Adrien Roubens

Exclusive Art Collaboration: The Concrete Capsule Collection Exposed

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A Natural Synergy: “Concrete Calls for Graffiti”

The Capsule Collection was born in early 2016 from a profound mutual desire for structural innovation. As a professional graffiti artist, I have always sought unconventional territories to challenge the boundaries of urban art. When I met the renowned light sculptor Natalie Sanzache, the creative spark was instantaneous.

Natalie was looking to infuse her mineral works with an authentic, contemporary soul. Her vision was clear and remains the mantra of our partnership: “Concrete calls for graffiti!” This isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a natural dialogue between the raw, porous weight of the stone and the fluid, vibrant energy of the aerosol.

The Ovoid Aesthetic: Art Deco meets Pop Art

The heart of this collaboration lies in the “ovoid” or egg-shaped sculptures. These organic, curved forms serve as a unique 360-degree canvas. My graffiti follows these contours, wrapping around the concrete to create a sense of movement and life within a static material.

The collection is defined by a sophisticated hybridization of styles:

  • Pop Art Vibrancy: Bold color palettes that demand attention and evoke energy.
  • Art Deco Elegance: Structural lines and geometric patterns that nod to 20th-century luxury.
  • Industrial Rawness: The unpolished, authentic texture of high-performance BTP materials.

From Paris to Dubai: A Global Design Journey

Within its first years, the collection grew to over twenty bespoke pieces. These works have been showcased at the most prestigious international design summits, positioning our work at the intersection of fine art and luxury interior design:

  • ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) – New York
  • Maison & Objet – Paris
  • Index – Dubai

These exhibitions opened doors to a global professional network, including interior architects and high-end showrooms. The collection found a particularly strong resonance in the South of France, where the Mediterranean light perfectly highlights the mineral textures and artistic contrasts of the sculptures.

Evolution and Legacy

Every great collaboration has its chapters. Following Natalie’s relocation from Paris to Bordeaux and my own transition into fatherhood, the collection experienced a natural, reflective pause.

This hiatus has allowed our individual styles to mature. For the ROUBENS brand, this period represents a growth in depth and artistic intent. These pieces remain a testament to a unique moment where urban energy met the timeless permanence of stone. Today, the collection continues to travel, available for special commissions and bespoke architectural projects.

Technical Notes — by Roubens

Series: The Concrete Capsule Collection (2016–Present)

This technical diary documents the fusion of urban aerosol art and mineral design. When graffiti meets the raw, ovoid sculptures of Natalie Sanzache, the challenge is to transform a street medium into a high-end, durable interior masterpiece.

01. Substrate Analysis & Priming

Working on high-performance concrete (BTP materials) is a study in chemistry. Unlike a standard city wall, a design luminaire requires absolute control over porosity.

  • The Alkaline Challenge: Fresh concrete is naturally alkaline. If ignored, the lime within the cement can “bite” into the paint, leading to pigment degradation or shifting colors.
  • Mineral Sealing: To prevent the stone from absorbing the paint (capillarity), I utilize specialized professional primers. This “sealer” creates a neutral barrier, ensuring that every spray stroke remains as sharp and vibrant as intended, without bleeding into the mineral grain.

02. Precision Tooling & Masking

The “Capsule” aesthetic relies on the contrast between raw grey concrete and saturated color. Achieving this requires a rigorous masking process.

  • The Masking Phase: Hours are dedicated to tape-masking the ovoid curves. This ensures the paint is projected with surgical precision, maintaining the “clean” industrial look of the sculpture.
  • Aerosol vs. Airless: While industrial “Airless” sprayers offer speed, I remain committed to high-quality professional aerosols. The can is an extension of the hand; it provides a specific “grain” and soul that define the graffiti spirit. It is about the human touch in a mineral world.

03. The Varnish Debate: Stability vs. Patina

Through various tests, I have explored how these works evolve over time, leading to two distinct finishes:

  • The Experimental Patina: For certain outdoor or “living” pieces, we leave the concrete unvarnished. This allows the artwork to weather naturally, creating a dialogue between the paint and the elements.
  • The Architectural Standard: For most interior collections, a matte fixative is applied. We have moved away from high-gloss to celebrate the authentic, sophisticated texture of the concrete. This subtle layer protects the pigments from UV rays and handling while keeping the “Nature’Art” aesthetic intact.

04. The Immersive Loop

Technical mastery extends to the environment. The “Loop” is a concept where the luminaire “furnishes” the graffiti. By creating large-scale murals as backdrops for the sculptures, we close the creative circle: the 3D object and the 2D wall share the same DNA, creating a complete visual ecosystem.