Courtesy of Elena Rendina
Emmanuelle Goutal is a Creative Director and the founder of Objection Magazine, a beautifully produced large-scale publication offering a new perspective on objects and interiors.
The statuesque, unbound pages of the magazine are designed to cascade across the surfaces of the home as a collection of fine art prints, inviting readers to pause and experience Objection’s unique world of artistry.
Ahead of the new issue launch this week we sat down with Emmanuelle to muse on long walks along Regent’s Canal; Jeff Wall’s photography; fond memories painting in her stepmother’s Parisian apartment; time travelling to artist studios and more.
Define your artistic philosophy in five words:
Timelessness, Authenticity, Collaboration, Tenacity, Intuition.
Courtesy of Lesley Lau
Earliest and most recent moment of feeling creatively inspired?
One of my earliest memories of feeling creatively inspired was around the age of eleven or twelve when my stepmother—who was also a creative director—took me painting with her. We painted on large formats in her small, chic apartment in Le Marais in Paris. She had this beautiful paper (which I still have a roll of at home)—brown, waxy paper with metallic threads running through it, creating a grid pattern. We looked through photos from her books collection, and I chose one to recreate as a painting. We left it unfinished because I always loved unfinished paintings; when initial sketches can still be seen through the layer of paint. It was an important moment for me that opened doors and gave me a glimpse into what the creative process could be. Even though I never painted like that again!
Lately at the Jeff Wall's exhibition at the White Cube gallery. It was one of my major impactful discoveries as a student. I was all about black and white photography at the time, and when I discovered his work, it was a bit of a revelation. The use of colour in photography could be so powerful in the composition of an image. Seeing his prints in that space reminded me of the standard I need to uphold with my magazine Objection. Achieving that level of photography is challenging, and it’s ever so inspiring to see work from masters like him.
Courtesy of Tex Bishop
Any personal rituals that play into your creative process?
I enjoy taking long walks along Regent’s Canal near my home. These moments away from screens allow my mind to work in the background, processing ideas in a more organic way. I always come back to my desk feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the daily challenges.
If you could journey to any period or place, where would you go?
I’ve never had a fantasy of living in another era, but I’d love the chance to observe artists in their home or workshop—just watching them create, no matter the time period.
Wishlist dinner party guest?
At the moment, it would be all the contributors and collaborators I’ve worked with on Objection Magazine. I feel very fortunate to have brought together so many talented people around this project over the years. These connections and creative exchanges inspire me to keep pushing the magazine forward.
Courtesy of Lesley Lau
One sentiment or story you’ve never shared?
Honestly, I’m more of an oversharer than someone who keeps things held back. If anything, my challenge is learning when to stop talking!
Courtesy of Lesley Lau
Courtesy of Tex Bishop