An aesthetic quest to find beauty in order and order in beauty.
ABOUT ME
ARS COSMETRICA FINE ART
PAINTINGS & DRAWING
BASED IN:
EINDHOVEN NL | ELAHUIZEN FR
Marjolein is an artist based in Eindhoven and Elahuizen, whose work blends the timeless tranquil elegance of still life with the structured beauty of abstract geometry and the opulence of floral illumination in Islamic art (Tezhip).
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Eindhoven, Marjolein discovered a passion for art and science at an early age. Her fascination with color, words, and patterns sparked a lifelong interest in art, languages, and science.
Marjolein seeks stillness in the chaos of daily life through the poetry of everyday objects and tessellating patterns and designs. Her work is influenced by 17th-century early Netherlandish painters as well as more recent Dutch artists such as M.C. Escher and Cornelis le Mair.
Although not trained formally as an artist, Marjolein pursued education at Eindhoven University of Technology, KU Leuven, and Antwerp University, where she completed a master's degree in Innovation Management, Sinology, and Translation Studies.
Marjolein currently works as a university language instructor. During her studies and work as a language instructor, she developed a fascination for the interplay between words and colors—how words can color language and how color can convey emotions—elements that are integral to her artistic practice.
ARTISTIC CURICULUM
• 2008 – 2011: Calligraphy classes, Nanjing, China
• 2019 – Present: School of Traditional Arts, London, UK
• 2021 – Present: Istanbul Design Centre, Istanbul, Turkey
• 2022 – Present: Masterclasses at Studio Cornelis le Mair, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Marjolein's artistic journey has been shaped by a diverse and enriching educational path spanning continents and disciplines.
It began with a course in Chinese calligraphy and painting in Nanjing, China, where she immersed herself in the elegant strokes and symbolic meanings inherent in each character. This experience ignited a passion for the artistry of language and set the stage for her exploration of other traditional arts.
Her foundational exploration continued at the School of Traditional Arts in London, where Marjolein delved into the principles of classical and traditional art forms. Under the guidance of esteemed instructors, she honed her skills in techniques preserved and refined over centuries. This immersive experience not only expanded her technical repertoire but also fostered a profound appreciation for the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of art.
Another pivotal chapter unfolded at the Istanbul Design Centre in Istanbul, Turkey, under the mentorship of Åžeyma Çınar. Here, Marjolein embarked on a transformative exploration of Tezhip Art, also known as Illumination. This ancient Turkish art form, with its intricate patterns and delicate use of gold and natural pigments, captivated her imagination and deepened her understanding of color, symbolism, and cultural heritage.
Seeking to deepen her expertise, Marjolein pursued master classes in traditional painting under the tutelage of Cornelis Le Mair. His mastery and dedication to preserving the essence of classical painting techniques profoundly influenced her approach, instilling in her a reverence for craftsmanship and a commitment to meticulous detail.
Throughout this ongoing educational journey, Marjolein has embraced a philosophy of lifelong learning, continuously striving for new insights and refining her artistic voice. Each educational opportunity has enriched her practice, allowing her to synthesize diverse influences and traditions into a cohesive and authentic artistic expression. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, she carries forward the lessons learned from each educational opportunity, blending the wisdom of the past with a unique perspective.
Ars Cosmetrica
Name significance
Ars: This Latin word means "art." It suggests a practice or skill that is refined, creative, and dedicated to beauty or aesthetics. Cosmos, from the Greek word "κÏŒσμος," signifies the universe and the inherent order, harmony, and beauty within it. Geometry represents the mathematical precision and aesthetic purity inherent in forms and patterns. By incorporating these elements, my work aims to delve into the deeper connections between art, nature, and the universe.
Additionally, the name reflects a reverence for the sacred aspects of nature and a dedication to the perennial philosophy, which seeks to uncover the universal truths that underpin existence
Inspiration
Nature, mathematics and perennial philosophy
