Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Razorblade

Name Class Date

Philippe Perrin, Razorblade (2012), ISCAP - Porto Accounting and Business School. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder.

The facts

Artist
Philippe Perrin artsdot.com/en/artists/philippe-perrin/
Artist’s dates
1964 – ?
Painted
2012
Held at
ISCAP - Porto Accounting and Business School artsdot.com/en/museums/iscap-porto-accounting-and-business-school-sao-mamede-de-infesta/

In context

Razorblade — Philippe Perrin

When was this painted?

  1. 1960
  2. 1970
  3. 1980
  4. 1990
  5. 2000
  6. 2010

Shaded: the lifetime of Philippe Perrin (1964–?) ▲ this work, 2012

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/philippe-perrin-razorblade-DD3JSR-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Putty #e9e2d1

    Catalogued palette

    • #E9E2D1
    • #484830
    • #8C8874
    • #B2AC9D
    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Putty
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Philippe Perrin

    Born in France

    Philippe Perrin: Sculptor and Photographer Exploring Violence and Scale

    Philippe Perrin (born August 10, 1964) is a French contemporary sculptor and photographer residing in Paris, whose artistic practice delves into profound themes of violence, monumental scale, and the captivating interplay between reality and fiction. His work has garnered recognition within prestigious institutions like the Maison Européenne de la Photographie and the Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon, cementing his position as a significant voice in contemporary art discourse.

    Early Life & Education: Perrin's formative years were spent in La Tronche, France. He pursued formal artistic training at École supérieure d'art de Grenoble, establishing a foundation for his subsequent explorations of sculptural and photographic mediums.

    Career Highlights: Perrin’s career has unfolded across numerous exhibitions and gallery presentations, showcasing his distinctive vision. Notably, he achieved acclaim with a retrospective at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, highlighting his commitment to artistic innovation and critical engagement.

    Sculptural Practice & Material Exploration

    Perrin’s sculptural work consistently employs industrial materials—primarily concrete—to confront viewers with unsettling imagery. His pieces often depict razor blades meticulously positioned on these surfaces, creating a stark juxtaposition between fragility and brutality. This deliberate choice of material serves as a powerful symbol of vulnerability against overwhelming force, mirroring recurring motifs within his oeuvre. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail elevates the sculptures beyond mere visual representation, inviting contemplation on concepts of trauma and resilience.

    Photography: Perrin's photographic explorations complement his sculptural endeavors. He utilizes textured surfaces and minimalist compositions to capture moments of urban decay and industrial presence—themes that resonate throughout his artistic output.

    Influences & Artistic Vision

    Perrin’s artistic sensibilities are shaped by a preoccupation with confronting uncomfortable truths and challenging conventional perceptions. Drawing inspiration from artists who grapple with similar existential concerns, he strives to elicit emotional responses in audiences—provoking reflection on the human condition and the impact of societal forces.

    Notable Achievements & Collections

    His work has been featured prominently in major collections including Maison Européenne de la Photographie and Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon, demonstrating his enduring relevance within the broader landscape of contemporary art. Furthermore, Perrin's sculptures have achieved recognition through public auctions, notably ‘Couteau,’ sold by Sotheby’s Paris, underscoring their value as both aesthetically compelling and intellectually stimulating pieces.

    Museum

    ISCAP - Porto Accounting and Business School

    On show in São Mamede de Infesta, Portugal

    A Symphony of Commerce and Creativity

    In the vibrant heart of São Mamede de Infesta, where the industrious spirit of Matosinhos meets the salt-kissed air of the Atlantic, lies a destination that defies conventional categorization. The

    ISCAP - Porto Accounting and Business School

    is far more than a bastion of academic rigor; it is a living, breathing gallery where the precision of commerce dances with the passion of Portuguese artistry. To step onto this campus is to enter a space where the analytical mind meets the aesthetic soul, a place where the legacy of a nineteenth-century institution has blossomed into a modern sanctuary for cultural discovery. For the discerning art lover or the interior designer seeking inspiration, ISCAP offers a rare glimpse into a world where fine art is not sequestered in silent halls but integrated into the very pulse of daily intellectual life.

    The history of this institution is a tapestry woven with threads of tradition and transformation. Founded in 1890 as the Porto Commercial Institute, its roots run deep into the foundational era of Portuguese trade and industry. As it evolved through the decades to become a cornerstone of the prestigious Polytechnic Institute of Porto (P.PORTO), the school underwent a metamorphosis that extended far beyond its curriculum. The campus itself has become a curated journey through time, where the echoes of the past—represented by classical Portuguese masterpieces—resonate alongside the bold, provocative voices of contemporary installations. This seamless blend allows visitors to witness the evolution of national identity, observing how societal shifts are mirrored in the changing strokes of a brush or the experimental textures of modern sculpture.

    Architecture at ISCAP serves as the silent narrator of this cultural epic. The campus design is an intentional masterclass in fostering creativity through structure. Sleek, modern lines and expansive, open spaces create a sense of boundless possibility, while state-of-the-art facilities are bathed in natural light that illuminates both the student's desk and the artist's canvas. This architectural dialogue ensures that art is never a mere after-thought; rather, it is an essential element of the environment. For collectors and decorators, the way these works interact with the clean, contemporary geometry of the buildings provides profound lessons in how to integrate fine art into modern interiors, creating spaces that feel both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically harmonious.

    What truly distinguishes ISCAP from a traditional museum is its unique interdisciplinary heartbeat. It is a place where the future leaders of business and finance are encouraged to draw sustenance from the boundless imagination of emerging talents. By hosting innovative exhibitions that push the boundaries of conventional expression, the school ensures its collection remains a dynamic, breathing entity. This convergence of disciplines creates a unique atmosphere—a "land of horizon and sea"—where the practicalities of entrepreneurship meet the ethereal beauty of fine art. Whether you are wandering through the halls to find a new perspective on Portuguese heritage or seeking the next great contemporary movement, ISCAP stands as a testament to the idea that true innovation is born when commerce and culture exist in perfect, uninterrupted harmony.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Razorblade

    artsdot.com/en/art/download/philippe-perrin-razorblade-DD3JSR-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Perrin, Philippe. Razorblade. 2012, ISCAP - Porto Accounting and Business School. https://artsdot.com/en/art/philippe-perrin-razorblade-DD3JSR-en/
    APA
    Perrin, Philippe (2012). Razorblade [Painting]. ISCAP - Porto Accounting and Business School. https://artsdot.com/en/art/philippe-perrin-razorblade-DD3JSR-en/
    Chicago
    Philippe Perrin. Razorblade. 2012. ISCAP - Porto Accounting and Business School. https://artsdot.com/en/art/philippe-perrin-razorblade-DD3JSR-en/
    Harvard
    Perrin, Philippe (2012) Razorblade. ISCAP - Porto Accounting and Business School. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/philippe-perrin-razorblade-DD3JSR-en/

    Look closely

    Razorblade — Philippe Perrin

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Razorblade (2012), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Philippe Perrin was about 48 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.