Vacheron Constantin’s Sydney boutique teams up with an Australian artist, unveiling a remarkably unique artistic experience further enhanced with augmented reality.
Well-versed in the artistry and craftsmanship of watchmaking, Vacheron’s Constantin’s creations often begin with a series of simple sketches. The combination of contours and geometric lines make up the structure of the watch-to-be, with countless craftsmen and artisans working tirelessly to convert geometry to artistry.
In Australia, they seem to be in good company, as multidisciplinary artist Reko Rennie shares a similar creative process in his works. Maintaining a deep connection to his Indigenous Australian heritage, his provocative, geometric works are used to subvert the often-romanticised ideologies of Aboriginal identity. However, he also explores his own connection to the Kamilaroi, an Aboriginal people whose lands extend from New South Wales to southern Queensland. Drawing inspiration from his people’s iconography, Reko Rennie explores personal and political narratives in a contemporary environment.
It is this level of dedication to storytelling and artistry, perhaps, that Vacheron Constantin have requested his services. Together, they present a new immersive art experience within the Sydney boutique, running until the end of September this year.
Reko Rennie’s transformation of the boutique involves his signature use of geometry and bold colours, now involving mirrors and a contrasting repetitive pink and blue pattern. The geometric distortion of the mirror and the disruption of the pink and blue shatter all perceived physical boundaries, engaging viewers and inviting discussions of social and cultural visibility.
The second level of the boutique only furthers the experience, not only through repetitive patterning but via augmented reality. A QR code exists where once scanned, the user’s screen shows the once-empty plinth at the centre of the room displaying a floating Maltese Cross – Vacheron Constantin’s logo – decorated with the same bold patterning surrounding them.
The art world and watch world have collaborated innumerable times, but collaborations within the Indigenous Australian art space have been few and far between. Thankfully, in recent times this has changed and Vacheron Constantin is now a part of it, allowing Reko Rennie’s artistry to demonstrate but a fraction the phenomenal Indigenous identity yet to be explored in Australia.
Open Until September 30, 2024
Location: 104 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000, AU
Opening Hours:
Monday –Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
