Muriel Nisse

Mask maker

Mask maker extraordinaire

Muriel works mainly from instinct
She never draws her masks beforehand
She creates according to an emotion, materials, or music

Muriel Nisse has always wanted to be an artist as long as she can remember. After studying at the Strasbourg School of Decorative Arts, she started working in the workshops of the Paris Opera where she discovered a passion for facial ornamentation and its many forms of artistic expression, including wig making. Her way of creating is very instinctive and personal as she works more around a subject than with a single technique often mixing drawing, painting, moulding, implantation, stitching, sewing and hairdressing. Never knowing in advance what a creation will represent, her sources of inspiration are varied and multiple ranging from mythological characters, insects, Renaissance paintings, futuristic ethnicity, traditional costumes and fashion in general.

Interview

Why did you decide to become a craftswoman?: I was destined for a career in the artistic field due to my training in Decorative Arts. I subsequently joined the wig maker workshops at the Paris Opera, which influenced my way of making when I discovered “hair” as a material.
What is a memorable moment in your career?: The collaboration with the Xuan Paris brand in 2020 and the haute couture show that resulted from it. We worked very freely following our instincts and a cadavre exquis approach. It was very meaningful to see my creations presented in such a way.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artisans?: You must be passionate and enduring, but above all know how to bring your creations to life and to distribute and position them. Do not be afraid to meet people and to break certain codes of representation.
Is your craft considered endangered?: I don't think so since I work more around a subject than on a single technique. Man has always created masks and if I can no longer make them as I currently do, I will find other ways to compose my creations.

Muriel Nisse is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2010