CHANEL Connects: Creative Ecology with Mauro Colagreco and Matthew Lutz-Kinoy

Episode: Creative Ecology: Mauro Colagreco and Matthew Lutz-Kinoy
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Host: Yana Peel, President of Arts, Culture & Heritage at CHANEL
Guests:

• Mauro Colagreco: Three Michelin-starred chef and UNESCO ambassador
• Matthew Lutz-Kinoy: Visual artist working across various disciplines including painting, ceramics, and performance

Introduction

In this episode of CHANEL Connects, host Yana Peel transports listeners to La Pausa, Gabrielle Chanel’s meticulously designed villa on the French Riviera. Season 5 delves into the intersection of arts, culture, and innovation, highlighting the home as a hub for creative dialogue. This particular episode features a captivating conversation between renowned chef Mauro Colagreco and multifaceted artist Matthew Lutz-Kinoy, exploring the synergy between culinary arts and visual creativity through the lens of ecology and sustainability.

Artist Introductions

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy kicks off the conversation by introducing his multifaceted approach to visual arts:

"I'm Matthew Lutz-Kinoy. I'm a visual artist working across many disciplines. I'm working in painting, ceramics, performance and collaborating a lot with people in all those disciplines."
(00:37)

He emphasizes his commitment to collaborative efforts and ecological practices within his work, setting the stage for a dialogue that intertwines art and sustainability.

Mauro Colagreco responds by highlighting his culinary philosophy and its alignment with ecological mindfulness:

"I work near the nature practically from the beginning of the creation of my restaurant... Your work touched me a lot because I love ceramics."
(01:08)

Mauro appreciates the tactile and expressive nature of ceramics, drawing parallels to the artistry involved in his culinary creations.

Shared Interests in Ecology

The conversation swiftly moves to the shared passion for ecology and sustainable practices:

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy draws an analogy between his ceramic work and forging global connections:

"This is the same with ceramics. This is something that can take you to every place of the world... you can find a common ground."
(02:17)

Mauro Colagreco echoes this sentiment through the universal language of food:

"Cooking is something all the cultures do it... when the food arrives, everybody understand each other with the signs, with the smiles, with the energy."
(02:50)

Both guests underscore the importance of ecological consciousness as a foundation for their respective crafts.

The Intersection of Ceramics and Culinary Arts

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the dynamic between ceramics and culinary arts as platforms for creative expression:

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy elaborates on the concept of the stage in his work:

"The plate... became this stage, like, it became this platform... it can be something that kind of expand and contract."
(05:22)

He reflects on how ceramics transform into a functional yet artistic medium that shapes the dining experience.

Mauro Colagreco relates this to the ebb and flow of a restaurant’s operations:

"The stage, in the table and the room, we open the plates and the party happen... It's crazy how in a restaurant that can happen twice a day."
(05:53)

This exchange highlights the seamless integration of art and culinary performance, where each plate serves as both a canvas and a catalyst for social interaction.

Creating Spaces and Experiences

The dialogue transitions to the creation of immersive experiences through curated events:

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy shares his experiences organizing dinner events that merge ceramics with culinary artistry:

"Each time it's kind of like I make this script, to kind of construct this kind of event or a thing that's kind of centered."
(07:08)

Mauro Colagreco discusses the intricacies of designing programs that balance innovation with emotional resonance:

"If you have all the dishes are... you need this high and low in a manner, because that gives to the guest this emotion."
(07:35)

Their collaboration underscores the importance of thoughtfully crafted environments that engage all senses and emotions.

The Role of Collaboration and Inspiration

Exploring the impact of collaboration, both guests emphasize the influence of their peers and mentors:

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy reflects on his collaborative journey:

"I'm probably the most influenced by the people I work directly with... my first band working with Sophie, to the dancers I've worked with..."
(15:59)

Mauro Colagreco acknowledges the profound effect of his team and mentors on his culinary philosophy:

"Somebody who marked me a lot is Masonabu Fukuoka... One of his book changed totally my vision about agriculture."
(18:34)

Their narratives highlight the symbiotic relationships that fuel their creative processes and drive their commitment to sustainable practices.

Perspectives on Beauty and Hope

Together, they delve into the conceptualization of beauty amid global challenges:

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy poses a philosophical question:

"How do you define beauty?... beauty as seeing the world clearly, or maybe what I could kind of describe as what beauty is, which doesn't only include pleasure, but also includes reality."
(14:19)

Mauro Colagreco responds with an optimistic outlook:

"We need to have islands of hope... Even in the worst situations, we must keep in mind something beautiful around us happen."
(15:23)

This exchange underscores the necessity of finding and fostering beauty as a source of resilience and inspiration in turbulent times.

Farming and Climate Adaptation

The discussion shifts towards agriculture and climate resilience:

Mauro Colagreco shares his adaptive farming practices:

"In my garden, you can find between the very classic Mediterranean vegetables... you will find bananas, papayas, passion fruits... can grow now with the climate change."
(13:14)

He emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing climates to ensure sustainability and continuity in food production.

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy connects this to ecological representation in art:

"We need to get artists involved."
(20:04)

He references Masaharu Fukuoka’s insights on ecology, highlighting the interconnectedness of species and the imperative for holistic understanding and representation.

The Power of Art in Ecology

The guests explore the role of art in conveying ecological narratives:

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy discusses the necessity of artistic representation in ecology:

"It's so beautiful when you see the whole field covered in spiderwebs. Who can capture this? So we need to get artists involved."
(20:04)

Mauro Colagreco aligns this perspective with his culinary mission:

"It's what we try to do... express moments of joy and provoke guests into something more deeper, more out of the box of the wall of the restaurant."
(09:14)

Their collaboration exemplifies how art and cuisine can intersect to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of ecological systems.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a harmonious affirmation of shared values:

Mauro Colagreco reflects on the collective mission:

"My work open a door, not a door. Millions of doors of hopes, of possibilities."
(21:46)

Matthew Lutz-Kinoy resonates with this vision:

"I like to work as an artist... open as many doors as possible, not only in terms of, like, an idea or a project, but also as, like, points of access and points of engagement."
(22:12)

This closing sentiment encapsulates the essence of CHANEL Connects—a platform that fosters openness, collaboration, and the continuous pursuit of creative and ecological harmony.

Key Takeaways

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The fusion of culinary arts and visual arts can create immersive and meaningful experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.

• Ecological Consciousness: Both guests emphasize the importance of sustainability and ecological mindfulness in their creative processes.

• Adaptive Practices: Adapting to climate change through innovative farming and artistic representation is crucial for future resilience.

• The Role of Beauty and Hope: Finding beauty in reality and fostering hope are vital for inspiring positive change and resilience in challenging times.

• Artistic Representation in Ecology: Artists play a pivotal role in capturing and conveying the complexities of ecological systems, promoting awareness and action.

This episode of CHANEL Connects beautifully intertwines the worlds of culinary excellence and visual artistry, illustrating how collaboration and ecological consciousness can lead to innovative and impactful creative endeavors.