Interview with Nathalie Decoster, sculptor and creator of "Together for EDHEC", EDHEC's exclusive, emblematic work
Some ties never break. On the eve of the new millennium, EDHEC called on Nathalie Decoster, a sculptor from the Lille region, to design a work emblematic of the school. Her highly symbolic sculpture was quickly integrated into EDHEC's logo. In 2022, the internationally renowned artist opened the doors to her Argenteuil studio for us. Welcoming and cheerful, Nathalie talked about her collaboration with EDHEC and her attachment to the school ‒ a story that has lasted for more than twenty years and is not about to stop.
How would you introduce yourself to someone who doesn't know your work?
My name is Nathalie Decoster. I am a sculptor and I focus mainly on the human condition. My works always contain the same elements: my very crudely formed messenger, who represents us all, incorporated into geometric shapes to deliver different messages about our human condition. My sculptures can represent our relationship with time, with others, the human frailties we must accept and which are so interesting and characterise each one of us (who wants to look like a rock?), the different ways we share thoughts and so on.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with EDHEC?
Of course! It was at the beginning of my career, but I had already started to work with the forms that characterise my work today. EDHEC contacted me to ask me to think about a symbol for the school. So, I created a work comprising a character walking next to a large circle, which represents EDHEC. One visualises the scene in motion, with the character always moving forward, accompanied by the circle. It is a way of saying that the school accompanies us forever. What we achieve at EDHEC follows us throughout our life: knowledge, of course, but also those we meet, the ideas we exchange, the collaborations. And this link to the school lives on in both our student and professional lives, even in our personal life when friendships are forged.
Where is this character headed? Who are they?
I am convinced that everyone can recognise themselves in this character. Naturally, our first thought is a student, walking towards the future and the construction of self, always accompanied by this circle, which serves as a landmark, even after the end of their studies and throughout their life.
How does this work specifically represent EDHEC?
When we look at the sculpture, the link to the school can be found in its profoundly human dimension. People are at the heart of what EDHEC is all about. This is reflected in the various interactions that take place within it: the transmission of knowledge, the relationships nurtured between students, the relationship between the old and the new, the connections between the school and its external stakeholders ... The fact that EDHEC encourages its alumni to return to pass on knowledge to new generations is a perfect illustration of this. And I think there is nothing better for a school than to place such value on the human being.
In what way was the collaboration with EDHEC interesting?
I believe that this collaboration is deep-rooted in EDHEC. We share values that are essential, in my view, such as human relationships beyond knowledge or the sharing of emotions. And 20 years on, I would say we're still together. We see each other, we reflect together on fundamental topics, we work on different projects, and I receive a lot of testimonials from students on the central role given to the human being within the school. For me, it's a great collaboration and a beautiful story that goes on and on.
What are your upcoming projects?
I am currently working on several exciting projects! In France, I am creating works that are 5 meters tall, which are destined for installation in the Place Vendôme. Abroad, I am preparing two new monumental works that will be installed in China, one in the city of Wuhan and the other in front of the Shanghai Opera House. I create a lot of monumental sculptures for various cities in China and am happy that my universal messages can bring a little humanity there ‒ a good reason to get up in the morning!
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www.nathaliedecoster.com
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