Secret, Sacred & Scattered

Artist list

Laila Marie Costa, Maria Konschake, Into Niilo

This focus exhibition shows the work of three contemporary jewellery designers. Secret, Sacred & Scattered. 3 artists, 3 stories, 1 expo shows the results of their residency programme that ran from September to December 2024 in the DIVA atelier. During this period, the designers were given time and space to create new works. These are now presented at the DIVA museum for the first time.

Maria Konschake blurs the line between critical design and art. Her current PhD research (at Hasselt University and PXL MAD School of Arts) revolves around the assumption that objects carry memories. Within her research, she comments on this from an artistic perspective, using (memory-related) deviation as an artistic strategy. During her residency, Maria developed objects inspired by the Flemish hearts from the DIVA collection. Her objects tell a fictional story and also explore the importance of museums as mediators of cultural memory.

Into Niilo combines a background in fashion with jewellery design, and is known for their innovative use of materials and techniques. Into's work, often laced with dark humour and surreal elements, explores the body as a therapeutic response to the psychological condition dysmorphophobia . In their new series of works, developed in the DIVA atelier, Into focuses on political statements, experimenting with word games, slightly reactive materials and coding systems.

Laila Marie Costa is a multidisciplinary artist who collects materials from the urban environment and transforms them into jewellery, assemblages and installations. During her residency, Laila delved into industrial diamonds, more specifically, diamond powder, inspired by historical pieces from the DIVA collection. Her new collection subtly raises moral and ethical issues, inviting viewers to reflect through charm and humour.


Important dates 'Secret, Sacred & Scattered'​

Exhibition: From 28 February till 30 March 2025.

Opening: on 27 February 2025.

• Performance by Laila Marie Costa.
• DIVA talk: Laila Marie Costa + Peter Vermandere: 27 February 2025.
• Nocturne: temporary exhibition Pinned! Contemporary Antwerp Jewellery.

DIVA talks:

• Into Niilo + Nadine Wijnants & Mark Van Grieken: 11 March 2025.
• Maria Konschake + Beppe Kessler: 25 March 2025.