Meet INESART (inès) Messaoud

We were lucky to catch up with INESART (inès) Messaoud recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi INESART (inès), really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Since my teenage years, I have been very introverted, shy, and almost disconnected from the outside world. This isolation stemmed from a misunderstanding of the world and existence. My universe shrank to my room and my small workshop. Imprisoned within my cocoon, I was unable to venture out, confront, and face the external world. Overwhelmed by a multitude of conflicting feelings, I was lost in the labyrinth of existence, searching for meaning and purpose. This deep and enigmatic inner storm pushed me to perceive and interpret the world.

“The Exit from My Cocoon” is my performance evoking a quasi-artistic birth. It involves staging myself with crocheted supports made of electric wires, presented in several photographic tableaux where I am depicted on stage. I felt like shedding a kind of chainmail skin, where my body was simultaneously protected and trapped.

This protective cocoon evokes the ideal image of a girl surrounded by her family, sheltered and secure, far from any real problems or risks. But in reality, I aimed to portray the image of a woman suffocated by the weight of the grids covering her body, a burden exceeding 120 kg, where she struggles to breathe and move. I felt wrapped up in my work, needing to make clear cuts to escape from this confinement. A feeling of overwhelm pervaded me, and it was difficult to see myself struggling to extract.

An internal unveiling occurred, akin to a butterfly emerging from its cocoon or a chick from its egg. This reflected my perpetual battle between the fear of expressing myself and the desire to reveal myself, embodying my determination and ability to emerge from within. It projected the instability and agitation of daily life, resonating deeply within me.

My work, often perceived as a liberation of the submissive woman, does not have this artistic intention. I introspect about myself and my personal experience, not about sociological relationships between men and women.

This heavy weight that envelops me reflects feelings of disturbance, a storm of emotions, and inner overflow. Revealing oneself and baring oneself before others is often difficult because there is always a buried part of us. It is a realization of my being; I begin to understand and assume that something needs to change, opting for transcendence towards a new life, to be what I am. Revealing my desire to soar, to exit my chrysalis, and to search for a new world as an escape, a world of pure evasion, and essential to self.

I perceive my inner dimension as the crackling of a secret fire requiring transcendence. This transcendence is the urgent necessity to transform this internal space into an external one, to transpose this real dimension into a spiritual world. The idea of seeking the lost self results from a visible but sometimes unreadable artistic image, inviting the receiver to question.

The self is multiple; it inhabits and often surpasses us. The soul knows no limit or boundary, traveling and allowing the eruption of the intimate. I decided to plunge my soul into a purely spiritual universe, becoming the engine of my artistic expression, pushing me to explore and redefine the boundaries of my vision of the external world.

Spirituality has become a haven of peace, serenity, and tranquility. This self-work allows me effective self-questioning, leading to a wandering between the soul and the body, evoking an astral journey, a spiritual escape from a material world to another immaterial world.

My soul sails between abstraction and clarity, in an experience of pure meditation, without classical norms to respect. I close my eyes and let myself be carried away by an energy, as if an invisible thread connected my soul and my body. A verticality settled in; I wandered within myself, a journey between my stable body and my wandering soul. Internal communication predominates, helping me to better understand myself, to question myself, and to clarify certain ambiguities.

This cocoon built from electrical wires took on a new transcendent dimension, becoming a symbol of invisible energy flows. It awakened deep sensations and connectivity between my body and soul. This spirituality perpetually sways us between a moving and immobile universe, a continuity of discontinuity. The creative soul sails between these two parallel and complementary worlds, awakening deep feelings and an intimate part of the self. The image results from a spatio-temporal journey, translating a silent discourse with the ability to externalize my emotions and revisit and understand my identity.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am INESART (Messaoud Ines), a multidisciplinary artist (Franco-Tunisian), with a doctorate in fine arts and art sciences from Aix-en-Provence University. I have nearly 10 years of professional experience in public education. I have taught as a part-time teacher (temporary teacher)in digital media (Photo/Video) at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Additionally, I was a contractual teacher “expert in new technologies” at the Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts in Sfax, Tunisia.
I also have experience in secondary education as a contractual teacher in applied arts (2022—2023) and fine arts (2012—2019) at the Aix-Marseille Academy.

I would like to talk to you about the wires I have been using for years in my artistic creations. During my years of study specializing in weaving, I developed a passion for electrical wires and created numerous works centered around this material. This fascination with the diversity and variety of wires became obsessive. Eventually, I focused on metal-core electrical wires. This marked the beginning of a new relationship with this material, a unique sensitivity with another sculptural dimension and a completely different use. Electrical wires, typically used for supplying electric current and transmitting digital information, have been integrated by me into a complex artistic field, resulting in the creation of authentic and meaningful works.

