Elsemarijn Bruys 1989
Lives in Rotterdam & Amsterdam. Works in Rotterdam & Amsterdam.
Represented by:
Contour Gallery
Elsemarijn Bruys (1989, NL) is a visual artist with a strong curiosity for sensory perception. In her hybrid practice, she alternates between creating sculptures and architectural interventions, but the spatial experience always serves as her starting point.
Her foundation in fashion has significantly influenced her sculptural work, both in terms of trend sensitivity and material usage. The series "Puff" (2019 – present) is a sculptural reference to the archetypal puffer jacket, a garment that possesses the characteristic of transcending class and is embraced by nearly every social group. Bruys' puffs are constantly under tension, sometimes so glossy that the viewer sees themselves reflected in them, albeit fully stretched and distorted. This duality, between lightness and discomfort, between attraction and repulsion, is an elemental motif in her work.
Bruys takes the element of air seriously and regards it as an essential material. By trapping or allowing air to move, objects become more animated and assume variable forms. The transformation from rectangles to round shapes, the occupation of spaces, and the breathing of objects suggest an organic interaction with air. It appears that Bruys plays with the boundaries of materiality and visitors' perception. Subtle changes in perspective and the distortion of objects can influence visitors' experience and challenge them to perceive the material world in new ways. The addition of air renders her objects performative, and the shape-shifting (morph) that she induces simultaneously lies at the core of her work.
Her foundation in fashion has significantly influenced her sculptural work, both in terms of trend sensitivity and material usage. The series "Puff" (2019 – present) is a sculptural reference to the archetypal puffer jacket, a garment that possesses the characteristic of transcending class and is embraced by nearly every social group. Bruys' puffs are constantly under tension, sometimes so glossy that the viewer sees themselves reflected in them, albeit fully stretched and distorted. This duality, between lightness and discomfort, between attraction and repulsion, is an elemental motif in her work.
Bruys takes the element of air seriously and regards it as an essential material. By trapping or allowing air to move, objects become more animated and assume variable forms. The transformation from rectangles to round shapes, the occupation of spaces, and the breathing of objects suggest an organic interaction with air. It appears that Bruys plays with the boundaries of materiality and visitors' perception. Subtle changes in perspective and the distortion of objects can influence visitors' experience and challenge them to perceive the material world in new ways. The addition of air renders her objects performative, and the shape-shifting (morph) that she induces simultaneously lies at the core of her work.
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CV
Artworks by Elsemarijn Bruys
Articles on Elsemarijn Bruys
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The monumental Artificial Landscape 2.0 by Elsemarijn Bruys (find more here) mirrors the scale of its surroundings, captivating visitors with its towering presence. Navigating through the object, guests are enveloped by its constructed comfort and playful charm. Going deeper into the structure, their sense of orientation begins to slip away. Neon-colored walls create a limbo where the boundaries between the real and the surreal start to blur.
Driven by a profound curiosity for sensory perception, Bruys alternates between making sculptures and architectural interventions. Central to her work is the manipulation of air, a medium she treats as a collaborator. Within her work, the air has the freedom to take its course: rectangles become round, spaces are filled and occupied, objects breathe in and out, and perspectives become deformed.
https://www.designboom.com/design/colossal-inflatable-landscape-dutch-design-week-organic-neon-green-forms-elsemarijn-bruys-11-09-2023/
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In museum collection:
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
Market position
Elsemarijn Bruys (1989, NL) is a Rotterdam-based visual artist whose work explores the intricate relationship between sensory perception and spatial experience. With a foundation in fashion design and communication, Bruys skillfully blends trend sensitivity and innovative material usage in her hybrid practice, which includes both sculptures and architectural interventions. Bruys has established a significant presence in the art market through a combination of her innovative artistic practice and involvement in the art community.
Her exhibitions span from 2015 to 2024, demonstrating a commitment to sharing her work. Notable showcases include her participation in "Vincent op vrijdag" at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam (2017), the group show "Blauwdruk" at Kunsthal KAdE in Amersfoort (2018), and exhibitions at Contour Gallery. Beyond these exhibitions, Bruys has participated in prominent art fairs, including a solo presentation at Big Art in Amsterdam (2022), another solo show at Art Amsterdam (2022) and most recently, she exhibited at Art Rotterdam in 2024.
