The exhibition Metamorphosis features the work of Natasja Alers (1987) and Jarik Jongman (1962). Both artists are, each in their own way, inspired by metamorphosis. Alers creates amorphous sculptures with imprints of body parts, merging bodies into new forms. Jongman portrays abandoned buildings taken over by nature in his oil paintings. In some places, he burns his panels, resulting in charred paintings and melting ceramic objects, creating an ominous atmosphere. The exhibition is open for visits until September 10th.
Jongman worked as an assistant for Anselm Kiefer in France after studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem. He regularly exhibited abroad, including in Berlin, London, New York, Jerusalem, and twice as a collateral event at the Venice Biennale in 2009 and 2011. His work has been selected for the Threadneedle and John Moores prizes and exhibited at the Liverpool Biennial in 2012. In 2017, he won the prestigious Luxembourg Art Prize. Jongman’s artworks portray desolate buildings overgrown by nature, evoking both disturbing and comforting feelings. They carry the underlying idea that after all human activity, the Earth and nature will endure. In the exhibition ‘Metamorphosis,’ Jongman showcases new work created during his residency at Schloss Kalkhorst.
Alers graduated from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in 2012, specializing in ceramics. She employs gypsum molds of human body parts to create her artworks, assembling them into sculptures, vases, wall sculptures, seating objects, and installations. Examples of her work include the Breast Party XL, a life-sized piece composed of breasts, and the Nipple Vase, specifically created for the Design Museum Den Bosch, using nipple imprints from museum visitors.
Her work has been exhibited at various venues, including the Design Museum Den Bosch, Artzuid, PAN Amsterdam, Collectible Design Fair, Enter Art Fair, as well as international exhibitions and fairs in cities such as Berlin, Brussels, Antwerp, and Copenhagen. Additionally, in 2022, she participated in a residency at the European Ceramic Work Centre in Oisterwijk.
