Annette Messager reflects on childhood in Berck and art's transformative role

French artist Annette Messager reveals that without art, she would have become "a very mean woman." In an interview with Le Monde, the internationally renowned visual artist discusses the decisive moments of her life. Messager grew up in the coastal town of Berck in the Pas-de-Calais region of France. She describes the strange atmosphere of Berck as influential during her formative years. The interview was published on April 12, 2026, as part of Le Monde's weekly series asking notable figures about pivotal experiences. Messager's artistic practice spans installation, photography, and sculpture, earning her global recognition. Her work often explores themes of femininity, identity, and the body through unconventional materials. The artist's reflections provide insight into how her childhood environment shaped her creative development.