LE GYPSE, ORIGINE MINÉRALE
A sedimentary rock formed by the slow crystallization of seawater, gypsum is the source of plaster. Ground into a white powder and then rehydrated, it becomes a malleable material that can be transformed while retaining its mineral nature.
Discreet by nature, gypsum has a matte, porous surface that is sensitive to light and touch. It seeks neither brilliance nor effect, but accuracy..
Used since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region, plaster has accompanied the history of civilizations. From Egyptian frescoes to Greek temples, Roman villas to European palaces, it has spanned centuries and continents.
A sculptural material par excellence, it is used in both domestic architecture and sacred spaces. In France, it has had a lasting impact on the identity of buildings, from the plasterwork of Provence to the Haussmann-style ceilings.
KNOWLEDGE AND TRANSMISSION
Long associated with refinement and ornamentation, plaster underwent a shift in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, with the rise of industrialized solutions, notably drywall, which made its use commonplace and detached its practice from traditional skills.
However, rare skills still remain. These practices require technical mastery and a keen sensitivity to the material. They perpetuate a heritage that is both tangible and intangible.
Plaster has a unique relationship with light. It does not reflect it, but diffuses it. Each variation in lighting transforms the perception of its volumes and reveals the depth of its surface.
A living, sensual, and delicate material, it is synonymous with adaptability and flexibility. Her work is as physical as it is contemplative, engaging the body as much as the eye.
Plaster embodies both strength and sensitivity. This duality gives the forms a silent, almost vibrant presence, in constant dialogue with the space that hosts them.
