IN DUBAI, THEIR FIRST ANNIVERSARY IS CELEBRATED BY THE CREATIVE LABORATORY OF THE POPULAR FRENCH ARTIST-DECORATOR OF VERONICA HESS. IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW TO THE "RUSSIAN EMIRATES" BUSINESS LADIES ACKNOWLEDGED THAT "LOT OF GOOD FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS IN THE UAE." What makes Dubai so attractive for a Parisian decorator?
Veronica: Actually, I am a Frenchwoman who was born in England and has been actively working in France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Middle East for a long time ...
I’m like a big melting pot, in which a huge amount of ideas and trends from different cultures are mixed. But this, in fact, helped me become a person and an artist. Therefore, the passion for travel and the desire to absorb as much as possible new from the surrounding space in my blood. It is logical that sooner or later I would leave Europe and set off to explore new lands and creative fields. And, for example, the UAE provides great opportunities for creativity!
You are very positive ... What is your strategy in the Middle East region?
Veronica: I am a very positive, friendly and open-minded person with true values! I try to treat people well, regardless of their social status. To be honest, I am very depressed by the situation in Europe with its pessimistic moods and permanent crises, largely caused by exorbitant greed! Like many of my colleagues, I observe a tendency - with a hope to look at the so-called third countries and see salvation in developing economies ...
When I first arrived in Dubai, then, like most Europeans, I linked my hopes for success in this country with the oil, aviation and financial sectors. And once at a dinner in a pleasant company of representative businessmen, I heard a compliment from my philosophy and my work ... I was given to understand that this could become a good business. I received an order for the design of apartments and a country house in Kuwait, London and Paris. And she decided that life again gives me a great opportunity to realize my ambitions in the art of creating interiors. As for the strategy. I wanted to see what was happening in the UAE. What people breathe, what they like, what they choose, what they are willing to spend time and money on!
Did the results impress you?
Veronica: To everything that I learn, I always treat with respect and appreciation. These qualities are very important for a successful professional life. And they help the artist to be in demand ... I love Europe, its cities, traditions and culture.
But Dubai is fascinating with designer high-rises, huge shops, architectural ensembles around. I work in a very specific niche. I am a decorator. I am engaged in interior design, I operate in space, scale and atmosphere. I feel the trends and offer only that which I empathize with, and that does not leave me indifferent. In my work, the theme of Africa, the wild world surrounding a woman, is strong. What is it like to be part of this environment, what do you have to feel, what to rely on? What are the core values these days? Who should I go with my worries? How to respond to the requests and requirements of men? There are so many around and they are all so different! I answer these questions in my paintings, objects and prints.
In your interpretation, men are “near and hungry for passions”! And the pink tones that are so actively used are clearly called to rescue - add romance. You like to bring intrigue and extravagance to the interior. Who are your customers?
Veronica: I have no right to give names. Among my clients are bankers, representatives of the oil and gas industry, characters and
from the world of haute couture and the film industry, race car drivers, soccer players, members of governments, diplomats. And just good friends from the Gulf countries!
I am a colorist, I like to invent my own colors, adding bright colors to the life of clients. My work is a riot of imagination and interpretation ...
What materials and textures do you prefer to work with?
Veronica: I promote the original concept of life without any restrictions ... Painting on canvas, wood, silk, plexiglass and any other material. In the most fashionable techniques - from oil and gouache to acrylics and prints. To decorate the interior, I can simultaneously use wall and floor paintings: paintings several meters in size and small prints. Such a mix creates a fantastically comfortable atmosphere in the house. And it always attracts attention. Add to this the carpets, furniture, all kinds of objects and details, made and painted by hand. And your life in art will make sense!
