Dan Gonen

Diptych
Textiles and yarn
(2x) 210 cm x 186 cm
2024This textile diptych is a large and intriguing piece. It features a number of small, friendly, and often humorous faces, all made by hand. Following an earlier work, a triptych with a similar concept, this work presents two figures facing each other, as if in the midst of a conversation. Similar to the previous work, the small faces connect to form one larger face, but here, the focus is on the interaction between the two figures.The colorful braids are assembled in a more free manner, evoking a sense of movement and playfulness. They also appear as braids of hair, adding an extra layer of personality and fun to each individual face. The vibrant colors and textures are bold and eye-catching, adding depth to the overall image.Drawing inspiration from pop art, this artwork brings together a modern aesthetic with a sense of warmth and familiarity. The bright, tactile details invite viewers of all ages to connect with it and experience the interaction between the figures.

Triptych
Textiles and yarn
(3x) 186 cm x 180 cm
2024This large textile work, made in the form of a triptych, is a warm and inviting piece. Created over the course of a year, the work features a collection of small, friendly, and sometimes funny faces, each one carefully braided and stitched by hand. These individual faces come together to form one large face, with a sense of unity, humour and connection.The work draws inspiration from ethnic craft traditions, in a style that resembles ancient gods or creatures. The vibrant colors and textures add a lively quality to the work. The different threads—ranging from thick to thin, light or dark—invite viewers to engage not only with the visual elements but also with the feeling of the piece.The long, meditative process of making the triptych, like a marathon of repetitions, is reflected in the rhythm of the work. It offers a sense of calm and patience, that can speak to anyone who takes the time to view it. The approachable nature of this work makes it enjoyable for people of all ages, inviting them to pause, explore, and connect with its intricate charms.

Sun of SummerFoam, different textiles and yarn
260x260 cm
2025This work is the first in a series of four works, each representing a different season. It has the shape of a large, round sun. It is made by hand, using layers of foam, satin, mesh, and braided yarn.The surface features 18 sun-like faces in various sizes and expressions, arranged to form one large face. The colors- mostly yellow and neon orange, suggest heat and energy, like the surface of the sun.The idea behind the series comes from how children often imagine the world around them, and how it is often portrayed in children's books. They tend to see seasons, flowers, trees, clouds etc. as characters with personalities. This artwork reflects that kind of thinking- seeing summer not just as a time of year, but as a playful, expressive figure.

Dan Gonen[email protected]

• @dangonenart

Dan Gonen (1978, Israel) finished his Bachelor of Fashion Design at the Rietveld in 2006. He was awarded a prize for his achievments in Fashion in Paris but he since has shifted his practice to fine arts. He shows his work in the Netherlands and abroad and lives and works in Amsterdam.

CV Dan GonenBorn in 1978. Lives and works in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
He graduated from the Fashion Department of Gerrit Rietveld Academie in 2005. During his studies, he took part in the Erasmus student-exchange program and went to the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Austria, to study Trans-Medial-Art. In 2006 Gonen’s efforts in fashion were awarded the Lancôme Colour Design Award.
From 2006 to 2011 he was editor of fashion and design at Time-out Since 2012 he shifted his focus to fine arts.Selected Exhibitions
2025
BIGART art fair in het Slotervaart Fiber Matters group exhibition at NDSM Fuse,
IJ-Kunst Collectief group exhibition in Loods-6, Amsterdam, OBJECT Rotterdam art fair
2024
KunstRuim Jubileum group exhibition Amsterdam, Art Eindhoven art fair
2023
The Artful Five group exhibition at KunstRuim, Friendly Faces Solo exhibition at Q-art Vitrine of Amsterdam UMC
2022
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair curated art fair in London
2021
Ruim Baan Voor De Makers Hyatt Hotel Amsterdam, Kunstsalon-Ijl Galerie Noord Groningen
2019
Dionysos Draagt Kringloop solo exhibition Kunstruimte Lokaal in Utrecht
2014
CBK group exhibition at municipal art-space Amsterdam
2013
Vom Luftholen group exhibition at Gaisbühel Austria.
2007
Happy Fashion Museum Voor Moderne Kunst in Arnhem
2006
Fashion NL: The Next Generation group exhibition in Kunstmuseum The Hague
2004
Die Grenzen meiner spräche group exhibition in Kunsthaus Vorarlberg AustriaPresentations
2019
Athenaeum Bookstore presentation of publication titled: The language of wearable objects-outside fashion
2006
Etalage Bijenkorf presentation ‘Lancôme Colour Design Awards’ fashion collection Amsterdam, Frans Molenaar Awards Amsterdam fashion week
2005
Presentation and lecture at Mediamatic in Amsterdam called Embroidery Salon
Dutch Design Week presentation at exhibition of ‘Items' magazine EindhovenPublications
2025
Het verhaal van kunstenaar Dan Gonen Article in 'Vrije Tijd’ Amsterdam
2022
Fortsetzung Folgt Article 'Schwarz' Magazine, Germany
2020
Voor Wie Gedichten Wil Dragen article on allyoucandream.nl by Jet Van Overeem,
2015
Exhibition catalogue ‘Vom Luftholen: Gaisbühel, Kunsthaus Bregenz Austria
2006
Avantgarde Magazine editorial and photography of the Lancôme Colour Design Awards collection
2005
Poëtisch Gelaagde Kleding NRC Handelsblad article by Dirk Limburg
2004
Exhibition catalogue Die grenzen meine spräche Kunsthaus Vorarlberg Austria