Josèfa Ntjam
Siphonophore 1/2, 2024
Siphonophore 1/2, 2024
Collection
Metal, paint
68 x 60 x 60 cm
TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary Collection
Josèfa Ntjam’s Siphonophore 1/2 draws inspiration from siphonophores—marine organisms composed of specialized, interdependent entities functioning collectively as one. Crafted from metal and paint, the sculpture explores collective agency, hybridity, and the interconnectedness of living systems.
The work results of Ntjam’s collaboration during her 2023 residency with LVMH Métiers d’Art at the Jade metal parts factory in Portugal and France. Over the course of the residency, she worked closely with skilled artisans in metalwork and luxury manufacturing, incorporating advanced techniques such as 3D metal printing. This process allowed her to push the boundaries of materiality, creating intricate surfaces and fluid forms that echo the dynamic movement of ocean currents and the adaptability of natural systems.
Siphonophore 1/2 embodies Ntjam’s interest in mythology, technology, and ecological systems. Its form moves seamlessly between organic and industrial aesthetics, reflecting her fascination with how histories, environments, and speculative futures coexist and influence one another. By collaborating with artisans to innovate new textures and finishes, Ntjam underscores the importance of dialogue and experimentation in creating resonant, multilayered works.
The sculpture presents a nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of life, rooted in shared existence and transformation. It invites viewers to consider how networks—biological, social, and material—become sites of both resilience and renewal, sparking reflection on the collaborative potential of art and innovation.
68 x 60 x 60 cm
TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary Collection
Josèfa Ntjam’s Siphonophore 1/2 draws inspiration from siphonophores—marine organisms composed of specialized, interdependent entities functioning collectively as one. Crafted from metal and paint, the sculpture explores collective agency, hybridity, and the interconnectedness of living systems.
The work results of Ntjam’s collaboration during her 2023 residency with LVMH Métiers d’Art at the Jade metal parts factory in Portugal and France. Over the course of the residency, she worked closely with skilled artisans in metalwork and luxury manufacturing, incorporating advanced techniques such as 3D metal printing. This process allowed her to push the boundaries of materiality, creating intricate surfaces and fluid forms that echo the dynamic movement of ocean currents and the adaptability of natural systems.
Siphonophore 1/2 embodies Ntjam’s interest in mythology, technology, and ecological systems. Its form moves seamlessly between organic and industrial aesthetics, reflecting her fascination with how histories, environments, and speculative futures coexist and influence one another. By collaborating with artisans to innovate new textures and finishes, Ntjam underscores the importance of dialogue and experimentation in creating resonant, multilayered works.
The sculpture presents a nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of life, rooted in shared existence and transformation. It invites viewers to consider how networks—biological, social, and material—become sites of both resilience and renewal, sparking reflection on the collaborative potential of art and innovation.