Ophélie Raffier
18 FEBRUARY 2025
An artist from Clermont, now based in Paris. Her art is poetry and political dialogue in various forms. Ophélie also taught plastic arts to children and teenagers in a college
An artist from Clermont, now based in Paris. Her art is poetry and political dialogue in various forms. Ophélie also taught plastic arts to children and teenagers in a college
Coming up with an idea is a great feeling. I have two special notebooks where I write down my ideas. Sometimes, it’s enough for them to remain written or drawn as sketches. I find references in the world around me: for writing, I look at political speeches; for images, I draw from romantic moments in nature, something simple.
What is your favourite part of the process?
It’s interdisciplinary poetry: I sew, paint with oil, create metal sculptures, make videos, and work with found materials like leaves, earth, textiles, and ceramics — everything I can find. I’m also interested in latex for its texture and history. And, of course, I write; in the past, writing has helped me find the right words.
What is your medium and favourite materials?
In rural villages, small tabac bars are very popular, important, and symbolic: people meet there and talk. I like conceptual art, but I choose these places to create easy communication. It’s interesting to add humor to political speeches and reflect on these conversations.
What do you mean by popular symbols?
My art is a form of poetry and political conversation. It can take many different forms. I want to pay tribute to things that are hidden and not easily seen. I like to choose popular symbols, such as apples or glass bottles, for example.
What themes and ideas can be seen in your work?
I was born in Clermont, studied art here, and now I’ve moved to Paris. I did a six-month art residency internship in Creuse at La Métive. After that, I became a professor at a college, teaching plastic arts to children aged 11−15 for two years.
Tell us about yourself
It depends on the viewer. Many things gain popularity through advertising and marketing. It’s difficult to answer this question — look, I have a sweater from one of my students. Maybe it’s not well made, but I love it. For me, every piece of art has value. Yes, I would say it depends on the viewer and their sensitivity. Sometimes, I visit exhibitions that are in high demand and very popular, but they don’t move me — that’s just not my sensibility. But I still recognize that they’re well-executed and made by professionals.
What makes art successful?
Laure Prouvost — she’s a French artist living in England. I admire her use of diverse materials and her work with language. Her themes often focus on women, and she incorporates humor. I like when art is dynamic and in motion. I also find inspiration in Françoise Sagan and Hermann Hesse.
What artists inspire you?
It’s difficult to define love. It’s too simplistic to say you can only choose between love and hate — I reject a Manichaean view of the world. Love is very sensitive. Many politicians say it’s shameful to love, that we must hate instead. But I choose love.
What is love?
I like how they speak, and I like their manner of speaking. I listen to their speeches and recycle them: I use their words, then modify and reuse them. For example, if I don’t like what a politician says, I still take their words, transform them. Of course, that changes the meaning. Sometimes, I even invent funny dreams about politicians.
What is your relation to political speeches?
— I want to pay tribute to things that are hidden and not easily seen.
Sablier, 2018
Your Love Is King by Sade.
If your art were a music track, what would it be?
La Tôlerie, of course — that’s an inspiring place. And Le Chantilly, an old bar. If you go there, the same radio station is always playing, and you’ll find people with a kind of joyful sadness.
What places in Clermont do you like the most?
Not every artist needs a gallery. I’ve never tried to find one. Of course, working outside of art can take time away from your practice, but meeting people from different fields is beneficial — it broadens your experience, expands your horizons, and grows your network.
How does professional way should look like?
There are movements of people fighting for it. You have to participate in social networks, meet people, share your ideas, and visit different places. There are many art communities — you can join them. And you can never stop working: you must work, work, work…
Does France support young artists?
"Rock-it" (Bercez)—it's a small bed "Cradle" where you can place your personal things like your phone, keys, or other small, precious things and lull them to sleep, creating a tender moment for them. Maybe they will dream? I love this idea. Also, many of my metal sculptures are designed to move.
Which of your works are most important for you?
3. L’avalation, 2021.
2. Francs, 2019.
- Bercez, 2022.
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