Pierre-Louis Graizon
The man behind the mask
Pierre-Louis Graizon was born in Montpellier in 1992. He graduated with honours from ESBAMA in 2013, and obtained his master's degree at les Beaux Arts de Nantes with congratulations of the jury in 2015. He obtained his master's degree from the Accessories master at La Cambre in 2018 and is currently living and working in Bruxelles.
His work tends to question the role of distinction in the constitution of one’s identity nowadays, the ambivalence of this quest for exception in a globalized society, as well as the consequences for a mediatically exposed and staged individual life.
Desire to create
In the realm of artistic expression, Pierre-Louis Graizon stands as a master of transformation. Hailing from France and now based in Brussels, his creative journey has led him to craft intricate masks that transcend the boundaries of mere accessories. With hat-making techniques and felt as his chosen medium, Graizon delves into the realm of identities, exploring the intricate dance between the "social self" and the "natural self." Sublime Magazine had the privilege of sitting down with this enigmatic artist to uncover the inspirations and revelations that drive his remarkable creations. Graizon's artistic path unfolded organically after completing his studies. Fuelled by an insatiable desire to create, he established his own workshop, a sacred space where his imagination could run wild and his artistic vision could take shape. Surrounded by an array of materials, objects, and ongoing projects, he delved deep into the realm of masks, discovering a profound connection to felt—an ideal medium for his artistic exploration.
The interplay between different versions of the self
"I realized that this material is the perfect medium for my artistic research because it allows me to express myself in the most natural way," Graizon explains. His masks transcend mere physical objects; they embody potential identities, narratives that may have unfolded or could come to life. Influenced by personal experiences, both struggles and triumphs, his work encapsulates a deep reflection on the construction of identity, exploring the interplay between different versions of the self.
When delving into the artistic process, one might expect Graizon to sketch out his designs meticulously. However, he shatters this preconception, revealing that he relies solely on mental images when crafting his masterpieces. "People are usually very surprised when they learn that I almost never draw," he admits. By directly translating his mental visions into tangible objects, he forges an intimate connection with the materials, immersing himself fully in the creative process. The result is a collection of masks that possess an ethereal quality, infused with the essence of the artist's imagination.
“No Time to Die”
For Pierre-Louis Graizon, the essence of craftsmanship extends beyond technical excellence; it encompasses durability, savoir-faire, and the ability to evoke a profound emotional response. His creations are not about attaining a rigid notion of perfection but rather about the stories they carry and the emotions they provoke. Each mask becomes a vessel of expression, a conduit for the exploration of diverse identities and the human experience itself.
Throughout his career, Pierre-Louis Graizon has had numerous memorable moments, but one particular highlight stands out—a surreal realization of his artistic journey. Two of his masks have found their place on the set of the recent James Bond film, 'No Time to Die.' It is an awe-inspiring experience for Graizon, who grew up watching these iconic movies. Seeing his creations become part of the world that has captivated him since childhood is nothing short of extraordinary.
Pierre-Louis Graizon, the visionary artist behind the masks, continues to captivate with his evocative creations. Through his exploration of identities, he invites us to question the masks we wear in our own lives and the intricate dance between our social personas and our true selves. As he crafts each mask with care and intention, Graizon invites us into a world where imagination reigns supreme, reminding us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities that lie within the realm of masks as identities.
Photography by Boris Dave
