The Artist’s profile
Herman Hermsen, born in 1953 in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, is a designer specializing in both jewellery and product design. After studying at the Akademie voor Beeldende Kunsten in Arnhem, he began his career in 1979. He focuses on developing new concepts and technical solutions, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. His work spans both unique pieces and serial production in jewellery and product design. He emphasizes the importance of concept development, which may take various directions, from new interpretations of meaning to critiques of materialism, often with a touch of humour or an associative approach. Throughout his career, he has worked on the challenge of reinterpreting function and production processes, striving to find innovative solutions for form and manufacturability, merging expressive design with technical precision.
The triggers to become an artist
During my time at the Art academy, I wasn’t challenged by mainstream solutions in product and jewellery design. I wanted to find my own approach to both the technical and aesthetic aspects of functional products. Although I initially focused on product design, I became increasingly interested in developing my thoughts around jewellery from 1981 onwards. With no formal training in goldsmithing or silversmithing, I researched alternative ways to express my ideas and concepts. I was particularly challenged by understanding the function of a jewel and how to communicate that through design, including questions about gemstones and how to integrate aesthetic and technical aspects. These challenges continue to shape my work today, as I remain curious and open to new ideas, always seeking to break out of my comfort zone.
I wanted to find my own approach to both the technical and aesthetic aspects of functional products.
Herman Hermsen
Environmental Concern
Sustainability is a key consideration in Herman Hermansen’s material selection, incorporated into the development process. This aspect of his work presents an ongoing challenge that requires critical reflection and an open mind. His commitment to reducing waste includes re-cutting old stones to give them new life, incorporating them into his work.
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Herman Hermsen, born in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Education & Activities
1992 – 2019 Professor Applied Art and Design at the University of Applied Science in Düsseldorf BRD.
1990 – 1992 Teacher for product design at ARTEZ in Arnhem NL.
1985 – 1990 Teacher for product design at HKU in Utrecht NL.
1985 to present Guestlecturer at different schools, institutes or symposiums in Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Great-Brittain, Belgium, Czechia, Slovakia ,USA. Designjury-member in several designcontests in the Netherlands , Poland, Japan, Finland and Germany.
1979 to present independent and freelance jewellery- and productdesigner.
1974 – 1979 Akademie voor Beeldende Kunsten in Arnhem NL.
Awards
2015 – different projects and international exhibitions with the EXTRANALIES group
2002 IF designaward 2002 for floorlamp Charis by ClassiCon
2001 Reddot Design Award, Design Centre NRW, „reddot: best of the best“ for the floorlamp
Charis produced by ClassiCon Munich BRD.
1998 Design Innovations, Design Centre NRW Germany, award for „High Design Quality“ of the ring designs „Mäander“ produced by Niessing BRD.
1993 Rotterdam Designprice, honourable mention for the letteropener „Fontana“ produced by Designum NL
Public Collections
Museum of Modern Art in Arnhem NL.
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam NL.
Rijksdienst Beeldende Kunst Amsterdam NL.
Coda Museum Apeldoorn NL.
Museum Booymans van Beuningen Rotterdam NL
Haags Gemeente Museum Den Haag. NL
Museum voor Moderne Kunst, s’Hertogenbosch NL.
Centraal Museum Utrecht NL.
Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim BRD.
Museum für Museum der Angewandte Kunst Köln BRD.
Bauhaus Archiv Berlin BRD
Museum für Kunsthandwerk Hamburg BRD.
Museum for Kunsthandverk Oslo N.
Museum Trondheim N.
Cleveland Contemporary Jewellery Collection GB.
Victoria and Albert Museum London GB.
Museum des Arts Decoratifs Montreal Canada.
Cooper Hewitt Museum New York USA.
Museum Turnov, Czech-Republic.
Angermuseum Erfurt, BRD.
Die neue Pinakotek der Moderne München BRD
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
Collection Hiko Mizuno College, Tokyo Japan
MIMA, Middlesbrough, GB
Galeria Stzuki, Legnica, PL
Glasmuseum Leerdam
National Museum of Scotland
MAD museum, New York.
Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas US
