
I discovered the work of Chantal Cheuva on a show in Lille, her sculptures were a few meters from me, and captivated me. A very beautiful energy emanated from this work and the presence of these "women on the move" became addictive. A few months later, the artist contacted me to offer me a collabration. I then discovered an artist of great sensitivity, very attached to the human relationship. I had the great pleasure of counting her among our artists and presenting her in Knocke, Belgium, before introducing her work to Bordeaux.
Among the contemporary artists redefining ceramic sculpture today, Barbara Daeffler occupies a distinctive place. Her work exists at the crossroads of archaeology, mythology, and the natural world. Through a powerful and poetic bestiary, she creates sculptural forms that seem to emerge from forgotten eras, as though unearthed from ancient civilizations and reawakened in the present.
Born in Saint-Louis, France, in 1973, Barbara Daeffler lives and works in Langueux, Brittany. Her artistic journey has been shaped by two lifelong passions: observing wildlife and exploring the traces left behind by ancient cultures. Educated in art history, archaeology, and ethnology at the University of Strasbourg, she developed an early fascination with the profound relationship between humans and animals across time and civilizations. This question continues to inform the essence of her artistic practice today.
Her discovery of ceramics came naturally through archaeological excavations and specialized training in traditional ceramic techniques. Over the years, she deepened her understanding of clay as a material capable of carrying memory, history, and emotion. Before dedicating herself entirely to her artistic practice, she taught modeling and sculpture within a Centre for Fire Arts in Brittany. In 2018, she established her own studio, marking the beginning of a fully independent artistic career.
Barbara Daeffler’s universe is populated by enigmatic creatures that are at once familiar and mythical. Mammals, birds, and hybrid beings emerge from her imagination like fragments of an unknown paleontology. Their forms often appear incomplete or weathered, evoking archaeological relics discovered beneath layers of earth. Yet these sculptures are far from static remnants. They possess a remarkable vitality, as if time itself had shaped them without diminishing their presence or strength.
Materiality plays a central role in her work. Daeffler primarily uses grogged stoneware, pushing clay to its physical limits in order to reveal its expressive potential. Cracks, fissures, erosion marks, and irregular surfaces become essential elements of the sculptural language. These rough textures are softened by porcelain, enriched with oxides, pigments, and subtle glazes, creating a compelling dialogue between fragility and resilience, refinement and rawness.
The passage of time is one of the recurring themes in her work. Her sculptures often bear the marks of fossilization and transformation, as if they had survived centuries of geological evolution. Some take the form of monumental totems, reaching heights of several meters, while others suggest intimate relics from a vanished world. Together, they invite viewers to reflect on humanity’s place within the broader continuum of life.
Daeffler’s creative process is deeply connected to the landscape. She frequently incorporates collected materials such as clay and sand sourced from specific environments. These materials become carriers of place and memory, preserving a subtle geography within each work. Through fire and transformation, the sculptures embody both the physical substance of the earth and the invisible narratives embedded within it.
Since opening her studio, Barbara Daeffler has exhibited extensively in galleries, fairs, and major ceramic and sculpture events throughout France. Her work has been presented at Art Capital – Salon des Artistes Français in Paris, the Nantes Ceramic Encounters, the Rambouillet Biennial of Animal Sculpture and Painting, and Les Arts du Feu in Rennes, among many others. In 2024, she was awarded the First Prize for Sculpture at the Salon de Printemps in Carquefou, further recognizing the originality and excellence of her artistic vision. She is also a member of Ateliers d’Art de France.
Through her sculptures, Barbara Daeffler invites viewers to reconnect with the mystery of the living world. Her works are not merely representations of animals; they are fragments of imagined histories, poetic fossils, and contemporary myths. Situated between archaeology and imagination, materiality and spirituality, her creations open a contemplative space where nature, memory, and art converge.
Barbara Daeffler: The Gallery's Perspective
When Barbara Daeffler first introduced me to her work in 2025, I was immediately captivated by its archaeological resonance, its profound dialogue with time, and the sophistication of her material language. Her sculptures inhabit a unique territory where memory, matter, and imagination converge.
Our conversations proved as enriching as the work itself, revealing an artist of remarkable sensitivity and intellectual depth. It soon became evident that her singular vision would naturally find its place within the artistic program of Bouillon d’Art Gallery.
We are delighted to present Barbara Daeffler's work and to share with collectors and visitors the poetic power of her extraordinary sculptural universe.
Born in 1988, Fabian Delberghe embodies the essence of an artistic journey shaped by the diversity of his experiences and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Before achieving the artistic renown he enjoys today, Fabian built his foundation through unique life stages: professional sports, the artisanal discipline of working alongside Compagnons du Devoir in cabinetmaking, and mastering second-fix trades. These varied experiences instilled in him precision, patience, and respect for materials—essential qualities in becoming the accomplished artist he is today.
Early on, Fabian made his mark in the field of renovation and the design of architectural rehabilitation projects. His clients saw in him not only a talented artist but also a trusted advisor, capable of understanding their needs to shape spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Passionate about architecture, sculpture, and aesthetics, he understood the importance of living in a harmonious environment. At just 24, he founded his own company, quickly moving into luxury projects. This company became the breeding ground for his creativity, allowing him to experiment and refine his work with materials like wood and plaster.
It was during a project at a client’s home that Fabian encountered an artistic revelation: faced with a tree, he felt a creative impulse, a desire to transform and transcend the material. He began sculpting, reassembling, and creating curves, giving birth to his first artwork, which was soon exhibited. This moment marked a turning point in his career. In 2023, following this new path, Fabian created his first puzzle piece—an artwork rich in symbolism. For him, the puzzle represents society and the place each individual must find within it. Each piece is unique, like each human being, and the ultimate purpose of existence is to discover one’s rightful place within this complex whole. Through these puzzle works, Fabian explores universal themes such as human relationships, life in society, and complementarity, and he speaks of "assembling life paths."
