A quiet force of revival
- Yolaine specialises in the restoration of fans and globes
- Her practice combines art, science, history and geography
- For her, a well-made restoration project is one that goes unnoticed
Yolaine Voltz was never interested in creating objects, she always wanted to restore them. After graduating with a master's degree in the restoration and conservation of graphic art, she founded her Paris workshop, L’Utile Zéphyr, in 2010. Today, Yolaine is one of the few restorers around the world who specialise in the restoration of both fans and globes. “These objects sit between art and science, and blur the line between history and geography," she says. From paper and wood to ivory and leather, each work calls upon the usage of multiple materials and precise gestures. “My favourite technique is illusionist retouching, in which I substitute the hand of the original artist with my own,” Yolaine explains. "I work in the shadows so that the objects themselves may shine."
INTERVIEW
Restoration was an obvious path for me from a very young age. I have always been passionate about techniques that make creation possible, not about creation itself.
Fans and globes are composite works that bridge the gap between art and science. They are complex, demanding objects that very few people know how to treat. Every piece presents a new and unique challenge, which is what fascinates me.
I specialise in illusionist retouching. It is a process in which I aim to mimic the hand of the original artist by rediscovering their specific techniques. The more seamless and invisible the intervention, the more successful the restoration.
I share my knowledge through lectures, articles and school workshops. Having already mentored interns, I hope to soon begin teaching students directly in my workshop.
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