Studio Sessions with Lyle XOX
We caught up with Lyle XOX to tour his new studio space and see where he conjures ideas for his next works.
Canadian mixed media artist, Lyle Reimer, also fondly known as Lyle XOX, creates works of immeasurable fantasy and enchantment—fusing together his background in makeup artistry with high-end fashion and recycled objects to create unique face sculpture using his own body as the canvas. Today, the work of Lyle XOX has been recognized by some of the biggest powerhouses in the high-end fashion world, finding him collaborations with Gucci, Gentle Monster, Comme des Garçons, and his most recent Maison Margiela.
“Art and Fashion have always had a symbiotic relationship. Both worlds inspiring each other to manifest bodies of work.”
– Lyle Reimer
Newfound collaborations and successes meant expanding his creative space. As Lyle XOX’s representative, Mosquito Agency was invited to tour his new studio; a multi-purpose hub that that combines creating, photographing and socializing into one sleek place.
Despite being on a busy downtown street the new studio has a low-key exterior and gives way to a minimal and beautifully curated artist’s space. There is a lounging area perfect for conversation with a wine or cocktail in hand, plenty of wall space to give breathing room needed for his large-scale works, and vignettes scattered throughout that feel like installations in a gallery.
Going further into the studio you’ll find Lyle’s workshop and a photo area where he captures his finished pieces. His desk is organized with fragments that he has strategically categorized for upcoming creations. These objects may have been sent by adoring fans, or are tokens from dinner parties, found, or even memories, made anew. Each piece proves that objects, even those forgotten, seen in a new light, given a new reveal and appreciation, can be beautiful and invaluable.
Perhaps the most interesting is a chair covered in fabric that lives in the back of the studio space, where more materials and inspirations are kept. He calls it his “thinking chair” where we’re sure he conjures ideas for his next works.