Elsemarijn Bruys has notable accomplishments in various events and festivals, expanding her reach beyond traditional gallery spaces, allowing her to engage with diverse audiences and contexts. These include the acquisition of her work for the collection of the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam as part of the exhibition "Abstract Art of Women, Then and Now." In conjunction with the 2023 edition of Dutch Design Week, Bruys presented her monumental work, "Artificial Landscape 2.0," a colossal inflatable installation that transforms the interior of the Koelhuis Eindhoven cultural and tech hub. Soaring to an impressive 60 meters, this striking structure unfurls into a captivating expanse of neon green organic forms, mirroring the fluidity of the natural environment. Following its debut, the installation took center stage at De School Amsterdam on December, 2023, further establishing Bruys as a significant and innovative voice in the art market.
Her works are included in prominent collections, such as those of CitizenM and recent Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, highlighting her appeal to both corporate and artistic audiences.
Bruys's foundation in fashion profoundly shapes her sculptural work, particularly in trend sensitivity and material usage. Her series "Puff" (2019 – present) references the iconic puffer jacket, a garment that transcends class and appeals to diverse social groups. The puffs, often glossy and under tension, invite viewers to see themselves reflected in distorted forms, embodying a duality of lightness and discomfort. Bruys considers air a vital material, using it to animate her objects and create variable forms. This transformation, along with the breathing quality of her pieces, fosters an organic interaction with space. By playing with materiality and perception, she challenges viewers to engage with the world in new ways, making her works performative and shape-shifting at their core.
Her exhibitions span from 2015 to 2024, demonstrating a commitment to sharing her work. Notable showcases include her participation in "Vincent op vrijdag" at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam (2017), the group show "Blauwdruk" at Kunsthal KAdE in Amersfoort (2018), and exhibitions at Contour Gallery. Beyond these exhibitions, Bruys has participated in prominent art fairs, including a solo presentation at Big Art in Amsterdam (2022), another solo show at Art Amsterdam (2022) and most recently, she exhibited at Art Rotterdam in 2024.
Elsemarijn Bruys has notable accomplishments in various events and festivals, expanding her reach beyond traditional gallery spaces, allowing her to engage with diverse audiences and contexts. These include the acquisition of her work for the collection of the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam as part of the exhibition "Abstract Art of Women, Then and Now." In conjunction with the 2023 edition of Dutch Design Week, Bruys presented her monumental work, "Artificial Landscape 2.0," a colossal inflatable installation that transforms the interior of the Koelhuis Eindhoven cultural and tech hub. Soaring to an impressive 60 meters, this striking structure unfurls into a captivating expanse of neon green organic forms, mirroring the fluidity of the natural environment. Following its debut, the installation took center stage at De School Amsterdam on December, 2023, further establishing Bruys as a significant and innovative voice in the art market.
Her works are included in prominent collections, such as those of CitizenM and recent Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, highlighting her appeal to both corporate and artistic audiences.
Bruys's foundation in fashion profoundly shapes her sculptural work, particularly in trend sensitivity and material usage. Her series "Puff" (2019 – present) references the iconic puffer jacket, a garment that transcends class and appeals to diverse social groups. The puffs, often glossy and under tension, invite viewers to see themselves reflected in distorted forms, embodying a duality of lightness and discomfort. Bruys considers air a vital material, using it to animate her objects and create variable forms. This transformation, along with the breathing quality of her pieces, fosters an organic interaction with space. By playing with materiality and perception, she challenges viewers to engage with the world in new ways, making her works performative and shape-shifting at their core.
