Over the years, Donat’s work has come to be synonymous with the commode – an item with which she has a long-term affinity, and which features the signature aesthetic of mark-making and scarification that permeates her practice. The square, geometric patterns on Commode Tatoo resemble reptilian skin, like that of a crocodile or even a mythical dragon. Exuding an anthropomorphic quality, the rounded edges of the work create feminine curves that make the piece appear as if it is breathing or in gestation.
The theme of mark-making continues in works like Banquette aux Caryatides et Scarifications, whose bronze frame features a delicate, intricate pattern meticulously engraved into its surface. Donat achieves this effect through a process of wax casting, where wax is first molded and then cast in bronze with exceptional precision and craft. The upholstered seat illustrates Donat's work with fabric, which the artist paints and stitches herself, dying specific threads to create stylised patterns within the material.
Another upholstered piece, Fauteuil Kapon, features a plush, satin seat whose golden-green colour subtly echoes the bronze finish of the sculpted base supporting it. Juxtaposing fabric and metal, the work forms a meeting point for two opposing yet complementary materials, with each enhancing the patterns and texture of the other. The armchair is proportioned to seem weighty and voluminous but without dominating its environment, illustrating the consideration of space and form that drives Donat’s rigor in designing artworks and interiors.
Born to a Swedish mother and a Réunionese father, Donat's cultural blend has shaped the singularity of her aesthetic, which combines Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences with her own unique craftsmanship. Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s collaboration with Donat spans over 15 years, cementing her status as a leading artist in her field. With works that show artistic practice applied to functional design, this exhibition is a tribute to Donat’s harmonious integration of traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities.
