Marjolijn Bol
Marjolijn Bol examines how the long-term history of making in the arts provides insight into contemporary environmental issues and the conservation of cultural heritage.
Trained as an art historian, Marjolijn Bol conducts research that intersects with historical studies of craft, heritage, knowledge, and the environment, with a special focus on performative methods (reconstruction) and written sources on art technology. To this end, she examines historical and contemporary making practices in the Utrecht University (UU) ArtLab in collaboration with contemporary makers and other societal partners, working primarily through texts (e.g., recipes), objects, and the hands-on exploration of materials and techniques. In 2014, Marjolijn received a Veni grant for her research on the history of imitation materials in the arts, and her ERC research project DURARE investigated the long-term history of durability in art from the perspective of artisans and patrons. In 2018, she co-established the ArtLab, a cross-disciplinary space for research and teaching focused on making and materials. Along with Michel van Dartel, she is the principal investigator of the JUST MATTER research theme.