Fabian chose staff as his preferred material, paying homage to the nobility of historical works like the rosettes that adorn monuments. Staff offers him an ideal playground for exploring shapes, focusing on details, and meeting the high standards he sets for himself. Locked away in his studio, he dedicates himself to his craft, constantly perfecting his techniques. After numerous trials, he discovered reverse metal paint, a medium that enhances transparency and enriches his works with an almost mystical dimension. Each creation thus becomes a technical and artistic challenge, a play of shapes and textures where ideas endlessly flow.
Today, Fabian Delberghe is recognized for his ability to fuse traditional craftsmanship with contemporary creativity, producing works that resonate with depth and complexity. His art invites us to reflect on the individual’s place in society and the harmony that each of us, in our own way, seeks to attain.
I discovered Fabian’s work through a friend, and I immediately noticed his overflowing creativity and the profound emotions hidden beneath his very contemporary pieces. I then reached out to Fabian, who came to meet me for an introduction. Fabian Delberghe is a real powerhouse; ideas flow, projects abound, and his passion is palpable. His direct approach and enthusiasm made me eager to support him, and we quickly incorporated his sculptures into the gallery.
Hellen Halftermeyer is a versatile and innovative artist, renowned for her captivating wire sculptures and her prowess in painting. Her unique sculptural works invite us to explore shapes and volumes that are not immediately apparent to the eye. It is only by hanging or mounting her sculptures on the wall that their true essence takes shape, offering a new perspective and dimension to the surrounding space.
Hellen Halftermeyer's wire sculptures stand out for their ability to engage the viewer in active visual interaction. Each piece, crafted with meticulous precision, projects shadows and forms that invite discovery and personal interpretation, thus enriching the artistic experience. Her expressive work is a natural extension of her established painting career, where she has always sought to push the boundaries of traditional mediums.
Before making her mark in the world of wire sculpture, Hellen Halftermeyer gained a solid reputation as a painter. Her transition to sculpture was driven by a desire to explore new forms of expression and to manifest her creative ideas in three-dimensional space. Her sculptures and paintings are present in several private and public collections, and she has been recognized in numerous art fairs and international exhibitions.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Hellen Halftermeyer is actively involved in the artistic community, sharing her expertise with young artists and participating in collaborative projects aimed at promoting art and creativity. Her commitment to art extends beyond her own creations; she is also a staunch supporter of initiatives that facilitate access to art for everyone.
To discover the fascinating works of Hellen Halftermeyer, we invite you to visit our online gallery where you can explore her complete collection of wire sculptures and paintings. Each work is an invitation to rethink the way we perceive art and the space around us.
Born in Padua in 1993, Claudia Zanaga is emerging as one of the most promising voices of contemporary European sculpture. Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice and later awarded a Master's Degree in Sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts of Carrara in 2021, she has developed a body of work deeply rooted in the tradition of stone carving while addressing some of the most pressing questions of our contemporary world.
Based in Carrara, one of the historic centers of sculptural practice, Claudia Zanaga has established an intimate relationship with stone that extends far beyond technical mastery. Marble, alabaster, and other mineral materials become vehicles for reflections on the human condition, the transformations of living beings, and the ongoing evolution of society. Her work is grounded in a dialogue with matter itself, embracing both its physical presence and its capacity to embody symbolic and narrative dimensions.
At the heart of Zanaga's artistic research lie themes such as identity, migration, metamorphosis, and belonging. Her sculptures often evoke enigmatic presences situated between reality and imagination. Through poetic and timeless forms, she explores the challenges and uncertainties of a generation confronted with environmental, cultural, and social transformations. Her work invites viewers to reflect on the relationships that connect human beings to one another, to nature, and to the broader living world.
Anthropological inquiry plays a central role in her practice. Currently pursuing studies in Cultural Anthropology at Ca' Foscari University in Venice, Zanaga enriches her artistic research through an in-depth exploration of collective memory, cultural transmission, and societal change. This intellectual foundation informs works that transcend representation and become spaces for contemplation, dialogue, and reflection.
A distinctive aspect of her work is its engagement with notions of transformation and the post-human condition. Her sculptures frequently suggest processes of adaptation, mutation, and renewal. Rather than illustrating these ideas directly, she creates evocative visual narratives in which fragility and resilience coexist. Through these forms, she reflects on humanity's capacity to evolve and reinvent itself in response to changing environments and new realities.
Over the past years, Claudia Zanaga has built an increasingly international career through participation in numerous sculpture symposiums, artist residencies, and exhibitions across Europe and beyond. Her work has been presented in France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Croatia, Turkey, Egypt, Luxembourg, and Italy. These experiences have contributed to a practice shaped by travel, cultural exchange, and encounters with diverse communities and landscapes.
Recognized early in her career through awards and competitions dedicated to sculpture, Zanaga continues to pursue an ambitious artistic path that combines technical excellence with conceptual depth. Her mastery of direct carving reveals a profound understanding of stone, while the sensitivity of her formal language allows her to address universal themes with remarkable subtlety and emotional resonance.
Through her sculptures, Claudia Zanaga invites viewers to slow down, observe, and reconsider their relationship with time, memory, and the living world. Her work stands at the intersection of the great Italian sculptural tradition and contemporary concerns, demonstrating how sculpture remains a powerful medium for exploring the complexities of our present and imagining possible futures.
Presented by Galerie Bouillon d'Art in Bordeaux, Claudia Zanaga represents a new generation of artists for whom sculpture remains a territory of exploration, poetry, and reflection on the future of humanity.