The Mask

The Ancestral Impression

he Mask is a dual-purpose artwork, serving as both a coffee table and a bench. It stands as a sculptural monolith that explores the connection between tribal identity and the marks left by humanity on the material world.

The Concept : Inspired by a tribal vision of the world’s genesis, The Mask evokes the concept of the ritualistic mask as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. It represents a reality that transcends daily experience, where the dualities of life materialize through the symbolic forms of fingerprints and ancestral traces.

The Materials : This unique piece is crafted from engraved aquatinted Maillechort. The mysterious and lunar radiance of the Maillechort gives the object a mystical presence, reflecting light in a way that emphasizes the depth and complexity of its metallic skin.

The Craftsmanship : The entire surface is a masterclass in aquatint etching. Emmanuel Jonckers works the Maillechort to create a dense cartography of ridges and grooves that recall both human fingerprints and the weathered textures of ancient artifacts. The manual engraving process ensures that every reflection and shadow tells a story of origin and creation.

The Vision : With its versatile proportions (160cm x 54cm), The Mask is designed to be a functional sculpture that challenges the boundary between furniture and art. It invites a tactile connection, grounding an interior with its magnetic, primitive, and yet deeply sophisticated presence.