Untitled, 2026. Hand carved in wood, textured and finished with plaster, compartments and drawers lined with brass on the inside, patina, jewelry hinges .
KATRIEN VAN DER SCHUEREN
LA based Katrien Van der Schueren pushes the boundaries of the materials she works with. Born and raised in Europe, she has a deep respect for artisanal experimentation and combines a variety of clays, resin and wood species in her work. She is a passionate large scale site specific project sculptor, whose work is influenced both by her own life story and surroundings as well as the environment she creates in.
Inspired by the 17th-century Wunderkammer, the new body of work invites viewers into a living archive of memory, material, and discovery. Expanding on the ideas first introduced in The Ark of Us, presented by Galerie JAG at PAD Paris earlier this year, the works are composed of irregular hand-carved fragments that together form a unified whole, reflecting the way identity is shaped through experiences, histories, and personal narratives. Hidden compartments embedded throughout the murals reference both treasure chests and the ritual of preserving meaningful objects, memories, and even secrets.
Untitled 2, 2026. Handcarved in wood, textured with plaster, cold apllied liquid bronze on the outside, patina, compartments and drawers lined with brass on the inside, jewelry hinges.
Each mural reveals a distinct material language, ranging from carved natural wood and textured plaster reliefs to sculptural stone and bronze surfaces. Bringing together wood, plaster, stone, metal, resin, brass, and naturally pigmented finishes, the installation highlights Katrien’s expansive approach to materiality while underscoring a deep respect for the earth through the use of regenerative wood, natural pigments, and low-impact bronze techniques.
The 8 murals presented at Onna House are the first and only cabinets of curiosities in the United States. Each is unique.
Loving Wrap Guard, 2024. Porcelain, Hand Applied Oxides, Charcoal Clay, and Gold Luster.
Originally from Europe, Katrien harbors a profound respect for artisanal exploration and adaptability. In her proprietary method, she ingeniously merges materials, prioritizing sustainability in her choices. Among her preferred mediums are World Tree wood, bio-resin, hemp fabric, plaster, ceramics, and Liquid Metal.
In her hands, concrete metamorphoses into a fertile canvas for creativity, while bronze infuses an air of sophistication and opulence. The interplay of these elements generates a dynamic visual dialogue, enticing viewers to engage with her sculptures on myriad levels.
Renowned for her large-scale, site-specific hand-sculpted murals gracing locations worldwide, Katrien draws inspiration from her personal narrative and surroundings, tailoring her creations to harmonize with their environments. These encompass an array of forms, from wall murals and columns to furniture pieces like doors, cabinets, tables, benches, fireplace surrounds, and more.
With a career that extends its tendrils into art and furniture fabrication, illustration, writing, and design, Katrien's foray into sculpture and lighting represents a natural progression in her artistic journey. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity and specialized material knowledge, this transition marks a bold step forward, catalyzed by significant personal growth.
Venturing into original artworks under her own name has spurred Katrien to explore new artistic vistas and push the boundaries of her creativity. With this new endeavor, we herald not only the culmination of her past endeavors but also a fresh beginning, empowering her to channel her passion and imagination into three-dimensional form.
Through her various collections, Katrien beckons us to embark on a journey of discovery, inviting us to contemplate the beauty and intricacy of the world around us while fostering reflection and appreciation for the artistry inherent in everyday materials.
For inquiries or to schedule a visit, please contact info@onnahouse.com.