About Erik Lijzenga
Erik Lijzenga is an artist and curator whose work revolves around the narratives embedded in found objects. With a background in jewelry design and material research, Erik developed a keen eye for the overlooked beauty and potential stories within everyday items and discarded materials.
His practice involves meticulous collection, careful study, and transformative creation, often resulting in unique wearable art or object installations. By elevating humble materials through craftsmanship and conceptual framing, Erik invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the material world.
Based in Arnhem, The Netherlands, Erik continues to explore the boundaries between craft, art, and storytelling through his evolving collection of transformed objects.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
- 2024 MFA Gemstones and Jewellery - Hochschule Trier
- 2020 BA Product Design - ArtEZ University of the Arts (graduated with excellence)
- 2016 MBO Furniture Making
- 2012 MBO Art & Design
Grants & Awards
- 2024 Marzee Graduate Prize
- 2022 Heijkonijn Fonds
- 2022 PBC Fonds
- 2021 Fundatie van Renswoude
- 2021 Hendrik Muller Fonds
Selected Exhibitions
- 2025 The Collective - MaS Studio Shanghai
- 2025 Cocks & Cunts - Wearhouse, Amsterdam Pride
- 2024 Schmuck+ - Pforzheim
- 2024 Gallery Marzee - International Graduate Show
- 2023/24 Villa Bengel - Solo exhibition 'Lost and Found'
- 2022 Museum of Bohemian Paradise - LET THERE BE ROCK
- 2020 Gallery Marzee - International Graduate Show
Work Experience
- 2024 Intarsio - Furniture making and lacquer work
- 2023 Herbert Klein - Traditional stone carving techniques
- 2023 Pauly Art Factory - Polishing and finishing stone
- 2019 Tanel Veenre - Jewellery making
- 2019 Bas van Beek - Critical design
- 2018 Glassfactory Boda, Sweden - Glassblowing
Contact: erik@eriklijzenga.com | Instagram: @eriklijzenga
The Work
The Collective
An ongoing research into the objects that are present in our surroundings. By studying and replicating found objects I get to see into their world of practical aesthetics, learning about their design, production techniques and even their previous owner. By showing the beauty present in these objects I am emphasizing the effort it took for them to come into this world, never mind the coincidence of them ending up in my hands.
Lost & Found
A growing series of wearable collages, crafted out of carefully selected pieces from my found object archive. When left on their own, slowly the objects find their own way towards each other. A new constellation and a new life for these lost and discarded objects.
Objet Trouvé
A series of photographs that emerged from my obsessive collecting of necklaces and beads. Seeing such beauty and preciousness in these objects I started curating and organising my found objects into the shape of a necklace. Have I been finding jewels all along?
Various Projects
A variety of works, separate projects, open calls. All sprouting from the same care for material, craft and attention.
Follow My Journey
Stay connected through Instagram for the latest creations, work-in-progress shots, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my artistic process.
