STATEMENT
My mixed 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 resonate in us.
RESUME
Since the beginning of this century Dutch artist Mirjam Pet-Jacobs (MA in English, Radboud University, Nijmegen, NL) has been considered as one of the most innovative and important European artists in her field. Since 2006 she is an exhibiting member of the renowned international group Quilt Art.
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, the Textilsammlung Max Berk, Heidelberg, D, the Gallery of Szombathely, H, Museum Delmenhorst, D, and the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, US.
Mirjam Pet-Jacobs lives and works in Velp, GLD, The Netherlands.
TEXTS
“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 of́ Snyderman-Works Galleries, Philadelphia, PA, US, 2008 (review AQE)
PDFs
2018 - Mein Lieblingsquilt, PP01/2018
2015 - Art Quilts en Art Quilters, Henk Lijding MA, QN 125
2014 - Social Fabric, Jonathan Rinck, 2014/11/12
2013 - Netwerken van Artquilters, Henk Lijding, QN 116
2012 - SAQA Journal, MPJ featured artist, Vol. 22, No.2
2012 - MPJ – Timeless in Time, KM Heidelberg, NR 333
2012 - Waalrese kunstenaars exposeren in het Waalres Museum, Nr.21
2011 - Mein Studio: MPJ, PP03/2011
2010 - Gelaagd leeg, Textiel Plus 214
2009 - RSVP, Henk Lijding, QN 99
BLOGS
2017 - Een stukje papier, Fenne Saedt, Mr.Motley
2012 - Ricky Tims: MPJ – Art Quilts with a Powerful Message
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2017 - Nordwolle Nordwestdeutsches Museum für IndustrieKultur, Delmenhorst, D
2017 - 23rd EPM, Sainte Marie-aux Mines, F
2016 - OEQC, MECC, Maastricht, NL
2016 - Kasteel Heeze (Kunstsmullen), NL
2016 - Sommerakademie Kloster Irsee, D
2016 - Kerk Zandeweer, Quiltfestival Noord Groningen, Zandeweer, NL
2012 - Textilsammlung Max Berk, Heidelberg
2012 - Het Waalres Museum, NL
2008 - Artihove Art Centre, Bergschenhoek, NL
2006 - La Sucrière, Lyon, F
2005 - Aboriginal Art Museum Utrecht, NL
2005 - 11th EPM, Sainte Marie-aux Mines, F
2004 - Het Waalres Museum, NL
GROUP EXHIBITIONS (selection)
2022 - Routes, Nieuwe Ruimte, Velp, NL
2022 - High Five Art Gallery, Baarle Nassau, NL
2022 - Textilsammlung, Max Berk, Heidelberg, D
2021 - Galerie NZ, Arendonk, B
2021 - Galerie Zone, Leiden, NL
2021 - Kapellerput, Heeze (invitational)
2021 - 10th International Mini and 2nd Micro Textile Art Scythia, UA
2021 - 7th Triennial of Textile Arts, Art Gallery Szombathely, H
2020 - QA-Traces, New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, UK
2020 - QA-Material Evidence, Fuga Gallery, Budapest, H
2020 - Textiel Plus Wedstrijd 2020 (online exhibition)
2019 - Gallery De Kliuw, Heeze, NL
2019 - RMBRNDT.NU, Amsterdam, NL
2019 - Menier Gallery London (QA Material Evidence)
2019 - Zomerexpo, Museum De Fundatie, Zwolle, NL
2019 - 9th International Biennial Exhibition of Mini Textile Art “Scythia” (Kherson, Ukraine; Ivano-Frankivs’k, Ukraine)
2019 - 8th International Fine Arts Festival, Kranj, Slovenia (invitational)
2019 - 3rd International Textile Art Biennial, Haacht, B
2018 - 6th Riga International textile and Fibre Art Triennial
2018 - Kunstsmullen Heeze, NL
2018 - The Nature of the Stitch, Sheehan Gallery at Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, US (invitational)
2018 - Stuff for Thought (Textilmuseum Helmbrechts, D; Karlsruhe, D; Birmingham, UK)
2018 - Miniartextil Como (touring)(as well as 2017, 2015, 2014, 2009)
2017 - Through Our Hands - A Portrait, NEC, Birmingham UK (invitational)
