Cedric Laquieze

Multimedia sculptor

Fantastical metamorphoses

Cedric transforms animal elements such as feathers and insect shells into dreamlike sculptures
His Fairies series was sparked by his sister in 2005
He created a lion sculpture from taxidermy and flowers with the MOYA Museum in Oosterhout

From an early age, sculpting became Cedric Laquieze’s language of expression. As a child, he crafted his own toys from clay, and it was those early creations that secured him a place at the Rietveld Academy. Originally from Los Angeles, Cedric spent a decade in Paris and is now based in Zaandam. This is where he dedicates hours in his studio to make surrealist pieces that ingeniously blend his passion for the natural world with endless fantasy. Working with materials like ethically sourced insects, Cedric’s art is a fusion of organic beauty with design, fashion and sculpture. His detailed craftsmanship is reflected in a series that includes an impressive collection of ethereal fairy sculptures, floral taxidermy and ancient deity busts made with colourful glass beads.

Interview

How would you describe your ongoing Fairies series?: The Fairies are the closest to my heart and a series I will create forever. It started in 2005, when I crafted a fairy for my sister, in a panic, after forgetting her birthday. I got inspired by Tinkerbell while watching Peter Pan. I rushed to my room and created my very first fairy, launching a series that now includes over 200 unique pieces and continues to grow.
How does your work reflect your personality?: My work is childlike, experimental, bold and colourful. But it is also very patient and precise, as I would like to reflect elegance in most of the objects that I make. It is a combination of all of these elements that reflect who I am as a person as well.
What has been your most memorable piece so far?: Leo Vulgaris, a lion sculpture I created with the MOYA Museum in Oosterhout, is still one of my favourite pieces. The structure of the bones of that creature has incredible power. There is such a signature characteristic in the material itself and in the contrast of the very soft, brightly coloured silk flowers.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?: I was honoured to be part of the Homo Faber biennial exhibition in 2024. I participate in a lot of art fairs, but there is something very different and unique about Homo Faber’s focus on craftsmanship. I was completely enthralled watching humble artisans expressing their love for what they do with a gleam in their eyes.

Cedric Laquieze is a rising star: he began his career in 2020