Designboom_ Emmanuelle Moureaux’s ‘100 colors butterflies’ takes center stage at Lancôme’s The Art of Absolue exhibition in Shanghai, themed Perpetual, Beyond Time. No.48 in Moureaux’s ongoing 100 colors series, which started in 2013, the installation aims to evoke emotions through vibrant hues. The piece features 40,000 artificial butterflies adorning a circular volume, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Serving as an abstract representation of beauty and eternity, the display aligns with the philosophy of the beauty brand and its collection. As attendees walk through a path of white butterflies, they are guided to the heart of the artwork, an array of over 100 butterflies in a multitude of shades, varying from yellow, to red, green and blue, and soaring over 10 meters high.

The French architect, artist, and designer, who has been based in Tokyo since 1996, draws inspiration from the vibrant layers of the Japanese city. Renowned for her unique design approach, termed ‘shikiri,’ Emmanuelle Moureaux focuses on creating spatial experiences through the intricate use of colors.Reflecting on her initial impressions upon arriving in Tokyo, Moureaux describes:‘I was fully fascinated by the colors overflowing on the street. In that very moment, my mind decided to move to Japan. Overwhelming number of store signs, flying electrical cables, and flashes of blue sky framed by various volumes of buildings, created three dimensional ‘layers’ in the city.’Through her 100 colors series, she aims to raise awareness about the colors that surround us by exploring different shades in various environments. This series continues to travel globally, inviting viewers to engage with the sensory experience it offers.