Exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum

Xavier Veilhan

1998

New-York

In 1996, the artist Xavier Veilhan created Le Feu (“The Fire”), using scenography to offer a space not only for viewing but also for use. Its bright red sofas invited visitors to gaze at the flames of a Gyrofocus with its 18-metre flue, the central feature of this extraordinary installation.

The work went on to be exhibited in prestigious museums around the world, travelling from the contemporary art museums in Bordeaux and in Grenoble to its consecration at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Ideal House

Karim Rashid

2004

Italie

In 2004, Karim Rashid, an international name in design, staged his “Ideal House” at the IMM Cologne furniture and interiors trade fair, the world’s second biggest design event after Milan. In contrast to his pink interior but in harmony with the organic shapes of his creations, the designer chose the Gyrofocus as a central feature of his space.

MOST BEAUTIFUL OBJECT IN THE WORLD

Pulchra competition

2009

Italie

Italy’s Pulchra design competition was the brainchild of Sandro Silvi, an internationally renowned architect. In its inaugural contest, 100 objects were selected by a jury of renowned architects and designers, including Alessandro Mendini. A popular vote was held online, with 74,425 voters (professionals and non-professionals alike) choosing the world’s 10 most beautiful objects, one of which was the Gyrofocus.

In keeping with their treasured status, these objects are enclosed in an impermeable metal sphere and buried in a garden. Six feet underground, the Gyrofocus fireplace joined some of the other 2009 winners, such as a television designed by Philips, a Sony Ericsson mobile phone, creations by Philippe Starck, and a Leo cut diamond.

Choreographic creation

Arts Fabrik - Yann Lheureux

2023

France

Yann Lheureux is a dancer, choreographer and founder of the dance company of the same name, as well as of Arts Fabrik, an artist residency housed in a former wine storehouse that he renovated. He sees his vocation as bringing together and making tangible the imaginary and reality. This shared desire to bridge these two spheres prompted Focus to become a patron.

In 2023, Focus gave Yann Lheureux carte blanche to create a choreographic piece around the iconic Gyrofocus, a challenge that was met in a two-week artist residency.

Discover here

The Aix-en-Provence Festival

Dmitri Tchnerniakov

2023

Europe

For the prestigious Festival d’Art Lyrique in Aix-en-Provence, Russian director Dmitri Tcherniakov, a bold figure in contemporary theatre, chose the Gyrofocus for the set of his production of Mozart’s Così fan tutte. Focus provided the Gyrofocus, becoming a patron of the festival.

Following the eight performances in Aix in 2023, the production continued its tour to major stages across Europe: the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg, and Baden-Baden in Germany.

The Gyrofocus will join the opera throughout its journey across Europe – and perhaps beyond – until 2028.

An icon tells its story

Maison Trafalgar

2024

International

After more than 50 years of existence marked by numerous accolades, Focus gives voice to its icon. With mischievous pride, the Gyrofocus tells its story, from its improbable origin at the foot of the Cévennes in the south of France to its ascension to the world’s most preeminent museums.

This audio recording embodies the singular spirit of Focus, faithful to its unconventional history. It celebrates a rare savoir-faire that lies at the intersection of art, engineering and craftsmanship.

Hear me tell my story