Beppe Kessler

Beppe Kessler

Beppe Kessler (1952, Amsterdam) is a distinguished visual artist, contemporary jewelry maker, and painter currently residing and working in the Netherlands. She graduated from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in 1979, specializing in textile art and industrial textile design.

 Artistic Practice and Technique

Kessler’s artistic practice is marked by her deep sensitivity to materials, earning her the nickname 'material girl.' She explores a range of materials, including wood, stone, paint, and linen, often pushing them to their limits. Her innovative approach involves breaking, stretching, and reimagining these materials, creating unique techniques and effects in the process. Her paintings are characterized by a subtle yet powerful presence. Kessler treats the canvas as an integral component of the artwork, damaging it through sanding, piercing, or shredding before stretching it. This process results in distinctive 'wavy' shapes that contribute to the depth and texture of her work. Her paintings are closely linked to her jewelry, with the two disciplines informing and enhancing each other.

Education

• Bachelor of Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), 1975
• Textile Department, Monumental and Industrial, Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Amsterdam, 1979