This ornately produced monograph offers an interim appraisal of the diverse work from 1997 onwards by the contemporary German jewellery artist Iris Bodemer (born 1970). The pieces are presented in countless large-format illustrations and succinctly accompanied by an essay from art historian Marjan Unger.
Jewellery and drawings stand at the heart of Bodemer’s creative production. And yet the artist enjoys experimenting with diverse materials, whereby it is not the value of the material that is important but rather its possibilities of use and expression. In her art she deals with what she sees and experiences. Thoughts are manifested in tangible objects, and prevailing problems in time are captured, most notably in her 2013 group of works. Yet at the same time, creative freedom is particularly important to Iris Bodemer. The most diverse forms, colours and textures are all brought together to become one work, which stands independent from the canon of her predecessors and is able to speak for itself. Hence she consciously does not comment upon her own work.
Both jewellery and book offer to Bodemer the possibility of giving an inventory to her work. They stand as established reference points in our modern fluctuating information-based society. (Sarah Güse, Arnoldsche)

This book is the catalogue to Exhibition together with Ute Eitzenhöfer: Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim, 9.11.2013 to 26.1.2014 (read Agenda Glass is more!), afterwards at the Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus, Hanau and at the Coda Museum, Apeldoorn (NL).
 
This beautifully designed book is a feast for the eyes. The delicately made jewellery with gems, precious stones and precious metals in combination with found objects such as a glass shard, contrasts beautifully with the tough thick cardboard cover.
With folding pages and the best page-large photos possible, the book is organized in the years of making the jewellery. See also: irisbodemer.de
On Art Jewelry Forum one can read the page on Iris Bodemer: artjewelryforum.org/ajf-blog/iris-bodemer
You can find a text on Marjan Unger described on the page of the same website: artjewelryforum.org/ajf-blog/marjan-unger
Unger is Jewellery PhD Art/Fashion Historian, Writer & former Teacher at The Rietveld Academy, The Netherlands.
Some time ago, the Artdaily wrote on her: “The Rijksmuseum has received an exceptional donation of Dutch jewellery. In celebration of the conferral of her doctorate, art historian and publicist Marjan Unger donated to the Rijksmuseum nearly 500 pieces of Dutch jewellery which she had personally collected over the last few decades. The collection, which covers the period 1905-2008, with a focus on the years 1930-1970, fits in perfectly with the Rijksmuseum’s existing collection. Thanks to the donation, when the Rijksmuseum reopens in 2013 following the renovations, it will boast the only Dutch jewellery collection offering an overview from the 8th century to today. Internationally, Dutch jewellery is known for its distinctive appearance and high quality. The collection is of particular art historical and historical interest. Ms Unger has collected modern Dutch jewellery since 1980. She also collected older pieces, primarily focusing on the period 1930-1970, which was and still is particularly underrepresented in Dutch museum collections. Marjan and Gerard Unger’s collection stands out from others due to the academic approach taken. Thanks to years of intensive research, the collection includes pieces by prominent designers, jewellers and other pre-1965 leaders in the field.”
 
This jewel of a book I can recommend to all who are interested in monumental, body-based art.
Angela van der Burght