Mathieu Miljavac is a Paris-based artist whose taxidermy seeks to question our relationship with everyday and ordinary animals, such as city pigeons and mice.
His approach avoids naturalistic representation of his subjects, and focuses instead on creating narrative power. His pieces aim to create a new appreciation of the way in which these totem animals can trigger emotions in us.
A particular goal of his work is to invite people to question their own opinions of these ordinary animals. His pieces converts relatively negative attitudes - through the alchemy of his work - into fascination.
Mathieu's work in taxidermy is an evolution of nearly 20 years of creativity in other adjacent industries. For many years, he worked in the fashion industry, as a designer, and in the specialist area of ennoblissement - an ornamentation discipline in couture - making pieces for clients including Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Valentino. He also spent 5 years working on conceptual floral design for clients including George V Hotel in Paris.
As with all creative mediums, taxidermy shares an artistic approach to creativity and reinvention, however, taxidermy is also profoundly unique. "There is something extremely moving about working with animals. It’s a true connection between me and the animal. The piece only really becomes a success when I understand, respect and appreciate the individual personality of the animal I’m working with."
Mathieu has been fascinated with taxidermy for many years, he began his formal training in 2009, studying under master taxidermist, George Jamieson, in Scotland.
His work has been exhibited in Paris at L’Eclaireur, and Les Mauvaises Graines. It has been used in the touring production of La Mouette by Le Laboratoire de l’Acteur Theatre Company. He has been featured in various publications including Elle Déco magazine.
He is currently working on new taxidermy pieces for private and commercial clients.
Please contact Mathieu directly to find out more.
