Maissa Toulet
Art is no small thing
Stepping into the vibrant archive of sunglasses and optical frames at Selima Optique in SoHo, New York City, is a sensory delight. Among the curated collection of eyewear artistry, there was one discovery that truly captivated us: a tray filled with the most whimsical and exquisitely detailed frames we had ever seen. These enchanting creations, the work of Paris-based artist Maïssa Toulet, may not be wearable, but they are certainly art. With their intricate designs and playful sensibility, these frames are impossible to overlook.
Toulet's Start
Toulet, born in 1974, is an artist whose creative universe extends far beyond the realm of traditional eyewear. Her designs reflect her broader artistic practice, one that draws from the surreal world of curiosity cabinets and transformed objects. Her pieces which range from small objects d’art to small sculptures, invite viewers to immerse themselves in a miniature world where imagination reigns supreme.
In an interview with the celebrated blog Messy Nessy, Toulet spoke candidly about her artistic process. From her Paris studio, which she affectionately refers to as her “artist’s cave,” Toulet transforms everyday objects into surreal assemblages. She hosts open-door events, where the public is invited to explore her creative environment and perhaps take home a piece of her universe. “When people look at my work,” she explained, “they often ask, ‘Which flea market did you find these strange bearded mermaids?’ But of course, I didn’t find them anywhere. I make molds of everything I collect and reinvent them entirely.”
Americana Kitsch
Toulet’s fascination with Americana kitsch and miniatures traces back to her discovery of Joseph Cornell’s shadow boxes when she was just 12 years old. Inspired by his surreal dreamscapes, she began constructing her own scenes using found objects, toys, and ephemera. Yet it wasn’t until she turned 30, after a career as a teacher, that she fully embraced her artistic calling. Today, her creations are carefully arranged “miniature museums,” where each object holds a purposeful place, contributing to the overall tale.
The frames displayed at Selima Optique echo the same spirit of storytelling. Whether adorned with delicate flora, playful animal figures, or intricate patterns, they transform eyewear into a celebration of individuality and artistic expression. These frames offer a window into Toulet’s whimsical world, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary