In the atmospheric former art studios of designer and architect Pierre Cuypers, Claudy Jongstra’s monumental tapestries and new work—created especially for this exhibition—are beautifully showcased. Visitors will also discover never-before-seen studies, material tests, experimental works, and one-of-a-kind pieces from her archive. Also on display are pieces from her graduation collection from thirty years ago, the iconic dress for Viktor & Rolf, and the projects she initiated in collaboration with artist Marc Mulders and LOADS Collection. Together, “ ,” they paint a rich, layered, and multifaceted picture of Jongstra’s body of work.
A Love for Wool
The power and beauty of nature and a love for textiles—particularly the many possibilities of wool—have formed the foundation of Jongstra’s work for thirty years. From her biodynamic farm and studio in Friesland, she works in complete harmony with her surroundings. The wool comes from a flock of rare Drenthe heath sheep, and the historic dye plants—such as woad, madder, and woad—come partly from her own botanical garden, which the artist uses to create her characteristic color palette. Jongstra also focuses on the (re)discovery and adaptation of historical dye recipes.
Thanks to years of research and experimentation, she has successfully adapted centuries-old techniques—such as spinning, carding, felting, and weaving—to contemporary applications in her artworks. These works are always created through collaboration within the local community—both in her own studio and on the farm, as well as in partnership with biodynamic farmers at home and abroad.
Breathing new life into old crafts and techniques
The fact that “Presence in Process ” is on view in the former art workshops of Pierre Cuypers is highly significant within the context of the exhibition. Claudy Jongstra breathes new life into nearly lost crafts and techniques in a contemporary way and is actively committed to the preservation and transmission of knowledge. To this end, Studio Claudy Jongstra works closely with knowledge and educational institutions, farmers, scientists, gardeners, and artists. In this way, her approach and vision align closely with those of architect, materials researcher, designer, and artist Pierre Cuypers, who also reintroduced old crafts and techniques in his studios and encouraged collaboration with artisans.
Pierre Cuypers produced textiles for ecclesiastical use, while Claudy Jongstra began her career designing theater costumes. Recently, she also founded LOADS Collection together with her son Jesk, a label for biodynamic fashion and interior textiles that offers a critical and transparent response to today’s fast-fashion industry.
Vibrant Program
In conjunction with the exhibition, visitors can explore the specially landscaped garden featuring native dye and medicinal plants, inspired by the layout and plantings of a medieval monastery garden. In addition, the Cuypershuis has developed an extensive program of workshops, lectures, and debates. On Saturdays, August 1, 8, 15, and 22, guided tours of the artworks will take place at 1:00 p.m., allowing visitors to learn more about the background of *Presence in Process*. There are also discovery tours through Claudy Jongstra’s exhibition for children. In addition, there is a series of workshops (the last one on August 5) titled “From Wool to Product.” For this, Studio Claudy Jongstra trained people from De Zorgdragerij in Roermond in traditional, natural techniques such as weaving, carding, spinning, and needle felting.
With “Presence in Process,” the Cuypershuis is a vibrant museum this summer where visitors not only experience art but also see how nature, craftsmanship, and community reinforce one another. A place that inspires a renewed, respectful relationship with our planet—a message deeply rooted in the vision and mission of both Pierre Cuypers and Claudy Jongstra.
Photo by: Maartje van Berkel – Tangible Transformation I, Studio Claudy Jongstra.