Serge Ecker et Eloi Besenius

Serge Ecker, born in 1982 in Esch-sur-Alzette, studied digital imaging and special effects in Nice. He is interested in the representation of reality through the prism of new technologies: software for recomposing spaces, geolocation images and 3D printing are the tools of this neo-sculptor of space and architectural form.

Eloi Besenius comes from a family of blacksmiths spanning six generations. He completed an apprenticeship as a locksmith at the Ecole des Arts et Métiers (LU), followed by an apprenticeship at the Lehrwerkstatt der Stadt Bern (CH). Eloi went on to perfect his craft at the Heinz Bracher workshop in Dietikon (CH) and at the Otto Jägle workshop in Munich (DE). In 1974, he took over the forge from his father Charles Besenius, a master blacksmith, and specialised in wrought ironwork and the restoration of old gates.

Serge Ecker's work is a synthesis between creation using digital techniques and pure craftsmanship. The challenge consists in transforming an artificial form into a real body made up of triangular stainless steel sheets. Only numerically-controlled machines were used to cut the various stainless steel parts (over 300 pieces). They are assembled 'freehand' by welding, followed by grinding to give them their final appearance.