Cécile Bouffard
26 APRIL 2025
A contemporary artist from Paris who most enjoys collaborative works. Her art explores ambiguity and movement. Among her media are sculptures, drawings, performances, and clothing
A contemporary artist from Paris who most enjoys collaborative works. Her art explores ambiguity and movement. Among her media are sculptures, drawings, performances, and clothing
I do sculptures, draw, create performances, make t-shirts or hoodies. I use various media to express what matters to me and make it more accessible to different people. A lot of them think they can’t read poetry or understand sculptures. I don't agree, so I try to bridge the gap between what seems elitist and a more pop practice. And of course, in my main practice, I maintain a sense of confusion around both form and material, using wood and paint, but also incorporating leather, metal, fabric, or silicone. I enjoy collaboration and try to keep it as part of my practice.
What is your medium?
Ideas and themes in your work
My main purpose is ambiguity and movement—avoiding identification of things or people. At first glance, you think you know what you see, but then it reveals something else. I play with meanings, with small details in sculptures that at first seem clear, but as your eyes move, your ideas can’t settle, so your perception changes.
I’m from Paris, where I was born. I studied fine arts in Lyon and later returned there. One day, I came to Clermont to be part of a jury evaluating students' diploma projects. I also know many artists who have come to Clermont for art residencies.
Tell us about yourself
I don’t think there’s a simple way to keep doing what you need for yourself. Sincerity—in your practice and with others—is what matters most. You have to create what you truly care about, not just empty gestures. It may sound cliché, but when artists engage deeply, they see themselves in their work and give it real meaning.
What makes art successful?
The collaborative ones! I love working with others. But I don’t rank my works—each exhibition focuses on a specific theme. For example, my last one was about women selling fish in harbors. It explored the impact of strikes on people like them and how they are perceived by society.
Which of your works are most important to you?
I’m not the kind of artist who spends every day in the studio. I think, write, make connections between stories, objects, and behaviors. When I have a project to complete, I focus—whoosh!—sketch the idea and head to the studio. The best part is the moment between drawing the idea and entering the studio—it's an amazing feeling.
Your favourite part of the process
Yes, it should be free and accessible to everyone—and in many ways, it already is. More artists should go to schools to talk about their work and show that the reality of the art world is different from how it’s often portrayed. The more people are involved in art, the less elitist it becomes.
Should art be shared?
The art world often tries to make art seem elite, not meant for everyone. But artists themselves aren’t elitists—at least, most aren’t. Some might act that way, but in the end, artists are just people trying to express themselves. That’s why narrative is the most important part of my work.
What do you think about elitism in the art world?
— The more people are involved in art, the less elitist it becomes.
If your art were a music album, what would it be?
Born To Die by Lana Del Rey.
What do you think about Clermont and its community?
I really like it here. When I arrived, I saw the city evolving in a good direction—people are doing great things. Even though Clermont is in the middle of France and doesn’t have the same easy connections to cities like Paris or Marseille, it’s at a crossroads. That can be its strength—like a lighthouse, connecting different places.
I love working with students. My advice is simple: be honest with your art. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Work hard, then step back and honestly reflect on what you’ve done. And keep going in a playful way. If it’s not fun, then why do it?
What advice would you give to young artists or students?
