Artist Pandora Graessl, born in Switzerland in 1988, is a French multidisciplinary artist and photographer based in Mexico City. Inspired by the desire to understand our journey on Earth, her practice explores the relationship between human mind-bodies and the natural dimension. A nomadic life and an insatiable curiosity for the planet have fostered her global creative vision. After working as a creative producer and collaborating, among others, with Bureau Betak and Management Artists, Graessl founded her own creative Studio in 2015. With Graessl Studio, she built a versatile portfolio ranging from production to consulting, set design, curation, happenings and installations. She has collaborated with brands such as Dior, Helmut Lang, Hood by Air, Saint-Laurent or Camper; photo- and videographers such as Daniel Sannwald, Johnny Dufort, Gaspar Noé, and Larry Clark; institutions such as the Centre Pompidou; and publications such as Dust Magazine, Dazed, Vogues or M le Monde. Saturated with color, sound, and light, and driven by a deep sense of community, Graessl’s work makes an experiential use of media such as photography, video, and installation. Whitewall sat down to learn more about her fascinating conversation with the world.
Last fall in Paris, Whitewall Projects raised the curtain on an inaugural group exhibition. Coinciding with Art Basel Paris, near the Grand Palais, the show, “From Nature” dazzled throughout a chic Parisian apartment on 37 Roosevelt 75008 Paris. Curated by Emma Donnersberg, Marion Guggenheim, and Nicolas Dewavrin, the presentation shined light on visionaries Maho Nakamura, Fabien Adèle, Louis Alcaraz, Apollinaria Broche, Mia Chaplin, Eugénie Didier, Daria Dmytrenko, DRIFT, Sasha Ferré, Pandora Graessl, Rafael Y. Herman, Alexandre Lenoir, William Macnad, Kami Mierzvvinsk, Roman Moriceau, Ileana García Magoda, and Pandora Graessl. The lush exhibition was staged by Donnersberg, enhanced by Flos lighting and Diptyque fragrances. Whitewall spoke with the artist about her studio practice.
Courtesy of Pandora Graessl.
Pandora Graessl, “A Place Called Earth
Uri, Swiss Alps,” 2019,
Inkjet print on Baryta (or fine art), 80 x 120 cm / 31.49’ x 47.24’,
Edition of 5 + 2 AP; Courtesy of the artist and Graessl Studio.
WHITEWALL: How would you describe your creative practice?
PANDORA GRAESSL: Very spontaneous and instinctive.
WW: How do you see your work in relationship to nature?
PG: Nature is at the very core of my work. It’s my primary source of inspiration and my main topic of research. Its mutations, textures, and shapes are an endless quest. I was born in Switzerland in the grandness of its landscape. I’ve always traveled a lot chasing Earth’s wonders. Through nature, I also see a wider and deeper spectrum. Nature is everywhere, we are nature. Nature and creation have so many layers. It’s not only physical. That is also a big part of my work: the invisible.
Pandora Graessl’s Natural and Diverse Creative Process
WW: Tell us about your color and material palette. What tones and textures are you drawn to?
PG: I love the contrast of a turquoise water clashing against dark rocks, or the acid green of wet moss; the rocks turning amber over the erosion of time, and the vivid fantasies of wild flowers. I’m obsessed with the enchanting diversity of the nature of this planet. Nature is such a creative genius—an eternal wonderland.
“I’m obsessed with the enchanting diversity of the nature of this planet.”
Pandora Graessl
WW: Can you tell us about the work that will be on view in the exhibition?
PG: It’s called A place called Earth. It’s about this dreamy, mystical, strong nature.
WW: What was the starting point for this work?
PG: It’s a photograph I took a couple of years ago, playing with my sisters and a friend on top of a mountain in Switzerland. I had a few colored smoke bombs in my car and we just played. On top of that hill was a friend in a very Barbarella look. I looked down and got mesmerized by the overlay of textures, and how the smoke intertwined with the different types of bushes. It mixed so confusingly and beautifully and brought that touch of wonder that I love—creating another reality.
WW: Where do you typically begin with an artwork?
PG: Daydreaming.
Courtesy of Pandora Graessl.
Courtesy of Whitewall Projects.
Recreating Graessl’s Artistic World in a New, Mexico-Based Studio
WW: Can you tell us about your studio?
PG: I used to have a studio in Paris, where I spent days and nights spacing out on ideas, playing around. I was restless. I had giant rocks, plants hanging everywhere, neon installations, and snakes. It was quite a vibe. It was my own Garden of Eden. Now I migrated to Mexico and I’m currently moving spaces. I’m very much looking forward to recreating my world and bathing in it!
WW: Is there an element of your creative process you make sure to do each day?
PG: Meditate, envision, and feel. I also write a lot.
WW: What are you working on next in the studio?
PG: Sculptures and a show of my “Criaturas,” a botanical scenography project. It’s a study of the anatomy and singularities of flowers.
