Introduction
Laurence Jenkell is a French contemporary artist born in 1965 in Bourges, France. Self-taught and internationally acclaimed, she is best known for her iconic Wrapping Candy sculptures that blend pop culture aesthetics with profound artistic meaning. Her work has captivated global audiences and established her as a significant figure in contemporary art.
Biography
Laurence Jenkell’s artistic journey began in the mid-1990s when she embarked on a path of creative exploration without formal training. Driven by an innate passion for creation and curiosity about the sensory world, she developed a distinctive artistic voice that would eventually gain international recognition. Her early works were characterized by bold use of color and unconventional materials, reflecting her fascination with how ordinary objects could be transformed into extraordinary art.
The defining moment in Jenkell’s career came with the development of her signature Wrapping Candy sculptures. Inspired by childhood memories and the universal appeal of sweets, she created a unique technique involving the meticulous draping and twisting of materials such as plexiglass, resin, and aluminum. These sculptures evoke the form and allure of wrapped candies while transcending mere representation. For Jenkell, candy serves as a metaphor for exploring themes of desire, consumption, nostalgia, and the transformation of the mundane into the extraordinary. Each sculpture invites viewers into a world where familiar objects become vehicles for deeper artistic expression.
Beyond her celebrated candy sculptures, Jenkell’s artistic repertoire demonstrates remarkable versatility. She has explored diverse themes and materials through various series including DNA works, Robots, and Butterflies. Each series reflects her ongoing investigation of identity, technology, nature, and environmental concerns. This breadth of exploration showcases her commitment to engaging with complex contemporary subjects through innovative visual language.
Jenkell’s work has been exhibited in prestigious venues and major art fairs worldwide. Her sculptures have been displayed at the G20 summit in Cannes, the Olympic Village at the London Olympics, and in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Baku. Her pieces have found permanent homes in public spaces, museums, and distinguished private collections. In recognition of her significant contributions to contemporary art and her role in promoting French culture internationally, Laurence Jenkell was honored with the title of Knight of the French Order of Arts and Letters. Beyond her artistic achievements, Jenkell is committed to using her art for philanthropic purposes, supporting causes dedicated to social and environmental issues and demonstrating her belief in art’s transformative power for positive change.
Archive Laurence Jenkell
As a contemporary artist whose work has gained significant market presence, the authentication and certification of Laurence Jenkell’s artworks is of paramount importance. Given the contemporary nature of her practice and the increasing value of her sculptures in the international art market, proper documentation and provenance verification are essential for collectors and institutions.
For works by Laurence Jenkell, authentication should be supported by comprehensive documentation including certificates of authenticity, purchase receipts, exhibition catalogs, and photographic records. The artist’s international exhibition history—including presentations at major venues such as the G20 summit in Cannes and the London Olympics—provides important reference points for establishing provenance. Collectors are advised to maintain detailed records of acquisition, including the source of purchase, any accompanying certificates, and photographic documentation of the work from multiple angles.
When acquiring or selling works by Laurence Jenkell, it is recommended to work with reputable galleries, auction houses, and art professionals who specialize in contemporary art. These experts can verify authenticity through examination of materials, construction techniques, and comparison with documented works. Given the distinctive nature of her Wrapping Candy sculptures and other series, proper authentication protects both collectors and the integrity of the artist’s legacy in the market.
Artwork Quotes
Laurence Jenkell’s works command varying price points depending on the series, size, materials, and provenance. Her Wrapping Candy sculptures, being her most iconic and recognizable works, typically represent the higher end of her market value. Smaller sculptures and works from her other series such as Robots, Butterflies, and DNA works generally occupy different price brackets.
Contemporary sculptures by established artists with international exhibition records and institutional recognition typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of euros, with exceptional pieces or large-scale installations commanding premium prices. Jenkell’s work, given her recognition at major international venues and her status as a Knight of the French Order of Arts and Letters, reflects this market positioning.
Specific valuation of individual works requires consideration of multiple factors: dimensions and scale, materials used, exhibition history, condition, provenance documentation, and current market demand. Works that have been exhibited at major international venues or are part of notable collections typically achieve higher valuations. The secondary market for contemporary sculpture has shown consistent growth, particularly for artists with strong international presence and institutional recognition.
The values indicated are generated from the analysis of auction results and are for informational purposes only. Pontiart disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of such data. For a precise valuation please contact our experts.
Artwork Valuations
The international art market values Laurence Jenkell’s work based on several key factors that reflect her status as an established contemporary artist. Her position as a self-taught artist who achieved international recognition adds to the narrative appeal of her work, particularly in contemporary art markets where authenticity and unique vision are highly valued.
Jenkell’s sculptures are assessed by the market through the lens of contemporary art trends, material innovation, and conceptual depth. Her Wrapping Candy series, in particular, has become iconic within contemporary sculpture discourse, representing a successful bridge between popular culture and fine art. The use of unconventional materials—plexiglass, resin, aluminum—executed with technical precision, appeals to collectors interested in material experimentation and contemporary aesthetics.
The secondary market for her works reflects growing collector interest in contemporary sculpture, particularly pieces that combine visual impact with conceptual significance. Her exhibition history at major international venues, including the G20 summit and Olympic venues, provides strong market credentials. Works with documented provenance and exhibition history command premium valuations compared to works without such documentation.
Market demand for Jenkell’s work is driven by collectors seeking distinctive contemporary sculpture with strong visual presence and thematic depth. The relatively limited production of large-scale sculptures, combined with increasing recognition of her contributions to contemporary art, supports market stability and appreciation potential. Institutional interest from museums and public collections further validates market positioning and contributes to long-term value stability.
Buy Artworks
Pontiart specializes in acquiring and selling works by Laurence Jenkell, offering collectors access to authenticated contemporary sculptures from this internationally recognized artist. Whether you are seeking to acquire a significant piece for your collection or considering the sale of an existing work, our gallery provides professional expertise and market knowledge.
To purchase works by Laurence Jenkell: Contact our gallery team with details of your collecting interests. We maintain an active network of available works and can inform you about recent acquisitions and upcoming opportunities. We offer personalized assistance in identifying pieces that match your aesthetic preferences and collection goals.
To sell or obtain a valuation: Provide clear photographic documentation including frontal view, back view, and detail of any signatures or markings. Include precise dimensions and weight if applicable. Document the acquisition history, including purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, exhibition catalogs, or any published references. Our specialists will provide a comprehensive evaluation and market assessment within one business day.
Pontiart guarantees maximum confidentiality and professional handling of all transactions. We offer subscription to our monthly newsletter, which provides updates on new acquisitions and market developments in contemporary art. Contact us via email at [email protected] or by WhatsApp at +39 3205747749 to discuss your acquisition or sales interests. Our team is committed to facilitating informed collecting decisions and ensuring fair market valuations for works by Laurence Jenkell and other contemporary artists.