Claudy Jongstra
Returning to the history of wool, weaving, and plant-based color at Museum De Lakenhal, Claudy Jongstra restores the connection between humankind and nature, and between knowledge and material, with a solo exhibition that appeals to all the senses.
The exhibition features an installation of two new, large-scale artworks commissioned by Museum De Lakenhal for the exhibition: Nine and Cosmic Cry. Nine is the largest woven artwork Jongstra has ever made, extending across the floor of the main gallery like a sprawling landscape. This sculptural work is framed on either side by a panoramic diptych, Cosmic Cry. Together the installation forms a dark and mysterious landscape in tones of black, blue, and deep reds.
Read more
The dark colour palette references the signature black colour of the world-famous 'Leiden Laken' - woollen cloth that was produced in Leiden for seven centuries. Museum De Lakenhal is housed in the historic Cloth Hall where this cloth was inspected for quality.
Samples and excerpts from Studio Claudy Jongstra's historical reconstruction research into the production of mineral and plant-based black dyes for the colour palette of Nine and Cosmic Cry, is displayed alongside archival materials in the 'Staalmeester's Kamer' (Sample Master's Room), where these quality inspections once took place.
The exhibition also features Jongstra's activist manifesto, Woven Skin, as a powerful reminder of the message behind her entire ouevre - “For a long time I have been called a ‘wool artist’ - a nice name, sweet, non-threatening. But it is also bullshit. I am an activist. I want to encourage people to take action.”
Exhibition Title: Claudy Jongstra
Location: Museum De Lakenhal, Leiden, NL
Duration: 30 October 2020 - 29 August 2021
Photography: Ronald Tilleman
