Gone Astray / Auf Abwegen: The Art of Gold- and Silversmithing on the Edge of Reason: Hollowware—Jewelry—Utensils/ Zeitgenossische Gold- und Silberschmiedekunst am Rande der Vernunft: Gefaß – Schmuck – Gerat

Contemporary gold- and silversmithing is a daring, self-critical, and inventive scene that challenges the innovative expansion of classical forms and motifs. It features 150 works by 28 artists, inviting an entertaining yet recondite "tour de plasir" of its controversial creative potential.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 11 December 2023
Publisher: Arnoldsche

Contemporary gold- and silversmithing is a dynamic and diverse field that is undergoing a significant transformation. A bold, self-critical, and inventive scene is emerging, challenging the traditional expansion of classical forms and motifs in jewelry, vessels, and hollowware. Through experimental materials and performative stagings, these artists are re-evaluating purpose, function, and our normative understanding of beauty.

Socially relevant considerations and artistic references inform the designs of these objects, creating an engaging and enigmatic "tour de plasir" featuring over 150 works by 28 artists. This exhibition showcases the controversial creative potential of gold- and silversmithing in the contemporary world.

The artists involved in this exhibition are a diverse group, each with their unique style and approach. Tobias Alm, Sawa Aso, Astrid Becksteiner-Rasche, Naama Bergman, Tobias Birgersson, Beatrice Brovia / Nicolas Cheng, David Clarke, Kanako Ebisawa, Ute Eitzenhöfer, Åsa Elmstam, Anne Fischer, Karolina Hägg, Nils Hint, Kateřina Jirsová, Junwon Jung, Anders Ljungberg, Kateřina Michálková, Myra Mimlitsch-Gray, Eija Mustonen, Markus Pollinger, Karen Pontoppidan, Anna Rikkinen, Hans Stofer, Vivi Touloumidi, Tarja Tuupanen, Luzia Vogt, Stella Wanisch, Jing Yang, and many others have contributed their talents to this exhibition.

Their works range from intricate jewelry pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics to sculptural vessels that explore the boundaries of form and function. The artists use a variety of materials, including gold, silver, bronze, copper, and steel, to create their pieces. They also employ a range of techniques, from casting and forging to welding and patterning, to achieve their desired effects.

One of the key themes of this exhibition is the exploration of purpose and function. The artists challenge our conventional understanding of jewelry as purely decorative or functional and instead seek to redefine these concepts. They explore the ways in which jewelry can be used to express personal identity, cultural heritage, and social commentary.

Another theme is the exploration of beauty and the human body. The artists use their works to explore the relationship between the body and jewelry, questioning the ways in which we perceive and interpret beauty. They challenge our assumptions about what is considered attractive or desirable and instead offer alternative perspectives on beauty.

The exhibition also features a number of collaborative works that explore the boundaries between different artistic disciplines. These works bring together artists from different fields, such as jewelry, sculpture, and installation, to create unique and interdisciplinary pieces.

Overall, this exhibition is a testament to the dynamic and diverse field of contemporary gold- and silversmithing. It showcases the talents of a wide range of artists and provides a platform for them to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of their craft. The exhibition is an invitation to engage with the objects on display and to consider the ways in which gold- and silversmithing can shape our understanding of beauty, purpose, and function in the contemporary world.

Dimension: 265 x 200 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783897907003