Art in damp territory: when beauty resists the steam
The bathroom of Villa E-1027, perched on the rocks of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, still bears the traces of an artistic scandal. In 1938, Le Corbusier, invited by his friend Eileen Gray, painted eight murals there without her permission. The naked bodies and geometric forms he deployed shocked the Irish
By Artedusa
••8 min read
Art in damp territory: when beauty resists the steam
The bathroom of Villa E-1027, perched on the rocks of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, still bears the traces of an artistic scandal. In 1938, Le Corbusier, invited by his friend Eileen Gray, painted eight murals there without her permission. The naked bodies and geometric forms he deployed shocked the Irish architect, but fascinated historians: for the first time, contemporary art had entered a space as intimate as a bathroom. Eighty years later, the question remains: how to make pigments, so fragile, converse with stubborn humidity, the heat of stovetops, or splatters of grease? And above all, why take such a risk?
Because it is indeed a risk. A Hokusai print hung above a marble bathtub can turn to papier-mâché within months. A Soulages canvas displayed near an extractor hood will see its deep blacks fade to dull gray under the assault of cooking fumes. Yet bold collectors, visionary designers, and even Michelin-starred chefs continue to bet on the unlikely alliance between art and these functional rooms. Their secret? A subtle alchemy of material choices, protective techniques, and, above all, an intimate understanding of the works themselves.
When Roman baths invented resistant art
The idea of adorning damp spaces is not new. In the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, mosaics depicting Neptune riding hippocampi have withstood the steam of public baths since the 3rd century. Roman craftsmen had already mastered the art of colored glass tesserae, an impermeable material that captured the light of the pools. Closer to us, Renaissance palace kitchens were filled with oil paintings on wood—glistening grapes, silvery fish, crisp vegetables—that celebrated abundance while enduring the smoke of fireplaces.
But it was in the 19th century that art in utilitarian rooms took on a more intimate turn. Parisian bourgeois, inspired by Japanese prints, began hanging Hiroshige engravings in their bathrooms. The motifs of waves and mists harmonized perfectly with the vaporous atmosphere of these spaces. Even more surprising: the kitchens of Arts & Crafts homes were adorned with ceramics by William De Morgan, whose blue and green patterns evoked English gardens. These pieces, designed to withstand wear, proved that a work of art could not only survive but thrive in a hostile environment.
The collector’s dilemma: protect or display?
The real challenge begins when you leave museums and enter a modern bathroom. Humidity, that silent scourge, acts like a slow acid. A Matisse lithograph, no matter how beautiful, will warp within weeks if displayed without protection. The inks of Japanese prints, though renowned for their durability, will fade under the effect of hot water vapor. Even oil paintings, known for their longevity, will crack if subjected to sudden temperature changes.
The solution? Framing worthy of a major museum’s storage rooms. Museum glass, treated with anti-UV and anti-reflective coatings, creates an invisible barrier between the work and the ambient air. Behind it, an acid-free mat prevents direct contact with the frame, while a watertight silicone seal locks everything in place. For the most humid bathrooms, some gallery owners even recommend anodized aluminum frames, a material resistant to corrosion. "A work in a bathroom should be considered a temporary installation," confides Marie-Laure Desjardins, curator at the Centre Pompidou. "Even with the best protections, humidity will eventually win. That’s why I often advise my clients to opt for limited editions or replicas for these rooms."
Materials that withstand the test of daily life
While some traditional techniques struggle with humidity, others seem tailor-made for these spaces. Ceramics, for example, are a trusted ally. Bernard Palissy’s vases, with their relief reptiles and crustaceans, already adorned Renaissance curiosity cabinets. Today, artists like Edmund de Waal or the Bouroullec brothers reinvent this material for contemporary interiors. Their pieces, glazed at high temperatures, resist water splashes and thermal shocks.
Another option: metal. Giacometti’s bronze sculptures or Calder’s mobiles bring a touch of modernity to bathrooms. But beware: bronze, if not patinated, can develop a layer of verdigris under the effect of humidity. Savvy collectors opt for pieces treated with microcrystalline wax, which creates a protective barrier. For kitchens, stainless steel is a safe bet. Works by Richard Serra or lighting fixtures by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec integrate seamlessly into these spaces, where functionality competes with aesthetics.
