Stedelijk Museum s'Hertogenbosch presents "Cult"

Curated by Current Obsession

Current Obsession has invited twelve of the most forward thinking international jewellery artists, some of which are presenting not yet seen work: Alexander Blank, Shachar Cohen, Elvira Golombosi, Adam Grinovich, Nils Hint, Göran Kling, Takashi Kojima, Helena Lehtinen, Edgar Mosa, Florian Weichsberger, Mallory Weston, Areta Wilkinson and Rei Yamada. A special piece from the Noordermarkt legend Happy Day is also present.

Additionally, five artists have been commissioned to create new work especially for CULT, including artist duo Conversation Piece, iconoclast Volker Atrops, Kelsey Isaacs, and artist Edgar Mosa, who created his works on the museum floor during a performance at the opening on the 14th of October. A vast array of both contemporary and historical works from jewellers and fine artists alike selected from the museum’s permanent collection are present as well.

photos by Alwin Poiana

Artist Statement:

Here you find the aftermath of a three-hour performance by Edgar Mosa.

The artist built these pieces progressively and simultaneously on live models, sculpting patterns on their bodies. Working from the neck out, he at first evoked the idea of a simple necklace, then took over the entire body. Each has a different look, dictated by the chosen material.

With rope, Mosa explores traditional bondage, capping the extremities with metal tubes, becoming giant shoelaces.

With chain, he drapes the body, making connections based on sensorial points to create a one-piece chainmail.

With wire, he frames the neck and arms expanding their boundaries.

With crystals, he adorns the body in unusual places, leaving gemstones to be found.

The pieces are presented in transparent garments that evoke clothing, but act instead as the body’s vitrine. Mosa envisions the performance as an extension of his private studio in New York where he always has people coming and going, “sketching” pieces directly on their bodies, which can plant the seed for an entire collection.

The ritual is more than the production of a piece of jewelry. It explores a process that allows an intimate interaction with their wearers.

-content from Exhibition catalogue