Mask making has been around for thousands of years. And, today, many still practice the craft… Meet Muriel Nisse, one of the modern mask makers of this century. Beautifully atavistic in their handmade quality, her biomorphic mask style combines natural and tribal features, often taking up to 150 hours to complete. In the past, she has worked with multiple high fashion designers including the renowned hair stylist Charlie Le Mindu. In this interview, we discuss her career and the art of mask making today…

1. How did you start out?

I studied object design at The National School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg, before settling in Paris, where I’ve been working as a wigmaker and mask maker at The National Opera of Paris.

2. Where do you get your inspiration from?

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I have a wide range of influences including mythology, the flamboyant New Romantics, fashion, aquatic creatures, gemstones and ethnics iconography, tribalism and subcultures. I think the most important motivation for me has always been gathering people around my creations, collaborating with photographers, directors, dancers and performers to make a project and to connect people. The face offers total freedom to play with.

3. Is there a particular technique you use to make your masks?

It’s definitely spontaneous, I usually start straight in, without doing any sketches, just getting inspired by the materials themselves,
the current mood, emotions and music… My stock of materials is quite extensive and it all depends on the current mood.

As it is halfway between fashion and art, my work is primarily oriented around hair material and embroidery. I’ve always been fascinated by hair; it’s very close to thread and silk, and I love the precious and intimate aspect of it.

4. If you’re not mask making, what are you doing?

I work at the National Opera of Paris, crafting wigs. This influenced me a lot with the mask creations as I started using hair more and more in my process.

5. Have you got any future projects lined up?

Yes, I have some really exciting collaborations for the end of the year but I can say no more.

This interview was not paid.

All photos come from her Instagram: @murielnisse