Light & Darkness

Men's Folio spoke to CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, Catherine Rénier and their newest Made of Makers family member light painter, Roy Wang, about their artistic collaboration - the Dragon of Time - and the facets of precision in their lives.

- Asaph Low

Light is perhaps one of the single most important elements of human vision. It facilitates the creation of images in our minds and forms the basis of our perception. Without it, the wondrous creations of nature and artisans are imperceptible. Within the hallways of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Vallée de Joux manufacture, light allows its masterpieces to sparkle with splendour — where every stroke of hand decoration and the intricacies of watchmaking come to life. In the same spirit of artistic expression, Jaeger-LeCoultre welcomes rising light painter Roy Wang into its Made of Makers family of esteemed artists gathered to expand La Grande Maison’s dialogue between watchmaking and the arts.

The rising Chinese artist — renowned for his culturally rich imagery — brings his signature dragon to life through calligraphic-like strokes of light and a peculiar paradox of tempering with the speed of time. Wang’s rapid light strokes and the camera’s slow shutter speed combine to capture the ephemerality of light painting. Precision, another hallmark of Jaeger-LeCoultre and a central element to this year’s novelties plays a critical role in Wang’s spatial awareness when conceptualising his art. While larger pieces — be it in watchmaking or light painting, are more forgiving with tolerances — the need for precision amplifies as creations are miniaturised.