"Bonds of Love" by Manon Wertenbroek is a sculpture characterized by its smooth, muted surface and subtle, undulating forms, suggesting a tactile, organic presence. The piece appears minimalist yet evocative, with its brown tones and flowing shapes hinting at the contours of a body without explicit detail. Wertenbroek's use of abstract forms invites a contemplation of physical boundaries and intimacy. This work reflects her artistic pursuit to explore skin as a protective yet permeable barrier, challenging viewers to consider vulnerability and connection beyond the tangible. ...
Through the artist's material explorations, Manon Wertenbroek examines the definition of a physical form and its limits, as well as what lies beyond the skin as an envelope. In so doing, she explores the duality of skin as an element that is both singular and relational, protective and permeable. Wertenbroek is always looking for materials and ways to cross the line between sentimentality and eroticism, using materials such as latex, leather, metal clasps, lights, and piercings. Her sculptures are often disembodied, suggesting bodies without taking on volume or form. In 2017, Wertenbroek received the Swiss Art Award from the Federal Office of Culture. ...
