about

Van Doornum (1987) has participated in several artist-in-residence programs in Europe, among them are the Rijksakademie Amsterdam and Wiels Brussels. He has shown his work in different group shows in The Netherlands and abroad. His solo exhibitions include Kunstvereniging Diepenheim(NL), PARK – Tilburg (NL), DASH – Kortrijk (BE) and Wiels – Brussels (BE). Recently a large body of his work has been included, by curator Mihnea Mircan, in the Art Encounters Biennial 2021 In Timisoara (RO).

“I visualize inter-human contact by referring to modern techniques as well as historical ceremonial objects. My sculptures explore the invisible world of objects that are sending and receiving. I am interested in the empty spot religion and tradition has left in our lives and which has been filled by many technical dimensions. The works I make are elaborate structures which link existing principles and new stories. These stories are not always directly readable. I try to convince a viewer to look twice by luring them with the work’s physical appearance. I am translating carefully selected cultural and historical references into form and imagination. As a result, I slowly create works that make cross-references in time and space. Materiality and craftsmanship are important aspects to me. I make most of the parts myself. Therefor within in my artistic practice; my making process slowly has evolved into a thinking process
in materials.”

Jonathan van Doornum (Mariënberg 1987) Lives and works in the Netherlands