Born in June 1989 in Brussels, Yann Dessauvage is a self-taught Belgian artist and designer whose journey into the world of art began in his childhood home, where he was surrounded by the influences of his parents—a teacher and a metalworker. Growing up in a house with a workshop, Dessauvage crafted his first metal sculptures at the age of 16, laying the groundwork for his future in design.
His professional life initially led him to work in a second-hand shop, where he encountered the sculptural furniture of renowned designers like Armand Jonckers and Ado Chale. Their ability to transform brass, copper, and semi-precious stones into sophisticated, glamorous objects profoundly inspired him. This experience prompted Dessauvage to leave his job and dedicate himself to refining his skills as a smith.
Starting with furniture experiments in recycled tin, he quickly evolved his craft by incorporating brass and gemstones, materials that would become central to his distinctive style. Despite having no formal training in art or design, Dessauvage’s creations emerge from an intuitive process of sculpting the materials in his workshop. His works often draw on organic, planetary, and geological forms, reflecting the vastness of his imagination.
Dessauvage’s oeuvre transcends traditional boundaries, blending functionality with artistic expression, object with subject, and tradition with innovation. His pieces are more than just furniture; they represent a cohesive body of work that embodies the harmonious fusion of art and design, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary craftsmanship.