Manon van Kouswijk
Manon van Kouswijk is a Dutch artist and contemporary jeweller who lives and works in Naarm (Melbourne) and Toora, Australia. She studied fine art and contemporary jewellery at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam where later on she worked as Head of the Jewellery Department before moving to Australia in 2010.
The word ‘findings’ has multiple meanings. It is commonly used to describe the outcome of research, investigation or a discovery however it also refers to the small tools and various materials used by an artisan: a jeweller’s findings.
This duality is very accurate in describing Manon’s position as an artist within the field of contemporary jewellery. She views her practice as an ongoing exploration of the potential for jewellery to happen. Her findings are mediated through the making of objects, through photography, drawing, artist books and exhibitions.
Rather than having a recognisable visual language, her works are connected through a consistent interest in archetypal objects and in the public and private contexts in which these objects are used, worn, displayed and/or preserved.
Manon’s work is exhibited in galleries and museums and is part of private and public collections worldwide. She currently works part-time as a Lecturer at MADA, Monash Art, Design and Architecture.
Manon van Kouswijk mentors Lisa van Hulst
Manon van Kouswijk is a Dutch artist and contemporary jeweller who lives and works in Naarm (Melbourne) and Toora, Australia. She studied fine art and contemporary jewellery at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam where later on she worked as Head of the Jewellery Department before moving to Australia in 2010.
The word ‘findings’ has multiple meanings. It is commonly used to describe the outcome of research, investigation or a discovery however it also refers to the small tools and various materials used by an artisan: a jeweller’s findings.
This duality is very accurate in describing Manon’s position as an artist within the field of contemporary jewellery. She views her practice as an ongoing exploration of the potential for jewellery to happen. Her findings are mediated through the making of objects, through photography, drawing, artist books and exhibitions.
Rather than having a recognisable visual language, her works are connected through a consistent interest in archetypal objects and in the public and private contexts in which these objects are used, worn, displayed and/or preserved.
Manon’s work is exhibited in galleries and museums and is part of private and public collections worldwide. She currently works part-time as a Lecturer at MADA, Monash Art, Design and Architecture.
Manon van Kouswijk mentors Lisa van Hulst
