Maria Blaisse
Maria Blaisse (8 May 1944 Amsterdam) graduated at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy Amsterdam 1968. Two years later she was a participant in the design studio of Jack Lenor Larsen New York. After this she did research on traditions of textile techniques and natural dyeing of fibers in South America for 2 years. Her projects can be understood as sculptures or costumes. In many cases, it is difficult to determine which is in control: the body or the form. Perhaps more clearly than any other artist, Blaisse resides firmly between the disciplines of art, design, textiles, and fashion. Her work is an investigation of form and material. The results have found homes in the theater, on the fashion catwalk, and in the art gallery. Her work has been exhibited a.o.in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin, Amsterdam (Stedelijk Museum, Platform21, Gallery Binnen, Gallery Ra), Leerdam (International Glassmuseum), Pica Perth (Institute of Contemporary Arts), Flexible Pan European Art (Austria, Poland, NL and UK), 's-Hertogenbosch (Het Kruithuis), London (Craftsmuseum), Kyoto (International Textile Exhibition), Paris (Grand Palais), Stockholm (Kulturhuset), Trondheim (Museum of applied Art), Brussels (Gallery Neon), Lausanne (Biennale International de la Tapisserie). Her work has won several awards and nominations, among which: Emmy van Leersum, Design Preis Schweiz, Rotterdam Designprize, Dutch ministery of economic and cultural affairs, Oggetti per Domus.
