In the quiet corners of his Beirut childhood, Robert Mazlo learnt to see the world through the lens of aesthetics: He saw the sensitive brushstrokes of his mother – a watercolour painter, and absorbed the studied gaze of his father – who has been an art dealer. But it was the workshop that aroused his interest: the quiet dedication in the making, the ancient rhythms of the Phoenician goldsmiths that echoed in his hands.
In this place he has built his first studio, before settling his ideal studio in Paris by the end of the 70’s, conjuring new methods, and deepening his understanding of meaning through form. For Mazlo, jewellery is not adornment; it is a language of memory and transmission. A ring can carry the weight of a myth. A surface can hold silence. His creations live in the spaces between magic, craftsmanship, and time.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
During my periods of work, I navigate between my studio and the gallery in Paris, in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
I’m a keen walker. So far I haven’t found a better way to relax, apart from reading, of course. When I want to relax, I go for walks along the banks of the Seine in Paris, or along the paths of the Petite Ceinture, particularly the one in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, which runs along the former Auteuil railway line.
As a collector of books, I also like to spend some time during the weekend at the book market in the Parc Georges Brassens.
© Jérémie Tondu
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
The situation in Lebanon is no secret. In the last few years, between the financial crisis, the explosion in the port of Beirut and the Israeli-Palestinian war, life in my country has never been so unbearable. The main reason for this is the corruption that reigns within the political elite.
The situation in France is entirely different, but I regret that politicians are concentrating on minor problems instead of finally tackling the vital issues that threaten the planet.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
With your permission, I’d like to focus on France and Paris to answer the following questions. Among the positive things I’ve seen in the French capital over the last 5 years, I’d stress the development of cycle paths and the increase in the number of cyclists in Paris.
As for the aspects that have evolved for the worse, I would say that Paris suffers from the same evils as most of the capitals appreciated by tourists: gentrification and the multiplication of airbnbs have led to the increase of rents and the city empties of its inhabitants. The life of the neighbourhoods is totally changed. Local shops are especially the first to become scarce. I also regret the commodification of culture. Visiting Paris is a chance to have access to an exceptional museum offer. But today, it becomes impossible to visit large museums like the Louvre without having to face flock of tourists who just take pictures in front of masterpieces without even taking a look at them. Parisians are finding it increasingly difficult to visit museums and their monuments. Even the evening hours that were so popular with locals are taken over by tourists now.
© Émile Barret
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
I cannot recommend a manufacturer but I could recommend a grocery store, l’Épicerie Circulaire in Paris 19th arrondissement, which actually offers organic food and maintenance products made in Paris, or in its surroundings in returnable containers.
Is there anything particulary innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
For me, Paris is not characterised by innovation. Unlike many neighbouring capitals, it did not suffer the destruction of the war and its architectural heritage was miraculously preserved. So what I find extraordinary about Paris is this alliance between the art of living, the taste for good things and the cultural offer. The city is full of gems, places of extraordinary charm, full of nostalgia, such as the Gustave Moreau Museum, the Museum of the History of Medicine or the Paris School of Mines Mineralogy Museum to name a few.
I also love the galleries and covered shopping arcades. Innovation in Paris may come from its cultural diversity. It is particularly sensitive when it comes to cooking. I don’t think I’ve seen so much opportunity to taste so many different types of cuisine elsewhere than in Paris. At least with this level of requirement.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
As a Lebanese, I would recommend Kubri in the 11th arrondissement, run by two sisters and a cheffe of Lebanese origin, which offers a modern version of our homeland’s cuisine.
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
Instead of a retail store, I would recommend going to the markets that are located throughout Paris. Each district has at least one. There you can find everything you need to cook but I obviously recommend cheeses, chocolate, bread…
For cheese lovers, I can recommend Taka & Vermo in the 10th arrondissement for example. For chocolate, there is obviously Debauve & Gallais, a real institution that is located near the gallery, in the 6th arrondissement. Today the chocolate factory Plaq is also making a name for itself.
And for lovers of Levantine sweets, of pistachio and orange blossom flavors, I would recommend Maison Aleph in the Marais.
© Courtesy of the artist
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
I might disappoint you, since I don’t have a smartphone. My only concession to technology is an ipad and a music app. Music is essential for me to work and it allows me to change infinitely the type of music according to my mood.
Do you have any favourite newspaper or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
A few years ago, I decided not to keep up with the news on a daily basis, whether through newspapers, television or radio. Not out of indifference but because I saw this abundance of information as poison. Not only is the information obsolete by the time it reaches us, it also leaves us powerless. Faced with the frustration of not being able to change things, I cut myself from this source of torment to focus on reading history, on the long time, which alone can give us a perspective on the course of the world.
Therefore I rely on my loved ones to filter the information and keep me informed of the really important issues.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would make access to museums and concert halls free, at least for French citizens. Access to art is the only guarantee of awareness.
© Hartl Meyer
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constraints – which one would you choose?
No place is absolutely perfect. My only condition is to find a place where I can exercise my art in peace.
© Courtesy of the artist
