Mandy den Elzen is a visual artist bridging the realms of nature, science and art.
Particularly interested in tactile properties of organic structures, Mandy den Elzen brings to light aesthetic side of natural wonders. Her practice may be characterised as combining intense and precise fieldwork with developing comprehensive and meticulous preservation methods.
Intrigued by nature’s ingenuity, Mandy den Elzen separates organic material from its original functions and transforms its raw forms into displayable and compelling artworks. Employing scientific-like approach, the artist rigorously selects internal organs of various animals and subjects them to a series of scrupulous actions. As a result, the organic materials alter their appearance and become unique and enigmatic objects seducing the viewers with their extraordinary shape, texture, tactility, and colour. Functioning like a microcosm encased in glass, Mandy den Elzen’s artwork sparks interest in its origins and reminds viewers of Renaissance cabinets of curiosities. The assemblies of collectable wonders that Mandy den Elzen creates not only manifest artist’s passion for nature and its aesthetics but also stimulate viewers’ imagination and encourage contemplation of hidden aspects of living organisms.
Mandy den Elzen’s works have been exhibited internationally and are included in numerous public and private collections. She is also the recipient of the 2015 Mondriaan Fund Talent Development Grant for Emerging Artists.
Het Mastbos, aangelegd in 1515, is het oudste naaldbos van Nederland en ligt ten zuiden van Breda. Het functioneert nog steeds als een productiebos waaraan de innovatieve ideeën over bosbouw van...
Mandy den Elzen is a Dutch artist fascinated by the process of making visible the wonders of nature and its encounter with art. In our routines is easy to forget to pay attention to the minutiae that...
Mandy den Elzen is experimenting if mycelium can replace fur by growing it on fluffy material.
Besides an animal friendly alternative to traditional fur, mycelium offers larger sizes fur than the skin surface of animals. Growing this organic fur from mushroom in a laboratory does not require...
Met het onderzoek “The essence of the Mastbos” ligt mijn focus op het distilleren en archiveren van de geur van elke naaldboomsoort in dit bos om hiermee een zintuiglijke registratie tot stand te...
