Hersen Rivé has tirelessly drawn at night since childhood, creating intricate typographic patterns and mysterious faces.

His world is inspired by his study of Arabic and its calligraphy. The city of Tangier inspires him with kasbahs and the ghosts that contributed to the grandeur of this legendary city. His frequent stays in Benin, during which he discovered Vodun practices and rituals, are the origin of this theme, which has become central to his work.

He discarded and tore up his works for nearly forty years until those around him encouraged him to exhibit them.

Akin to automatic writing in his practice, Hersen Rivé's works are the visual expression of "prayers," of wishes he makes for his loved ones and for humanity. His scriptural interlacings lose their meaning and become palimpsests, ghostly forms, divinatory incantations akin to Vodun practices.