Cover American artist Sam Falls worked with Maison Ruinart for its Conversations with Nature (Photo: Ruinart)
American artist Sam Falls worked with Maison Ruinart for its Conversations with Nature (Photo: Ruinart)
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Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house, returned to Singapore’s premier art fair with a contemplative showcase exploring the intersection of craft, climate and contemporary art through the botanical works of American artist Sam Falls
At Art SG, which took place over three days at Marina Bay Sands last month, Maison Ruinart returned as the fair’s official champagne partner with the same core belief that has guided the house for nearly three centuries: that great champagne, much like meaningful art, begins with respect for nature.
Founded in 1729, the oldest champagne maison’s presence at the fair was a continuation of this long-standing dialogue—one expressed through artistic collaborations that explore humanity’s relationship with the environment. For the duration of the fair, the Ruinart Art Lounge became the temporary home of its global Conversations with Nature series, an initiative that uses contemporary art as a lens that allow us to reflect on sustainability.
This year, the spotlight was on American artist Sam Falls, whose multidisciplinary practice draws directly from the natural world. Working across photography, painting and sculpture, Falls allows environmental elements—sunlight, rain, wind and time—to act as collaborators in the creative process rather than variables to be controlled.
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Above Maison Ruinart returned as the official champagne partner of Art SG, showcasing works by American artist Sam Falls as part of its ongoing dialogue with nature
Above By integrating plants exposed to the same elements he experiences in his artworks, Falls established a direct relationship with the site to embody its raw essence
Maison Ruinart returned as the official champagne partner of Art SG, showcasing works by American artist Sam Falls as part of its ongoing dialogue with nature
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At the Ruinart Art Lounge, his latest works incorporated organic materials such as leaves, flowers and branches collected from the Champagne region. Left exposed to the elements, the canvases gradually transformed, bearing stains, shadows and impressions that spoke to impermanence rather than permanence. Each piece functioned less as a finished artwork and more as a quiet record of interaction between nature and human intention.
“The plants in my artwork have been physically present at the site and exposed to the same elements as me,” Falls explained. “I try to establish a direct relationship with the site, embodying its raw essence.”
The approach echoed Ruinart’s own evolving philosophy. Over nearly 300 years, the maison has continually adapted to environmental change—shaping vineyard practices, investing in biodiversity and introducing innovations such as its lightweight Second Skin packaging, alongside new cuvées developed in response to shifting climatic conditions.
Above Beyond Singapore, Ruinart’s historic home in Reims hosts a revolving collection of art that embodies the maison’s belief that creativity and environmental responsibility are inseparable
Above Falls’ latest work for Ruinart incorporated organic materials such as leaves, flowers and branches collected from the Champagne region while he was creating his art pieces
Beyond Singapore, Ruinart’s historic home in Reims hosts a revolving collection of art that embodies the maison’s belief that creativity and environmental responsibility are inseparable
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Rather than presenting sustainability as a declaration, the Art Lounge encouraged reflection. Guests moved through the space at an unhurried pace, pausing between works before gathering at the adjoining bar—the only champagne bar across the fair—to enjoy a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs.
Ruinart’s commitment to artistic collaboration extends well beyond Singapore. At its historic home at 4 Rue des Crayères in Reims, France, visitors encounter a growing collection of permanent and rotating installations that reflect the maison’s long-held belief that creativity and environmental responsibility are inseparable.
At Art SG, that belief translated into a quiet yet considered presence—one that favoured substance over spectacle. In an art world often driven by immediacy and excess, Ruinart’s ongoing partnership with the fair served as a reminder that some conversations are best sustained over time.
After all, nature does not rush—and neither, it seems, does Maison Ruinart.
Credits
Images: Maison Ruinart
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
