of the artisans.
During her residency, Njtam is focusing on working with metals, particularly through the utilization of innovative technologies such as 3D metal printing. She was born in Metz, France, in 1992 and currently resides and works in Saint-Etienne. Njtam has studied in Amiens, France, and Dakar, Senegal, notably at Cheikh Anta Diop University. She is a graduate of the National School of Art in Bourges and the National School of Art in Paris-Cergy. Her artwork has already garnered recognition and is part of prestigious private and public collections around the world. Njtam is represented by the London Gallery Nicoletti.
The LVMH Métiers d’Art residency program was established in 2015 and has seen great success over the years. This year marks the eighth edition of the program, and it follows a specific timeline. Artists spend the first six months of the year inside an atelier, fully immersing themselves in the creative process. From July onward, they engage in a summary of their work and produce a book documenting their residency experience. The final showcase of their artwork takes place in a gallery setting and within the atelier itself, where artisans and their loved ones come together to celebrate.
Each year, approximately 30 artists are considered for the residency, and the selection process is overseen by Léa Chauvel-Lévy. From the initial pool, five finalists are chosen and individually interviewed before the ultimate winner is selected. Voisin expressed his admiration for Njtam’s project, citing its ability to merge her heritage from both continents and her desire to bridge cultures while exploring the history of two regions. This recognition further highlights Njtam’s talent and the immense potential of her artistic vision.
Useful links for further reading:
– LVMH Métiers d’Art Winner 2023 – Josèfa Njtam
– Josèfa Njtam – Nicoletti Contemporary