2017 - EAQ Grande Finale, Historisch Museum Goes, NL
2017 - 2nd International Textile Art Biennial, Haacht, B
2017 - 8th International Biennial Exhibition of Mini Textile Art “Scythia” (Kherson, Ukraine; Ivano-Frankivs’k, Ukraine)
2017 - 10th International Biennial of Textile Miniatures "ETHNO", Gallery Arka, Vilnius, Lithuania
2017 - QA30 - Dialogues (Guildford House, UK)
2017 - QA30 - Small Talk ( International Quilt Study Center, Nebraska, US)
2017 - De Nationale Kunstdagen, Nieuwegein, NL
2016 - World of Threads Festival, Ontario, Canada
2016 - QA30 - Dialogues (Museum Dr8888, NL; EPM, F)
2016 - QA30 - Small Talk (Museum De Schierstins, NL; Gallery De Kunstpraktijk, Veldhoven, NL; Textile Art, Berlin)
2016 - Art quilts in the Netherlands - K&S Show, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
2015 - Atelierroute Eindhoven, NL
2015 - Kunstmanifestatie Kunstfort Asperen, NL (invitational)
2015 - 6th European Quilt Triennial, Textilsammlung Max Berk, Heidelberg, D (touring, Museum Zons, D, Textilmuseum St. Gallen, CH, Sweden)
2015 - NOW Art Fair Eindhoven, NL
2015 - 5th Riga International Textile and Fibre Triennial, Riga, LV
2015 - International Textile Art Biennial 2015, Haacht, B
2015 - Bilston Craft Gallery, Bilston, UK (Through Our Hands)(invitational)
2015 - 't Reghthuys, Nieuwkoop, NL (invitational)
2015 - Maker-Making-Made (FoQ, Birmingham, UK)(invitational)
2015 - QA30 - Dialogues (Textilsammlung Max Berk,D; Quilt Museum York, UK)
2015 - QA30 - Small Talk (FoQ, Birmingham; Silk Museum Macclesfield, UK)
2014 - 8th International Fiber Art Biennial 'From Lausanne to Beijing', Nantong, China
2014 - Fine Art Quilt Masters 2014, London, Birmingham, UK
2014 - Gallery De Kliuw, Heeze, NL (invitational)
2013 - Museum-Reserve Tsaritsyno, Moscow, RU (invitational)
2013 - Galérie Ephémère, Thuin, B (invitational)
2013 - The Bank, Eye, Suffolk, UK (invitational)
2013 - Artexures 2013 (touring, as well as 2011, 2009)
2012 - CONTEXTILE 2012, Design's Institute, Guimarães, P
2012 - Asie-Europe, Janina Monkute-Marks Museum, Kedainiai, LT
2012 - 4th Textile Art Triennial, Gallery of Szombathely, H (as well as 2009)
2012 - European Art Quilts VII (as well as VI, V, IV, III; all touring)
2011 - 7th International Biennial of Textile Miniatures, Art Gallery "Arka", Vilnius, LT
2010 - Musée d’art et d’histoire, Neuchâtel, CH (EXNA 4; invitational)
2009 - 4th European Quilt Triennial, Heidelberg, D (as well as 2003)(touring Museum Zons, D, Textilmuseum St. Gallen, CH)
2009 - Pfaff Embroidery Challenge (touring)
2008 - Fries Museum, Leeuwarden, NL (invitational)
2007 - 6th Florence Biennale, I
AWARDS
2015 - 5th Riga International Textile and Fibre Art Triennial: 1st prize
2015 - Art Quilt Award 2015, Museum Nordwolle Delmenhorst, D: 1st prize
2012 - World Photo Concert contest, Parktheater, Eindhoven, NL: one of the five award winners
2011 - Infinite Art Gallery – Fiber Arts Show: Best of Show
2009 - 4th European Quilt Triennial, Heidelberg-D: Doris Winter commemoration prize for innovation of material, technique and concept
2009 - Black & White Art & Photography Competition: iSnapChat Artist Gallery: one of the six winners
2008 - Art Quilt Elements, Wayne, PA-US: SAQA Cream Award
2008 - Sound Strips-D: 3rd prize
2007 - 6th Florence Biennale-I: dFBa group
2007 - Quilt Art Lugano-CH: 2nd prize
2005 - Draíocht, Dublin-IRL: joint-winner price most outstanding artistic quality
