suzanne jongmans sculpts recycled packaging into renaissance fashions

captured across two series’ entitled ‘mind over matter‘ and ‘kindred spirits‘, interdisciplinary artist suzanne jongmans recycles packaging materials to create elaborate renaissance costumes. bonnets are fashioned from styrofoam and plastic sheets, thick bubble wrap sculpted into high-collars, and dresses embellished with polystyrene beads. once completed these costumes are then photographed on subjects in poses reminiscent of portrait styles from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.

images courtesy of the artist

you might recognize the work of jongmans because she recently captured pierpaolo piccioli’s collection for moncler. the images were similarly reminiscent of works by flemish masters like jan van eyck and robert campin with both bodies of work depicting what appear to be fragile scenes of renaissance life. it’s as though the artist has changed history by time travel, revisiting and reworking actual moments to create an alternate, almost humorous adaptation. and whilst there is a light theatricality to her images there is also a serious reflection on the mass disposal of materials in stark contrast to an age that made clothes to last, with an appreciation for fine silks and lace.

‘the use of residual material is a reaction to the present and the mass consumption that surrounds us‘, jongmans explains. ‘most people throw away foam rubber, but like a child I see a diamond in the rough.‘

jongmans mines for these diamonds through a multi-media process defined by her work as a seamstress, pattern cutter, creator of sculptural forms, designer of costumes and a photographer. she forms complex relationships between materials and tradition adding value to simple packaging whilst inviting viewers to touch the past in her interpretation of old masters.