Ninon Hivert’s work delves into the afterlife of objects, transforming discarded items into stories that retain the memory of a body, its movements, and its connection to its surroundings. Like an archaeologist, she carefully observes these objects before reinterpreting them in new forms, capturing the essence of contemporary urban life.
Initially focusing on documenting cast-off clothing through photographs and clay sculpture, Hivert has now broadened her scope to include a variety of everyday items. By isolating these artifacts at the moment of abandonment, she highlights the presence that lingers in their absence.
In her latest exhibition titled Ce Qui Est, Ce Qui Sera, Ce Qui Fut. (“That Which Is, That Which Will Be, That Which Has Been.”) at Chapelle XIV in Paris, Hivert explores these ongoing themes with new materials and motifs. Stacks of flattened cardboard and bags of clothing are transformed into ceramic cubes, capturing the tension of containment. Glass bubble-wrap sculptures from her Demi-Jour series line the shelves, appearing fragile yet protective. A bronze cast of work gloves stands as a monument to past labor, while torn collages hint at the ephemeral nature of urban landscapes.
Working with materials such as bronze, pâte de verre, clay, photography, and collage, Hivert meticulously explores the relationship between material and environment. Her recent projects are not only visually striking but also conceptually rigorous. Reflecting on her process, Hivert describes how the translation of bubble wrap into glass sculpture resulted in a solid yet translucent form that captures shadows and light in a unique way.
Hivert’s work invites viewers to contemplate the lifecycle of objects, from their usefulness to their eventual discard. By illustrating the autonomy of these transitional states, she challenges us to consider the impact of consumption and waste. Her art occupies a space of ambiguity, evoking both the past and the future, intertwining temporalities in a continuous cycle of renewal.
If you find stories like this intriguing, consider becoming a Colossal Member to support independent arts publishing and gain access to exclusive benefits such as ad-free browsing, saving favorite articles, discounts in the Colossal Shop, members-only newsletters, and contributing to art supplies for K-12 classrooms. Explore more of Ninon Hivert’s work on her website or Instagram, and experience the thought-provoking exhibition at Chapelle XIV in Paris until December 20.
