Exhibition introduction: Freeze, Pieke Bergmans 

Pieke Bergmans is fascinated by movement and the shapes that arise from it. She is amazed at how many materials are squeezed into straitjackets, with no room for the natural characteristics of the material to shine out. Characteristic of Bergmans’ work method is her close study of existing production processes that she then manipulates and reworks. Using this approach she gives the material room to choose its own way.

Bergmans collaborates with technical specialists. Various works are produced in series under her direction. Bergmans intervenes at a certain moment in the production process, so that the still freely moving shape is brought to a stop. Hence every object is unique. The result is a ‘frozen’ moment. ‘Free’ has become ‘Freeze’.

Bergmans has not restricted herself to one sort of material in her repertoire, but works with glass, plastic and other synthetics. All are materials that become soft and malleable by heating during the production process. While cooling they become hard and the process of creeping, twisting and flowing is brought to a halt. Bergmans also works with clay in which the natural flexibility is halted by drying.

Process and end object are inextricably bound together for Bergmans. As soon as she intervenes there is no way back for the object. Each series evolves due to repetition of the production process. The results can be just as surprising for Bergmans as they are for the viewer.

Pieke Bergmans (1978, Sprang-Capelle) studied graphic design at the St. Joost in Breda, 3D-design at ArtEZ in Arnhem, industrial design at the Design Academy Eindhoven and design products at the Royal College of Art in London. After her studies, Bergmans opened studios in Amsterdam and Milan. She also has a workshop in Tilburg. Bergmans presents her work both nationally and internationally and her designs have been acquired by numerous museums and private collections.