Nel Linssen’s paper jewels are beautifully intricate and distinctive, and form a pioneering force in modern jewellery. By means of folding, Linssen transforms everyday material paper into wearable, elegant objects. While Linssen’s unique approach is primarily intuitive and empirical, claiming that the use of paper is an obvious means of expressing herself, it was also based on substantial research and haptic knowledge. She always attempts to discover logical constructions that were inspired by structures and rhythms of the botanic world. The colours, patterns and textures of her bracelets and necklaces are best revealed when worn, since the slightest movement uncovers subtle alterations in the pieces and highlights the beauty and sensuality of her work. The relationship between wearer and viewer is therefore pivotal to Linssen’s jewellery.
Paper Necklace (2015), a late work by Linssen, is highly characteristic of her oeuvre. The necklace articulates a nearly serpent-like structure in which differently sized groupings of light grey and brown folds alternate in a repetitive manner. To us, the necklace seems an ingenious, complex construction, whereas to Linssen it must have been straightforward and simple.
As Linssen was one of the iconic jewellery designers of our time, Paper Necklace is an obvious choice to add to Aberdeen’s extensive jewellery collection. Moreover, the paper allows Aberdeen to expand upon the range of mediums already present in its jewellery collection, such as metals, plastic and leather.