My wires, the “Flexible Solids,” embody diverse and opposing characteristics, reflecting my own personality, oscillating between two completely divergent temperaments. They are both supple and flexible, yet difficult to manipulate. The material initiated a dialogue, a conversation. A living interaction developed between me and the wires, a shared listening that released the vital energy generated between us. When the wires were in my hands, I lost all sense of time, entering another dimension.

The thread of time is the continuity of the past, present, and future. It is a temporal axis, beginning in the past, extending into the present, and projecting into the future. The thread of time is, for me, a true Ariadne’s thread, focusing my attention, guiding me, and preventing me from getting lost in the meanders of my emotions and thoughts, plastically varying according to my creative intention.

My wire has a personality, a character, a face, a status. This personification facilitates the dialogue between the different wires and me. A continuous osmosis has been established between us. A magical attraction keeps me attached, making it impossible to distance myself from my electrical wires. These wires, extensions of my mind, deeply associate the real and the spiritual. The action of my hands on the material transcends plastic research, inspiration is my guide.

An intimacy is established between my wires and me. They represent me, embody me, and tell my story with its joys and frustrations. This bond is deep, intense, and varies according to my memories and emotions. The wires become another incarnation of my being, revealing my absolute truth, sometimes disconcerting. They express the unnamable, often voicing the words of my unconscious. Through my creations, I continuously discover myself, escaping finitude and brushing against eternity.

Thus, this material exists within me. This may seem absurd, but this tangible material becomes immaterial, surpassing appearances and becoming an integral part of my mind. It then constitutes the thread of my thoughts, of my existence, embodying my destiny, the thread of my life. These wires attract me, captivate me, and push me to explore the depths of my unconscious, to pierce and reveal the intimate.

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Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

-1-Self-confidence is a fundamental pillar for success in life.
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Self-confidence is the foundation of success in life. It gives us the courage to take risks, the resilience to overcome failures, and the assurance to pursue our aspirations. I believe it is an essential attribute that enables us to overcome adversity, make crucial choices, and capitalize on opportunities as they arise. It helps us stay resilient and have the strength to overcome any failure. Confidence also means knowing our flaws and weaknesses and being capable of doing what we can. It allows us to keep moving forward and learn from the present while building on past experiences.
I believe that confidence in art is what inspires and uplifts others, whether it’s a professional or personal work. It has the potential to introduce individuals, foster friendships, and inspire others to believe in our projects and vision.

-2- Art is a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional well-being.
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It is not just a hobby for me; it is a way of life, a source of inspiration, a beacon of hope, and a means to overcome the challenges that life throws at us. Art reveals our emotions, channels our enthusiasm, and expresses our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to articulate our sentiments. This form of art heals, remembers, and grows. Art encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture, performance, video, photography, and other forms, connecting me to my soul. Through this connection, I can relieve stress, ease anxiety, and overcome certain traumas in my life. Art provides a way to express my inner thoughts and emotions that I might not be able to convey with words. It offers me a new perspective and a deeper understanding of my life. Additionally, sharing my creations with others helps me feel more connected and united. Art can inspire, move, and resonate within people, creating bonds and fostering mutual understanding.

-3-The perception of others towards my artistic creations plays a crucial role in my artistic journey.
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Two principles guide my response to critiques:
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I must never consider critiques that belittle me. Every artist faces diverse opinions about their work, but it’s essential to distinguish constructive criticism from non-constructive negative comments. Destructive critiques aimed at demeaning my work or attacking me personally should not sway my confidence in my artistic abilities. By staying true to my vision and trusting in my unique style, I can overcome unjustified criticism and continue to progress.

I should accept critiques that are given in good faith to enhance the quality of my work. Constructive criticism, delivered respectfully and based on objective analysis, can be extremely beneficial. It provides me with an opportunity to see my work from a different perspective, discover areas for improvement, and explore new techniques. By integrating these constructive feedbacks, I can elevate the quality of my creations and broaden my artistic horizons.

while the opinions of others can influence my artistic practice, my ability to filter critiques and utilize constructive feedback is essential for my development as an artist. This allows me to maintain a strong sense of self-confidence while continuing to evolve and enrich my art.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The role of my parents was very important in shaping my personality and encouraging me to have self-confidence. They played a crucial role by sending me alone to France to complete my studies and take on my responsibilities. This allowed me to step out of the protective family cocoon in which I had grown up and face the outside world. This transition was not easy for me, but it was essential for my personal development. My parents always supported and encouraged me, giving me the strength to overcome challenges and thrive in a new and sometimes intimidating environment. Their confidence in me enabled me to believe in my abilities and pursue my dreams with determination.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inesarts.net and www.inesart.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inesart_artist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InesartArtist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inesart/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ines_arts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Inesart/videos
• Other: pinterest : https://www.pinterest.fr/Inesart1/

Image Credits

The provided photos are all taken by myself.