Eddy Maniez

Born in Grasse in the South of France in 1969, Eddy Maniez is a self-taught contemporary artist internationally recognized for his distinctive sculptural language combining silicone pointillism, Swarovski® crystals, texture, and tactile illusion. Raised in an environment without television or books, his imagination developed early through drawing, construction, and experimentation with materials — shaping the foundation of a highly instinctive and unconventional artistic practice.

 

From childhood, Maniez explored creation through multiple mediums: layered plexiglass compositions, tattoo designs, miniature architecture built entirely from matchsticks, razor-carved sculptures, painting, relief work, and assemblage. Before dedicating himself fully to art, he worked for nearly two decades as a forester, an experience that profoundly influenced his fascination with wildlife, organic movement, and the emotional presence of animals — themes that remain central throughout his oeuvre.

 

In 1997, while working near the port of Cannes, Maniez developed what would become his signature technique: the application of hand-placed silicone dots originally conceived to protect fragile objects on boats from impact. Fascinated by the visual rhythm, tactile contradiction, and sculptural potential of the material, he transformed this industrial medium into a refined artistic language. He later enriched the surfaces with meticulously integrated Swarovski® crystals, creating works that are simultaneously sharp to the eye and unexpectedly soft to the touch.

 

Today, Maniez is known internationally as “The Man with Three Billion Dots.” His works range from monumental sculptures and bas-reliefs to collectible design objects, fashion collaborations, and immersive installations. Gorillas, octopuses, butterflies, turtles, crocodiles, moonfish, and other animal forms recur throughout his practice as symbolic explorations of instinct, freedom, resilience, transformation, and coexistence between humanity and nature.

 

Working from his studio in Tourrettes, near Saint-Tropez, alongside a dedicated team of collaborators, Maniez combines technical precision with emotional spontaneity. Each silicone dot and crystal is applied entirely by hand, without tracing or mechanical assistance, requiring exceptional control of gesture, rhythm, and breathing.

 

Influenced by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, Pierre Soulages, and Georges de La Tour, Maniez approaches art as a sensory and emotional experience where texture, light, movement, and contrast play equal roles. His practice merges sculpture, painting, craftsmanship, and design into a singular visual identity that challenges perception and invites interaction.

 

Beyond his artistic production, Maniez is also committed to environmental responsibility. Conscious of the ecological impact of artistic production, he calculates the carbon footprint of his works and supports reforestation initiatives through the Pachamama Madagascar association.

 

His works have been exhibited internationally in galleries, luxury venues, design collaborations, and cultural events, including presentations connected to Swarovski®, Paris Design Week, Monaco charity events, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives, Hôtel Negresco in Nice, and Wynn Las Vegas.

 

For Eddy Maniez, art is not merely aesthetic expression, but “the freedom of sharing, and the sharing of freedom.