What does the ideal dining table look like for someone who dedicates her life to beauty? Serax asks the Belgian photographer Marie Wynants. Her answer: a strange and surreal cocktail party with all the beautiful things by designer Kelly Wearstler.
Can you introduce yourself first?
‘I am Marie, and I’ve been working as a fashion photographer for about six years. Before picking up the camera, I studied dance, and that backdrop is noticeable in my work. I photograph models in full momentum and let them assume poses that differ from what is common in fashion. Some of my clients are Numéro NL, Vogue NL, Charlotte de Witte (a well-known DJ) and Angèle (a well-known singer). I’m starting to feel like there’s a common thread in my work. Although I find it difficult to describe them myself, others often speak of a somewhat dark, strange style.’
The dream table you have created does indeed look dark and mysterious. How did you get to this result?
‘My starting point was the ‘CCCP COOK BOOK: True Stories Of Soviet Cuisine’, a cookbook that describes dishes from the former Soviet Union that you especially don’t want to prepare. Instead of appetising food photography, you’ll be served strange and even distasteful dishes. For example, a picture of a lacquered pig on a bed of peas, pickled ingredients in unappetising renditions and food that simply does not look fresh. It’s almost an anti-cookbook. For this project, I wanted to convey my dark fashion vision to gastronomy and visualise a table that would exude melancholy and a feeling of faded glory.
Why did you use Kelly Wearstler’s Dune tableware for Serax?
‘I have been following Kelly’s work for a long time, and I collect all her books. Kelly always looks at design from a different perspective and dares to use a completely unique, sometimes bizarre, visual language. Within the brave world of homeware, she is a real daredevil. Kelly’s work is remarkably versatile. Although sand and dunes were her basic inspiration, I was able to use the collection to create a completely different atmosphere. The collection also contains many interesting details. For example, the tableware consists of two different finishes — matt and high-gloss — that create a beautiful light effect that I’ve been able to play with. ’
You also use a pastry dish from Kelly Wearstler’s Zuma collection to present a… pickle pie.
‘Who would want a pickle pie for their birthday? No one, right?’ (laughs) ‘We wanted to surprise the observer, just as Kelly Wearstler likes to do. So, we also drew an image showing flies hovering above the dish. Even the food stylists then raised their eyebrows for a moment.’
The Dream Table design was teamwork. Who did you involve and why?
‘Aside from Jens Burez, my permanent set-dresser with a love for surrealism, I appealed to graphic designer — and friend — Lisbeth Antoine and Sabato Amsterdam. This duo of food stylists has a special take on food and makes the most unreal settings. I have to admit that this was really a dream project. Serax gave me full carte-blanche. Normally, the set includes a person responsible for the brand who keeps an eye on things. Serax blindly trusted us. As an artist, that’s great because it’s the freedom to unleash your creativity. I am very grateful for that trust.’
‘We wanted to surprise the observer, just as Kelly Wearstler likes to do. So, we also drew an image showing flies hovering above the dish. Even the food stylists then raised their eyebrows for a moment.’
In fact, you created the perfect anti-dream table. But now tell me: what would be your real dream table?
‘In all honesty, I would love to be able to sit at this uncanny table. Most table settings focus on feelings of joy and cosiness. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I would prefer a rather exciting table. A cocktail party of lost souls, as it were. In short, a table that you have never seen or experienced before.’
Are you a creative and interested in curating your own dream table? Contact us at hello@serax.com.
