Benjamin BOUCHETEIL (Born 1971) Achaiah, angel of understanding and patience Sculpted and modeled white stoneware Combination of high-temperature glazes formulated by the artist H. 15 cm - W. 44 cm - D. 28 cm Weight: 2.566 kg Achaiah is part of the Sentinelles collection, a series of unique sculptures representing whale bodies in motion. A tribute to these fabulous animals whose tales have lulled our childhood, and whose mysteries have yet to be unraveled. The artist attempts to capture the essence of these almost abstract bodies, playing with sensual, disturbing, humanoid forms. These whale-sirens are the sentinels of our planet, with their bubbles evoking the oxygen they provide, or the carbon they trap better than a forest. But these spheres also refer to the mineral nodules in the depths that their presence could safeguard from human covetousness. The spectrum of blue-greens that emanates from this combination of enamels created by the artist almost puts us in a state of hypnosis or meditation. The matte, impalpable material raises questions about its nature: metal, earth, bronze? Each of these sentinels bears the name of an angel from classical angelology, for it is to them, alive and well, that we should refer to continue to protect and perhaps even save us.