CV
Elsemarijn Bruys ( Amersfoort , NL -1989)
Werkzaam in Rotterdam
EDUCATION
2009 - 2013 HKU, Fashion design and communication
2005 - 2009 Nimeto Utrecht, Reclame Presentatie, Communicatie
PROJECTEN
2021 - present Idiotbox.online, videoart platform, Founder/Co-curator
2019 - present Hectobar.nl, Founder/Organizer
2018 - 2021 Amber Solo Gallery, Founder/Organizer
2016 - present A/V Club, Founder/Organizer
EXHIBITIONS
2024 - Art Rotterdam _ solo show ( forthcoming)
2023/2024 - De School Amsterdam - solo show (forthcoming)
2023 - This Artfair - solo show ( forthcoming)
2023- Museum Jan - Amstelveen - Groupshow (forthcoming)
2023 MOMO - installation at MOMO - R’dam
2022 Schemerlicht festival -Nijmegen - (groupshow)
2022 Contour Gallery - R’dam (Solo exhibition)
2022 Big Art - Contour Gallery- Amsterdam - ( Solo)
2022 Art Amsterdam - Contour Gallery - A’dam (Solo )
2021 This Art Fair
2021 De Achtertuin during Art Rotterdam
2020 Hectobar 8.0, Punch, Amsterdam
2020 Not for profit art party, Worm x Almondestraat, Rotterdam
2020 ‘A show in a gallery’, Patty Morgan, Amsterdam (solo)
