Instrument No.32 (1-12, double)
Instrument No.32 (1-12, double) by Manon van Kouswijk
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Manon van Kouswijk is a Dutch Australian artist who has lived and worked in Melbourne since 2010.
Manon’s working methodology explores and translates archetypal jewellery forms and motifs through a range of materials and processes. An integral aspect of her practice is the framing and contextualising of her work through the making of exhibitions and artist publications often in collaboration with other practitioners.
Manon likes to think that it’s possible to reinvent jewellery, despite the fact that its archetypal forms and motifs haven’t fundamentally changed throughout its long history. She views these archetypes as templates that she uses for her translations of the jewellery types she works from (for example the beaded necklace). The traces of the making process are often visible in Manon’s work. The imperfection of the handmade, present in marks of fingerprints and moulds, is an integral part of the objects. While originating from a conceptual approach to making at the same time her works embrace the sensual qualities of jewellery objects in the use of colour, their weight, sound, rhythm and material expression.
Manon studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam where she was Head of the Jewellery department from 2007 until 2010. In 2020, she was awarded the Southern Way McClelland Commission for a major public sculpture, Peninsula Pearls, currently installed near the Mornington Peninsula outside Melbourne.
Her work is exhibited worldwide and is included in public collections such as the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, Røsska Museet, Sweden, FNAC, Paris, the National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of South Australia, Musée des Arts Decoratifs, France, National Gallery of Australia and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Quiet Geometry brings together works from seven artists across multiple disciplines that explore the subtle power of line, form, and spatial order. Through measured compositions, this exhibition demonstrates how geometry can be both method and expression. Each work invites close attention, revealing a quiet language of balance, precision, and intentional design.
Dimensions: 390 x 125
Material: Japanese and Czech seed beads, nylon thread
Due to the handmade nature of the products dimensions may vary on individual pieces.
Purchases from our shops directly support individual artists as well as our unique exhibition and training programs.
Handmade in Australia.
THIS PIECE IS ON DISPLAY AS PART OF THE 'QUIET GEOMETRY' EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION RUNS UNTIL MAY 24TH 2026. ANY SOLD WORK WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION OR DELIVERY IN EARLY JUNE 2026.