Suzanne Jongmans Transforms Waste into Timeless Art
By Editor • August 12, 2026 • 1 min read
Suzanne Jongmans is redefining the boundaries of contemporary art by crafting stunning Renaissance-style portraits from discarded materials. Utilizing items like padded packaging and mesh fruit sleeves, she creates dreamlike representations that echo the elegance of classical masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Antonello da Messina.
Her models, adorned in rich velvet, are positioned against deep backgrounds reminiscent of historical paintings, embodying the dignity and solemnity typical of Renaissance portraiture. Recently, Jongmans has expanded her materials to include copper coils from old household appliances, further blurring the line between the refined and the refuse.
In her work, Jongmans raises questions about gender roles and societal norms, tackling issues that remain contentious today, such as public breastfeeding. She weaves these themes into her art, exploring femininity and the contrast between material and immaterial worlds. "Since the Enlightenment, reason has been glorified," she observes, noting that the importance of imagination in our lives has diminished.
Her introspective pieces, including self-portraits like "In the Midst of It All," encourage viewers to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. By marrying historical aesthetics with modern issues, Jongmans prompts a reevaluation of value and connection in a rapidly mechanizing world.
Source: www.thisiscolossal.com
