JEWELUM has visited the exhibition THINK TWICE: New Latin-America Jewelry, the first exhibition of contemporary Latin American jewelry ever presented in Europe.
The exhibition represents a colourful picture of works by 50 jewelry artists from 23 Latin American countries, in which closely interwined different thematics such as ritual, mystic and symbolic function of jewelry in the pre-Columbian era or the shiny opulence that distinguishes the members of the Mexican drug cartels nowadays.
And this is as true in Latin America, as elsewhere, that the relationships between contemporary society and traditions there is much more complex today. From one hand there is European influences affecting Latin-American artists to embrace its tendencies and portray themselves as “international”, whilst other pushed assert their cultural heritage and nationalistic feelings.
Some artists use traditional techniques and materials with modern references. Others use modern techniques to express the interconnectedness of traditional and contemporary life. Some are abstract, some literal.
We looked at the exposition and asked ourselves,- why the artists prefer one colours, patterns, forms and images to others? Are there any connections from the past, national preferences or these are some other outside influences?
It is true, that we always deal with so blurred by ordinary association “national” culture, which implanted in the past. More we return to the past, more we stop thinking about national purely as “ethnic” but as innovative and trend setting. For example recently shown exhibition in Norway “From the Coolest Corner” concerned the question, -what is the NORDIC jewellery in national and international arena? It’s interesting and feels just like this theme becomes popular and yet important.
…Here you can see some of the pieces that caught our eyes.
Carolina Hornauer
Born 1977, Chile
Transformation (nº 2 – 4), 2008
Resin, cedar wood, cashew lacquer, eggshell, silver,
citrine quartz, alabaster, freshwater pearls, fimo plastic, carnelian, thread, steel
She transforms a traditional jewellery. Her pieces are romatic and smell like antic.
Feels like just the clavecin is nearby starts to play and you will come to be in a garden labyrinth of Maria Antoinette.
“I like to think that my jewellery is as small travel stories and memories, or as small bird that have left his feathers.” she says.
Teresa Margolles
Born 1963, Mexico
Ajuste de Cuentas 16, 2007
Gold, windshield glass, diamonds
The work by conceptual artist Teresa Margolles always produces a reaction on the viewer.
The artist has showcased Mexican drug barons’ rings including precious stones and broken glass by bullets from the incident.
Ursula Guttmann
Born 1968, Austria
Tanto Pelo me Abrió el Corazón, 2010
Silicon, gold
Austrian Ursula Guttmann’s career as a jewelry maker was forever changed when she discovered Mexico, a country rich in both nature and culture, and in its varied landscapes and organic shapes. Tanto Pelo me Abrió el Corazón is a neckpiece of 53 shapes that are both familiar and alien at the same time, a celebration of the fantasy and extravagance of the country which has so captivated the artist.
AURÉLIE DELLASANTABorn 1980, Switzerland/MexicoSuicide Brooch, 2007Painted metal, gilded metal, paper
On her various trips to Mexico, the artist was deeply impressed by how death permeates Mexican culture. In many western societies, death is accepted like a natural process and often treated with humor and irreverence. In contrast, for occidental societies, death is hidden, and shameful. This negation of the finite human existence is a 65 consequence of the contemporary world which encourages the supremacy of power, money and the eternal perfection of youth.
Project was brought to the audience by Otro Diseño Foundation for Cultural Cooperation and Development and curated by Valeria Vallarta Siemelink, Think Twice presents a fresh view of contemporary Latin American jewelry exploring the mastery, creativity and resourcefulness of today’s Latin American jewelry design.
The exhibiton takes place at The Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design and will continue until 28.04.2013
Jewelum©
Jewelum 