Benedikt Fischer
We are delighted to announce that Benedikt Fischer is the winner of the Françoise van den Bosch Award 2026. The jury was unanimous in its decision, appreciating Fischer for his profound reflection on materiality, technique, and concept—redefining traditional approaches and offering new perspectives to the field.
Benedikt Fischer (Austria) is a jewellery maker, educator, and artist based in the Netherlands. His practice explores the interplay between nature and culture, a theme deeply rooted in his upbringing on a farm on the Austrian countryside Moving to the city, he carried with him a profound appreciation for craftsmanship, a value that together with a deliberately slowed-down creative process, is central to his interdisciplinary work. Equally significant is his collaboration (since 2020) with philosopher and painter Rudy de Gruijl, affiliated with the Outsider Art Gallery in Amsterdam.
Fischer’s work is included in the collections of major institutions, including MAK Vienna, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Auckland Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the National Gallery of Victoria. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as the Mari Funaki Award, the Eligius Jewellery Prize, and the Marzee Graduate Prize.
Collier by Benedikt Fischer and Rudi de Gruijl. Photography: Dang-Vu Dang
Jury Report
Benedikt Fischer stands out for his ability to explore and challenge the boundaries of jewellery art without losing sight of the core values of the discipline. His work is characterized by a profound reflection on materiality, technique, and concept, redefining traditional approaches and opening new perspectives. The jury particularly appreciates his ability to reuse and transform existing materials and techniques in surprising ways, resulting in work that is both visually and conceptually powerful. A notable aspect of Fischer’s practice is his long-term collaboration with artist and philosopher Rudy de Gruijl. By fostering dialogue between diverse artistic perspectives and amplifying the voices of makers who might otherwise go unheard, Fischer opens up space for new forms of expression, enriching and expanding the boundaries of the discipline.
Fischer’s work has a clear impact on both the jewellery discipline and the broader artistic field. His iconic pieces, such as the ‘Pearly Whites’ series, are not only visually recognizable but also spark discussions about what jewellery can be. His tongue-in-cheek and playful approach in combination with the high level of technical skill challenge traditional notions and invite a wider audience to engage with contemporary jewellery.
Additionally, his oeuvre demonstrates continuous development and renewal, as he constantly explores new materials, techniques, and concepts. The jury believes that the Françoise van den Bosch Prize will provide Fischer with the space and recognition to further deepen and expand his practice, enabling him to make a significant contribution to the future of the jewellery field.
Brooches Pearly White. Photography: Igor Schiller
Watches. Photography: Kyle Tryhorn
The Françoise van den Bosch Award is presented every other year to a jewellery artist of international standing, in recognition of their oeuvre. It is not a competition; the award is presented on the recommendation of an independent jury.
The jury of the 2026 Françoise van den Bosch Award:
Noon Passama
Jewellery designer and recipient of the Françoise van den Bosch Award 2024
Melanie Isverding
Jewellery artist, Prof. Metal design & Jewelry/ Body-Related Objects, Faculty of Design, Dean of Studies MA, University of Applied Science and Art , Hildesheim (Germany)
Edu Tarín
Jewellery designer, coordinator Jewellery Design Department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp (Belgium)
Olaf Tønnesland Hodne
Jewellery artist, assistant Professor in the Metal and Jewellery Department at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts (Norway)
Astrid Ubbink & Jeannette Jansen (moderation)
Board Françoise van den Bosch Foundation