2005 - Textiel Festival Breda-NL - "Groeten met Wereldstoffen": 1st prize
2004 - European Quilt Championships, Waalre-NL : Best of Show
2003 - 2nd European Quilt Triennial, Heidelberg-D : 1st prize
2003 - General Exhibition Quiltersgilde, Leiden-NL: 3rd prize
2002 - Miniature quilt Exhibition Quiltersgilde-NL : 3rd prize by the public
2001 - European Quilt Championships, Waalre-NL : Best of Show and 1st prize Advanced
1996 - Cordi Atelier Groningen 20 years-NL : 3rd prize and 1st prize by the public
RECENT PUBLICATIONS (selection)
2020 - Kunstenaars & coronavirus #3, Brabant Cultureel
2018 - Art Quilts Unfolding: 50 years of innovation, Nancy Bavor, Lisa Ellis and Martha Sielman, Schiffer Publishing, PA
2018 - The Collage Ideas Book, Alannah Moore, ILEX, Octopus Publishing Group, London
2017 - Een stukje papier, Mr.Motley Magazine (result of the investigation ‘The Sunday Painter’)
2016 - Excellence in Fibers, a juried exhibition in print, Fiber Art Now, Vol 6 issue 2
2015 - Mirjam Pet-Jacobs textile – mixed media 2011-2015 (own publication)
2015 - of past and present, Mirjam Pet-Jacobs (photos and gendai haiku)(own publication)
2015 - Art Quilters en Art Quilters, Henk Lijding MA, QN 125, Sep
2015 - International Textilkunst, 43. Jahrgang, März 2015, Heft 1, Jun 2015 Heft 2
2015 - Update, Kapellerput, Heeze, nr.2, November 2015
2014 - TextileArt around the world, Ellen Bakker, Textiellink
2014 - The Magic Moments (Russian Patchwork and Quilt Magazine) 1/2; 7/8
2013 - Art Quilts in Nederland, Henk Lijding MA, WBOOKS, Zwolle
2013 - Text in Textile Art, Sara Impey, Batsford, London
2013 - SCHMETZ Designer Portfolio
2012 - Textiles, The Art of Mankind, Mary Schoeser, Thames & Hudson, London
2012 - SAQA Journal, Volume 22, No. 2 (featured artist)
2012 - Textiles, The Art of Mankind, Mary Schoeser, Thames & Hudson, London
2012 - SAQA Journal Vol 22, No.2 (featured artist)
2012 - De Schakel - expo Het Waalre Museum
2012 - Connecting Design to Stitch, Sandra Meech, Batsford, London
2011 - Masters: Art Quilts II, Larkbooks
2011 - Colour in art quilts, Janet Twinn, Batsford, London
2011 - Patchwork Professional 03 (studio)
2010 - Mirjam Pet-Jacobs, textile works, 2006 – 2010, a selection (own publication)
2010 - Textiel Plus no.214 (featured artist)
2010 - The Art Quilt Collection, Designs and Inspiration from Around the World, Sixth & Spring Book
2009 - RSVP, Quiltnieuws no.99 review
2009 - Surface Design Journal - Winter- ArtQuiltsElements exhibition review
2009 - Textilkunst Sep
COLLECTIONS
- Nordwolle Nordwestdeutsches Museum für IndustrieKultur, Delmenhorst, D
- Textilsammlung Max Berk - Kurpfälzisches Museum, Heidelberg, D
- Gallery of Szombathely, H
- International Quilt Museum, Nebraska, LN, USA
- Aurifil SRL, Milan, I
- Quilts Inc Collection, USA
- Nationale Quilt Collectie, Uithuizermeede, NL
- private collections in EU and USA
COMMISSIONS
- Aurifil SLR-Italy, 2009
- Designer Workshop in Patchwork Professional 03/2008
- quilt pattern in Magic Patch no.22, 2002
- concept and design anniversary present the Quiltersgilde, 2002, in co-operation with Rita Berghuis-Ensing
- private commissions
Education
2020 - now Art Academy Arendonk, B (drawing-specialisation)
2015 - 2020 Art Academy Arendonk, B (drawing)
2005 - 2006 Laboratorium I and II, CKE, Eindhoven (multi disciplined fine arts courses)
2001 - 2003 Quilten Speciaal 1, AK, Utrecht, NL (former SBA)
1980 - 1985 MA English, incl. first degree teaching qualification, Radboud University Nijmegen, NL