French plaster artist Thibault Perrigne’s creative journey is driven by an ongoing exploration of the potential of his chosen medium.
Here, we sit down with Thibault to discuss his inspirations, his influences and the way his work explores themes of duality, capturing the tension between raw and refined, static and fluid, strong and vulnerable.
Can you tell us about your creative process? has it changed since you started out? My creative process is an ongoing exploration, almost a conversation with plaster. When I started out, I approached plaster in a very intuitive and experimental way, without really understanding all its possibilities. I tested, I made mistakes, but every failure was an opportunity to learn. Today, my approach is more structured, but still imbued with that initial spontaneity.
I often start with an idea or an emotion I want to express, but I leave plenty of room for improvisation. Plaster is a material that imposes its own constraints: it dries quickly, and captures every gesture, every pressure. This forces me to work in the moment, to be in symbiosis with the material. This dialogue between control and letting go is at the heart of my process.
Over time, my process has evolved. At first, I worked mainly with simple, figurative forms, concentrating on the technical basics. Today, my creations incorporate more concepts: texture, light, interaction with the surrounding space.
What hasn't changed is my fascination with the moment when plaster goes from liquid to solid. It's a magical moment, when the work begins to define itself, almost as if it were taking on a life of its own. For me, this moment remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
Why is plaster your material of choice?
I was immediately fascinated by its texture, its fast setting and its ability to capture every detail, every imperfection.
What really appealed to me was its paradoxical nature: it's a material that's both accessible and demanding. It's humble in its cost and simplicity, but demands particular care in its handling. Every gesture counts. I like this challenge, this almost instinctive relationship that plaster imposes.
Is there a common element, aesthetic or theme that runs through your work?
Yes, there are recurring elements that unite my work, and they often revolve around duality. Plaster, by its very nature, perfectly reflects this concept. It is both solid and vulnerable, raw and refined, ephemeral and yet capable of freezing a moment for eternity. This ambivalence is the common thread running through my work.
Aesthetically, I often seek to express a form of raw simplicity. My creations tend towards clean lines and natural textures, but they always carry a certain tension and emotional depth. I like to play with contrasts, light and shadow, smooth and rough, full and empty, inviting viewers to explore beyond the surface.
Where do you find the inspiration for your work?
The inspiration for my work comes from many horizons, but Amadeo Modigliani occupies a special place in my artistic journey. His approach to form, his clean lines and the serenity that emanates from his portraits have had a profound effect on me. What moves me about him is his ability to capture a timeless, universal essence in such simple figures.
Beyond Modigliani, I find inspiration in the harmony of forms, whether human or natural. The texture of a face, the movement of a body, or even the surface of a timeworn object can remind me of the way Modigliani brought matter and soul into dialogue.
Are there any artists, musicians or designers who have inspired your work or whom you admire?
For me, inspiration comes not only from the big names in art and design, but also from music, which plays an essential role in my creative process. I'm lucky enough to have friends in the music business, and every working day is often influenced by a new DJ set or a track I'm listening to. Music has an incredible power over my emotions, and it almost becomes an emotional translation of what I'm feeling, a bit like a common thread between what I'm feeling internally and what I'm physically creating in the cast.
Each piece or set will have a different impact on my mood and, by extension, on the work I'm creating. Sometimes, a gentle melody will inspire me to create more fluid, organic forms, while a more percussive rhythm will push me to explore more angular shapes or more pronounced textures. It's as if music becomes the key to opening emotional and creative doors, and I let myself be carried along by it, sometimes very instinctively.
What are you currently working on? Do you have any upcoming projects to look forward to?
At the moment, I'm working on a particularly exciting project: the creation of a bar made entirely of plaster, integrated directly into the wall, for the villa of an artist I greatly admire. It's a fascinating challenge, as it involves not only working on a large scale, but also designing a functional space while maintaining the purity and aesthetics of plaster as the main material. This approach allows me to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of what can be achieved with plaster, integrating it into an interior environment in an immersive and organic way.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how this project evolves, as it represents a fusion between art and design, a terrain I'm particularly fond of. The idea of creating a space that is not just a decorative element, but also a functional work of art, is very stimulating.
If your studio could be anywhere, where would it be?
I'd like my studio to be located somewhere where nature meets raw, wild inspiration. Costa Rica or Australia would be a perfect choice, as I have a particular approach to nature and the animal world. This country, with its unique biodiversity and lush, unspoilt landscapes, offers a deep connection with the natural environment. Working in such a place would allow me to observe and be inspired by the forms and structures of flora and fauna, their raw, organic beauty. Immersion in such a rich environment nourishes my work and allows me to further explore the relationship between humankind and nature.
Thibault’s pieces are available online at the Kerrie-Ann Jones Gallery.
For more from Thibault, follow him at @thibaultperrigne
