North Sea Jazz: The art of making
The Millen House Presents "The Art of Making" at North Sea Jazz Festival: A Fusion of Post-War Art and Contemporary Design
The Millen House is excited to announce its participation in the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival, where it will showcase a captivating combination of post-war art and contemporary design. The exhibition, titled "The Art of Making," will feature a curated selection of artworks and design in a variety of mediums such as paper, paint, clay, burnt wood and textile, that highlight the physical act of the artists’ creative process.
The body as a tool
The centrepiece of the show is an American Action Painting from 1956. This piece reminiscent of the works by Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), with its layered variety of unconventional materials and expressive paint gestures, thrown onto the canvas and crackling surface, makes the act of making tangible.
The body as a tool continues in the showcased post-war art pieces by renowned performance artist Marina Abrahamovic, the gestural brushstrokes of Ernst Vijlbrief and the interactive light artwork by Paul Talman, placed next to the sculptures by CobrA-artist Henry Heerup and cubist artist Herbert Strasser. Special attention goes to an installation of meticulously hand-drawn lines created over months, by Belgium artist Mart De Houwer (1931-1991), creating art in a deeply contemplative and private manner.
Cutting edge contemporary design
In addition to the post-war art selection, The Millen House will bring contemporary designs that push the boundaries of craftsmanship. The innovative designs of Sjang Niederwieser, whose Volare lamp, executed in purple-heart wood with shades of 3D knitted silk harmoniously blends new technology and hand craftsmanship. Sandra Keja Planken, whose work is currently on show at the Textiel Museum Tilburg, made a new textile work especially for this show with leftover materials. Her way of working, combining traditional techniques of tufting and passementerie, along side her signature idiosyncratic use of colour, engages viewers with its storytelling qualities.
The act of making is further evident in the newest collection of handmade ceramic pieces by Rutger de Regt. Showcasing the experimental artistry and tactile beauty of his Mommy I Made An Ashtray Series, the artist’s fingerprints are embedded into the clay, a physical reminder of the artist at work.
"The Art of Making" is an invitation to explore the profound connection between creativity, craftsmanship, and the human experience. By placing these exceptional artworks and designs in the same spatial context, unexpected dialogues emerge, inviting you to reflect on the crossovers between art and design. Discover the narratives behind each creation and explore a dialogue between tradition and innovation.