2020 PUFFS x Phoney Club, Rotterßdam (solo)
2019 Hectobar 3.0, Neck of the Woods, Rotterdam
2019 Amster Solo collective, Torrence art museum, L.A. (group show)
2019 Opening night, De groene, Arnhem
2019 ‘Presure’ Van Eesteren Museum x Museum N8, Amsterdam
2019 Stedelijk Amsterdam x TNO, Museum N8, Amsterdam
2018 Blauwdruk, Kunsthal KAdE, Amersfoort (group show)
2017 GAZE Interactive art-installation, DTRH festival
2017 Vincent op vrijdag, Van Gogh museum, Amsterdam
2017 WOW Open Air Festival, Amsterdam (group show)
2017 Bcademie x Galerie KERS, Amsterdam (group show)
2017 LAST SHOW BCADEMY, Worm, Rotterdam
2017 This Art Fair, Amsterdam, (duo show)
2016 Platform Platvorm, Melkweg, Amsterdam (group show)
2016 Blauwdruk, Kunsthal KAde, Amersfoort, (group show)
2016 Anoniem Radio kunstwerk, Mister Motley, Amsterdam
2015 (M)EAT ME, Video project with Debbie Simons, Amsterdam
Set/ art design
2022 Wandler 5 year Anniversairy - costum installation
2022 Drift - costum installation -ism Boris Acket
2020 Mu’ URLAND, graphic motiondesign
2020 Erker Opera Dagen Rotterdam, spatial design
2020 Landverhuizers, Orkater, costum & set
2020 Het Verhaal van Anders, Aya danstheater, costum & set
2020 A/V CLUB x wildeburg, spatial design & programming
2020 Slopera, Opera Dagen Rotterdam, costum
2019 Foyer, Opera Dagen Rotterdam, spatial design
2019 Opera is Dood, CLUB GEWALT, costum en set
2019 Libi, Korzo theater, costum
2019 ‘His story is history’, NEST, video instalation
2019 De week van Eros, Mister Motley, grafic identity
2018 Wildeburg festival, stage design.
2018 URLAND, press photo x 3d scan
2017 ‘Place of Ruin’, NEST TV direction and animation
2017 CRASK JOHAN video clip, art direction
2017 ADE festival/ITW, stage design
2016 Video Cousin, concept and art direction
2016 Where the worst things are for WTWTA festival, art direction
2016 URLAND, Internet trilogie |||, Set design
2016 Grrrrroente, costume design, Tweetakt Utrecht
2016 ZEST, Volkshotel Amsterdam, costum design
2016 CLUB CLUB GEWALT, Club Gewalt, set- and costum design
2016 Kirimioqi, Videoart
2016 NIEUW JURK, Big in Japan for Mister Motley, editorial
2015 KIM FAN video project, direction/animation
2015 Cereal, short movie for Scott Franka (UK), art direction
RECIDENCY
2020 Patty morgan, Amsterdam
2017 Project 24h, WORM, Rotterdam
Werkzaam in Rotterdam
EDUCATION
2009 - 2013 HKU, Fashion design and communication
2005 - 2009 Nimeto Utrecht, Reclame Presentatie, Communicatie
PROJECTEN
2021 - present Idiotbox.online, videoart platform, Founder/Co-curator
2019 - present Hectobar.nl, Founder/Organizer
2018 - 2021 Amber Solo Gallery, Founder/Organizer
2016 - present A/V Club, Founder/Organizer
EXHIBITIONS
2024 - Art Rotterdam _ solo show ( forthcoming)
2023/2024 - De School Amsterdam - solo show (forthcoming)
2023 - This Artfair - solo show ( forthcoming)
2023- Museum Jan - Amstelveen - Groupshow (forthcoming)
2023 MOMO - installation at MOMO - R’dam
2022 Schemerlicht festival -Nijmegen - (groupshow)
2022 Contour Gallery - R’dam (Solo exhibition)
2022 Big Art - Contour Gallery- Amsterdam - ( Solo)
2022 Art Amsterdam - Contour Gallery - A’dam (Solo )
2021 This Art Fair
2021 De Achtertuin during Art Rotterdam
2020 Hectobar 8.0, Punch, Amsterdam
2020 Not for profit art party, Worm x Almondestraat, Rotterdam
2020 ‘A show in a gallery’, Patty Morgan, Amsterdam (solo)
2020 PUFFS x Phoney Club, Rotterßdam (solo)
2019 Hectobar 3.0, Neck of the Woods, Rotterdam
2019 Amster Solo collective, Torrence art museum, L.A. (group show)
2019 Opening night, De groene, Arnhem
2019 ‘Presure’ Van Eesteren Museum x Museum N8, Amsterdam
2019 Stedelijk Amsterdam x TNO, Museum N8, Amsterdam
2018 Blauwdruk, Kunsthal KAdE, Amersfoort (group show)
2017 GAZE Interactive art-installation, DTRH festival
2017 Vincent op vrijdag, Van Gogh museum, Amsterdam
2017 WOW Open Air Festival, Amsterdam (group show)
2017 Bcademie x Galerie KERS, Amsterdam (group show)
2017 LAST SHOW BCADEMY, Worm, Rotterdam
2017 This Art Fair, Amsterdam, (duo show)
2016 Platform Platvorm, Melkweg, Amsterdam (group show)
2016 Blauwdruk, Kunsthal KAde, Amersfoort, (group show)
2016 Anoniem Radio kunstwerk, Mister Motley, Amsterdam
2015 (M)EAT ME, Video project with Debbie Simons, Amsterdam
Set/ art design
2022 Wandler 5 year Anniversairy - costum installation
2022 Drift - costum installation -ism Boris Acket
2020 Mu’ URLAND, graphic motiondesign
2020 Erker Opera Dagen Rotterdam, spatial design
2020 Landverhuizers, Orkater, costum & set
2020 Het Verhaal van Anders, Aya danstheater, costum & set
2020 A/V CLUB x wildeburg, spatial design & programming
2020 Slopera, Opera Dagen Rotterdam, costum
2019 Foyer, Opera Dagen Rotterdam, spatial design
2019 Opera is Dood, CLUB GEWALT, costum en set
2019 Libi, Korzo theater, costum
2019 ‘His story is history’, NEST, video instalation
2019 De week van Eros, Mister Motley, grafic identity
2018 Wildeburg festival, stage design.
2018 URLAND, press photo x 3d scan
2017 ‘Place of Ruin’, NEST TV direction and animation
2017 CRASK JOHAN video clip, art direction
2017 ADE festival/ITW, stage design
2016 Video Cousin, concept and art direction
2016 Where the worst things are for WTWTA festival, art direction
2016 URLAND, Internet trilogie |||, Set design
2016 Grrrrroente, costume design, Tweetakt Utrecht
2016 ZEST, Volkshotel Amsterdam, costum design
2016 CLUB CLUB GEWALT, Club Gewalt, set- and costum design
2016 Kirimioqi, Videoart
2016 NIEUW JURK, Big in Japan for Mister Motley, editorial
2015 KIM FAN video project, direction/animation
2015 Cereal, short movie for Scott Franka (UK), art direction
RECIDENCY
2020 Patty morgan, Amsterdam
2017 Project 24h, WORM, Rotterdam
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