Portraits. A Workshop with Gesine Hackenberg

The functions of portraits are varied, but their primary aim is often to convey the essence and personality of the portrayed, beyond simply capturing their appearance. However, a portrait also inevitably reflects the artist‘s perspective—does it not reveal as much about the maker as it does about the subject?

In this 3-day workshop, you will use yourselves as the starting point for creating a series of portraits. The process will begin with material sketches that focus on shapes, appearance, and likeness. From there, you will gradually shift toward exploring a more abstract concept: the “essence” of the subject. Through exercises in material transformation, you will encourage associations and stimulate imagination.

How do these individual projects connect to jewelry? The focus of this workshop will be on experimentation, process, and questioning. The goal is to foster a dialogue between materials and ideas. Through group discussions, you will seek to understand and evaluate the material statements created.

Workshop fees: CHF 500.–
Students are entitled to a 10 % discount.
A discount is offered if more than one workshop is booked.

Participants: maximum 8.
Subscription: up to two weeks before the workshop begins.
Advance payment: half of the workshop fee.

Course material is included in the cost.
Metal is charged separately.
Tools are available.

Course languages: German and English

You will receive detailed information before
the ­ workshop ­ begins.
Modifications reserved.

Gésine Hackenberg
Gésine Hackenberg is an Amsterdam-based artist who employs diverse materials and techniques to explore the conceptual overlaps between jewellery and aspects of everyday life.
1972 born in Mainz, Germany.
1992-95 training as a goldsmith in Wiesbaden.
1996-99 Fachhochschule Pforzheim, faculty Schmuck und Gerät.
1998-2001 Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Amsterdam, faculty Edelsmeden, Bachelor of Arts and Design.
since 2001 own studio in Amsterdam.
2012/2013 PHL, MAD-faculty, Hasselt, Master of Arts.
since 2008 tutor technical metalsmithing classes at Vakschool EDELSMEDEN, Amsterdam.
2011 – 2019 tutor Object & Jewellery, PXL-MAD School of Arts, Hasselt.
2025 guest tutor Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Amsterdam.