Joseph Arzoumanov-Dhedin

Multimedia sculptor

©Darius Michaud

©Li Cam Vega

Statuettes made from dreams

Joseph makes precious metal statuettes using traditional techniques and 3D printing
He also embroiders, which is a skill he learned in Uzbekistan, India and Armenia
His pieces sit between jewellery art, metal sculpting and embroidery

Joseph Arzoumanov-Dhedin is a multi-disciplinary artist who creates dazzling figurines and sculptures with silversmithing techniques and embroidery. He uses new technologies such as 3D modelling and printing to support his traditional craftsmanship. "I hope to bridge the gap between younger generations and traditional crafts," he explains. Ever since Joseph was a child, he has collected and assembled materials. "My statuettes are steeped in symbols and emotions. I explore and create worlds I dream of discovering," Joseph says. His work is both intricate and labour-intensive, with some works requiring over 500 hours to reach completion. He employs a multitude of techniques, from preparing waxes and embroidering, to sculpting gems, pearls and metals, chasing and setting, or achieving patinas on bronze and silver. One of the rings Joseph made in 2025 includes parts of a piano, set with 88 diamonds, which represent the number of piano keys.

Interview

©Darius Michaud

Where does your inspiration come from?: My pieces are influenced by my dreams and my travels all over the world. My inspiration comes from spending my childhood in Casablanca and being surrounded by my musical family. I also draw a lot from the intense emotions I feel, and try to share them with the world.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?: I built a mausoleum to pay tribute to my grandfather’s music. Since I had no skills in construction, I managed a team who helped bring it to life and together we learned how to craft a 6-metre-high piece. The challenge was also to balance emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, and traditional crafts like embroidery, weaving and silversmithing.
Are tradition and new technologies compatible in your craft?: I practise embroidery and jewellery making. These two crafts are deeply traditional and have been the subject of many innovations over the years. Yes, they are compatible with new technologies, and innovation research is not over.
What is your next big project?: I am crafting a chess game that blends many different crafts and innovative technologies. It is a very sophisticated and exciting piece that I will work on for more than a year.

Joseph Arzoumanov-Dhedin is a rising star: he began his career in 2022 and he started teaching in 2023