Tout commence par ce rien (It all begins with this nothing)

 

Tout commence par ce rien is a bronze sculpture, produced for JAP (Jeunesse et Arts Plastique, Brussels) in ten copies and three artist's proofs.

 

Every autumn, the horse chestnut trees release their burrs, along with the stems that previously held them. These stems, discreet yet essential to the blossoming of the tree's fruit, usually disappear beneath the blind footsteps of passersby and return to the earth.

 

During my many searches, the human-shaped twigs are collected and then dressed in a cotton thread garment woven over them.
Adorned, protected, and preserved, they invite our gaze, to an unusual attention; a blend of recognition and projection.

 

Tout commence par ce rien thus brings to light what is located on the margins of our consideration. From decomposing organic matter to immaculate bronze, the work questions the notions of trace and memory.