ARTIST DESIGNER

Maxence de Bagneux, born in 1975 in Normandy,
is an artist who blends his passion for ceramics and architecture.

From native soil to a land of expression…

After studies in applied arts and a diploma in interior architecture from the Camondo School in Paris, Maxence de Bagneux embarked on an initiatory journey in Asia that profoundly influenced his artistic vision. Immersing himself in the craftsmanship and artistic wealth of the countries he traversed for 7 years, he then settled in the vibrant city of Berlin to sketch. The call of volume and clay soon made itself felt.

Upon returning to Normandy, he dropped anchor on the family estate, where he set up his workshop to give free rein to his passion. The brown earth of Noron in Normandy, as well as the red brick earth he found on his land, became sources of inspiration. Architectured silhouettes and mysterious profiles take shape and become his playground.

At the edge of art and design…

Maxence de Bagneux maintains an almost intimate relationship with the earth, cherishing its velvet texture and the way pigments tint it. In his artistic practice, he draws from his roots while exploring new horizons.

The creations of Maxence de Bagneux interact with their environment and highlight various craftsmanship. From his workshop emerge sculptural works as well as “useful sculptures.” Maxence enjoys shedding new light on functional objects, diverting them from their initial purpose to present them in an artistic context.

The “useful sculptures” or “living sculptures”
arise from the desire to turn everyday life into an artistic act.
I start from sculpture to move towards the object,
from form to function.

Born under the label Mud Mud Studio, the “Totems” are a series of pieces that are both decorative and playful, combining stoneware and wood. They evoke elements of both Brancusi and Sottsass while offering complete modularity. Maxence de Bagneux gives his clients the opportunity to design their own compositions using each of the elements to assemble.
He appreciates that his pieces are the result of exchanges, which is why he takes genuine pleasure in collaborating with interior architects who continually push him further in his explorations.

With his series of masks in porcelain or black or white grogged stoneware, Maxence de Bagneux delves into a personal anthropology. The ceramist creates one for each birth of a new project, a new phase of life. These masks materialize a mood, a state of mind. They transcend their primary function to become artistic pieces that embody both art and design.

Maxence is also interested in the concept of the threshold, which evokes the passage, the tipping point between two worlds, symbolizing both a point of convergence and duality. Ceramic handles and doors as luminous wall art are part of his current explorations.

Photos – ©Anthony Girardi, ©Laure Ledoux  ©Jelle Van Seghbroeck