Even more surprising: digital art. Waterproof screens, like those in Samsung’s The Frame series, allow high-resolution artworks to be displayed. Imagine a Monet painting gently animated by the rhythm of daylight, or a Bill Viola video projected in your shower. These technologies, still expensive, open fascinating perspectives for art in damp rooms.
Where to hang? The art of choosing the right spot
In a kitchen, the golden rule is simple: keep artworks away from heat sources and splatters. Behind stovetops, greasy vapors will quickly soil a canvas. Above the sink, water splashes will eventually damage the paper. Walls opposite work surfaces are ideal locations. "I like to place still lifes above sideboards," explains designer Patricia Urquiola. "The fruits painted by Wayne Thiebaud or Morandi’s fish create harmony with real food. It’s a way to celebrate the kitchen as a living space."
In a bathroom, the strategy is different. Walls opposite the shower or bathtub are the safest. Above the sink, a well-framed work can create an elegant focal point. But be careful: avoid areas where water runs directly. "Once, I saw a beautiful Hiroshige print completely washed out because it was hung too close to the bathtub," recalls Hugo Mulliez, co-founder of Rise Art gallery. "The client was devastated. Since then, I always recommend leaving at least 60 centimeters between the work and the water source."
Lighting also plays a crucial role. In a kitchen, adjustable LED spotlights, with a color temperature between 2700K and 3000K, will highlight the textures of artworks without fading them. In a bathroom, waterproof LED strips, hidden behind glass shelves, create a soft, enveloping atmosphere. "Light should sculpt the work, not overwhelm it," emphasizes designer Ilse Crawford. "In a damp room, it should also avoid annoying reflections on frames."
Works that have stood the test of time
Some pieces seem made to withstand the ravages of time. Japanese prints, for example, have crossed centuries without losing their luster. Hokusai’s waves or Hiroshige’s cherry blossoms still adorn bathrooms worldwide today. Their secret? Inks based on mineral pigments, resistant to humidity, and thick paper that withstands temperature variations.
In kitchens, still lifes have always been popular. Wayne Thiebaud’s cakes, with their bright colors, bring a touch of cheerfulness to culinary spaces. Giorgio Morandi’s fish and crustaceans, painted in earthy tones, harmonize perfectly with natural materials like wood or stone. "These works celebrate food without being literal," explains gallerist Thaddaeus Ropac. "They transform the kitchen into a place of contemplation."
For contemporary art lovers, the possibilities are endless. Yayoi Kusama’s psychedelic patterns, printed on ceramics, add a touch of madness to bathrooms. Henri Cartier-Bresson’s black-and-white photographs, framed under museum glass, add a timeless dimension. And for those who dare, Richard Serra’s metal sculptures or James Turrell’s light installations create immersive experiences that turn these rooms into true art galleries.
The future of art in damp rooms
Tomorrow, art in kitchens and bathrooms could take unexpected forms. Self-cleaning paints, inspired by nanotechnology, will push the limits of resistance. Thermochromic inks, which change color with temperature, will allow for interactive artworks. And holographic screens, like those developed by teamLab, will transform your shower into a virtual forest or a digital ocean.
But beyond technological innovations, it may be ephemeral art that seduces the most. Mural frescoes made with water-resistant acrylic paint, waterproof stickers with geometric patterns, or even hand-painted ceramic plates: so many ways to personalize these spaces without taking risks. "Art in a kitchen or bathroom should above all bring joy," concludes Patricia Urquiola. "Whether it’s a masterpiece or a child’s drawing, what matters is that it speaks to you, inspires you, and stands the test of time."
So, what work would you dream of hanging above your bathtub? A Monet sunset, a Hokusai wave, or perhaps a Morandi still life? Whatever the choice, one thing is certain: with the right precautions, art can transform these functional rooms into true sanctuaries of beauty. And who knows? Perhaps one day, like at Villa E-1027, your bathroom will become the stage for a new artistic scandal.
Art in damp territory: when beauty resists the steam | Buying Guide
