Dutch artist Mirjam Pet-Jacobs (1961) (MA in English, Radboud University, Nijmegen, NL; specialisation drawing, Art Academy Arendonk, B) has been considered as one of the most innovative and important European artists in her field since the beginning of this century.
Pet-Jacobs has won several international prizes, winning the first prize at the 5th Riga International Textile and Fibre Art Triennial, Riga, LV (2015) and twice the European Quilt Triennial, Heidelberg, D (2003 and 2009), as being most noteworthy, and exhibits all over the world. Her works have been featured in books, catalogues and magazines, as well as in the Brockhaus Enzyklopädie Deutschland. She is the author of ‘Textile Adventures’, a book based on one of her master classes, published in three languages by Bergtor Verlag, Germany.
Pet-Jacobs has been a member of numerous international jury committees and has given master classes all over Europe, including the Sommerakademie Kloster Irsee and PIVA, St.Moritz.
Her artwork is in the permanent collections of, amongst others, Textilsammlung Max Berk, Heidelberg, D, Gallery of Szombathely, H, Museum Delmenhorst, D, Miniartextil Como and the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, US.
Mirjam Pet-Jacobs lives and works in Velp, Gld, The Netherlands.
My multi media work focuses on transitional situations. We have to cross borders, or we might try to avoid them. What do we leave, what are we taking with us? Transgression, changes, time passing: how do we perceive all this? How do we deal with change? Can we understand it?
How can we keep ourselves, the world and thus the future healthy and safe?
I like to use discarded fabric, like old embroideries, scraps and other ‘useless’ materials to visualise my reflections. Usually taken for granted, it has probably more than any other material the enormous capacity to evoke recognition and resonation in us.
Textile techniques are a slow process, their rhythm being perfect for reflection and meditation. Drawing however challenges the mind to focus and make fast decisions; this process stimulates intuitive and instinctive movements. Charcoal and inks are my favourite materials.
For further information: mj@mirjampetjacobs.nl
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“One of the most memorable artists who create quilts using complex techniques is certainly Mirjam Pet-Jacobs. Her works are very concise and show a contrast of soft fabrics and bright colours. They have a very precise composition and their themes touch upon acute social issues.” -
Dr. O.V. Dokuchaeva, Deputy Director General for Research at SMR “Tsaritsyno”, Moscow, 2013
"Upsetting expectations of what a quilt should be, Mirjam has fully exploited the potential of this medium. From a sculptural work made from a recycled quilt to works with powerful, and frankly disturbing content, she continues to push the idea of ‘quilt’ beyond its comfortable boundaries and our comfort zone. She is an artist indeed." -
Dr.Sue Marks, independent scholar, quilt author, UK, in her speech at the opening of the 5th European Quilt Triennial, Heidelberg, 2012
"The Dutch Mirjam Pet-Jacobs is one of the most innovative and important European quilt artists. [...] At least since the first experiments of Nam June Paik and Wolf Vostell in the early 60s of the 20th century, it is impossible to imagine the contemporary art scene without video art. In 2009, it has entered the quilt art field with a video installation by Mirjam Pet-Jacobs for the first time." -
Kunstwerks des Monats, Dr. Kristine Scherer, curator Textile Collection Max Berk, Palatinate Museum, D, December, 2012
“Messages permeate the work of Mirjam Pet-Jacobs. Some of the messages are literally words easily read across surface. Others are hidden, written on tiny scrolls that she wraps up and attaches to her work. Some of her messages are purely visual, conveyed through bands of color splashed across black-and-white photos. And some of her messages are mute, conveyed by “Mimi” figures – long, thin, abstract figures that represent the vulnerability and helplessness of mankind. They project an aura of calm that contrasts with an emotionally charged, chaotic background.
A frequent experimenter, Pet-Jacobs often works with new forms and recently completed a video installation that includes footage of her quilting, projected through several layers of suspended sheer fabric so that the installation is “stitched” together by light. Her complex, atmospheric quilts resonate with viewers as they explore the nature of solitude and human connection.” – Martha Sielman, author of ‘Masters: Art Quilts, Volume 2, 2011.
“Several smaller quilts hung on the opposite side of the cube. Here I found a very intriguing and inspiring piece by MirjamPet-Jacobs, a Netherlands-based artist. Upon approach I could
sense that Meditation 1 - O, for the wings of dove was not an American-made piece. Combining shibori, computer printing, feathers, vinyl and type, this piece was elegant, poetic, and impeccably crafted but, most important it aesthetically balanced in design. It was one of the few pieces not relying on tradition while pushing the envelope on innovative ideas.” -
Bruce Hoffman, the director of Snyderman-Works Galleries, Philadelphia, PA, US, 2008 (review AQE)