Christien Meindertsma (Utrecht, 1980) has a deep love for wool and the possibilities this traditional material offers. Her fascination with wool stems from the remarkable duality of this material: it is soft yet incredibly strong. Her research began after she graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven, when she immersed herself in the world of wool and drew inspiration from the magic of production processes such as spinning, weaving, and felting. The exhibition highlights Meindertsma’s commitment to local production and the rediscovery of underutilized raw materials.
Meindertsma: “The fact that beautiful material is thrown away challenges me. As a designer and maker, I feel the urgency to contribute to finding a solution. Historical uses and new technologies inspire me in this endeavor.”
A hallmark of Meindertsma’s body of work is her distinctive approach to research: documenting the process rather than focusing on the end product. Through her design philosophy, her relentless curiosity, and her idealism, she has developed a clearly recognizable signature style. A highlight of the exhibition is Meindertsma’s groundbreaking research into machine-based 3D printing with wool, without the use of water. With the results of her research, Meindertsma opens doors to innovative techniques and applications that once seemed impossible. The first tangible results are on display at the Cuypershuis, made from wool from the Kempische Heideschaap sheep breed native to Roermond.
“Under the Wool” invites visitors to discover the stories behind wool, wool surpluses, and new uses for wool. Visitors can explore the connections between wool and our world. After visiting this exhibition, the expressions “counting sheep” and “going under the wool” will never have the same meaning again.
This project was initiated by guest curator Noëlle Kemmerling and developed in collaboration with Christien Meindertsma and Nadine Gouders, curator of the Cuypershuis. The exhibition *Under the Wool – Christien Meindertsma* is on view at the Cuypershuis from October 20 through May 12, 2024.
Cuypershuis
The Cuypershuis presents an overview of architect Pierre Cuypers’ life and work in his former home and studios. By telling stories from various perspectives and disciplines, the Cuypershuis places Cuypers’ ideas in a contemporary context.
In *Onder de wol* as well, the designed environment is based on Cuypers’s ideas. This presentation explores the role the designer plays in solving current problems and envisioning the future.
As an architect, (interior) designer, and craftsman, Cuypers was dedicated to creating a living environment that aligned with his ideals. His workshop served, as it were, as a “laboratory” for the necessary experiments with materials and form, ultimately leading to new designs and products.
Christien Meindertsma
Like Cuypers, Christien Meindertsma is a pioneer; as a researcher and designer, she seeks solutions to urgent problems through her innovations. In doing so, she draws inspiration from the historical use of materials and new technologies. A direct link between Meindertsma and Cuypers lies in the development of building materials: Cuypers developed his “ideal” brick, and Meindertsma is exploring a renewed use of wool as an alternative building material and insulation.
Meindertsma’s work is included in the collections of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (Rotterdam), the TextielMuseum (Tilburg), MoMA (New York), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), and the Vitra Design Museum (Weil am Rhein). Her work has been honored three times with the Dutch Design Award (2008) and received an Index Award (2009) for PIG 05049. The Flax Chair won the Dutch Design Award and the Future Award (2016), and had previously been on display at the Cuypershuis following her nomination for the Harrie Tillie Prize (2015). Meindertsma graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2003.
