From 13 October 2022 until 5 June 2023, the exhibition Brut! by father and son Thalen is on show in the Dutch Silver Museum in Schoonhoven. Brut! will tickle your senses. Like the famous champagne Brut, the objects represent finesse and sparkles, but are a bit rough on the edges at the same time. The contemporary silver sculptures made of the purest metal invite you to taste, hear and touch. Still, a lot of hammer blows are needed to bring this precious metal into the shape of cutlery, plates, candelabras and art objects. Brut! surprises and inspires the visitor with old, new and experimental work.
Stretching the limits in silversmithing
Rob and Jaap Thalen have been working in pure silver for over 20 years now. Before his career in silver began, Rob was a seasoned bronze caster. Jaap has a background in architecture. The Dutch silversmiths explore the technical limits of the material in their studio in Belgium. The twinkling 1.5-meter high Frozen Morning Light is a good example of their magnificent work. Sometimes they explore the possibilities of other materials or develop their concepts even further. A good example of that is the M-light, which started as an innovative sculpture called ‘Mandarin Ball’ and developed into a modern lampshade brought to life in corten steel and aluminum. It soon became a collectors’ item at the Art Fair in Milan.
Bringing concepts to life
Rob and Jaap focus on devising and bringing creative concepts to life. Rob talks enthusiastically about the silver table he once designed: “The painting ‘Dejeuner sur l’herbe’ by Manet inspired me to design a table that you can take with you and includes a complete set of silver tableware.” The table is a place where people can experience moments together and which, like Manet’s painting, inspires others. For example, a chef in America fell under the spell of the table and devised dishes that complements the silver in taste and texture. Jaap still remembers the commission for a gold vase. “It is very special to get the opportunity to work with gold on a larger scale. You notice that gold is even more elastic and stretchable than silver.”
Rob and Jaap: “With this exhibition we hope that the visitor gets a taste of the joy and passion we had while creating our work. Be inspired and experience the power of pure silver!”
Brut! by Thalen en Thalen
13 October 2022 – 5 June 2023
Kazerneplein 4, Schoonhoven
For more information:
www.zilvermuseum.com