Art Rocks: Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition

When: 1 December 2011 – 30 January 2012
Opening Times: Tuesday- Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Where: Shizaru, 112 Mount Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 2TU

Shizaru is pleased to announce Art Rocks: Contemporary Jewellery, an exhibition of ten designers curated by international jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy. Featuring some of the world’s most inventive jewellers, the exhibition includes established names and emerging talent including Shaun Leane (UK), Zoe Arnold (UK), Sophia Mann (UK), Leo De Vroomen (UK), Fred Rich (UK), Kevin Coates (UK), Gimel (Japan), Atelier Zobel (Germany), Sevan Biçakçi (Turkey) and, for the first time showcasing in the UK, ARK (USA). The exhibition exemplifies the gallery’s innovative programme and celebrates handcrafted pieces of jewellery by positioning them as works of art.

Selected by curator Joanna Hardy as examples of distinctive and highly original voices from within the industry, the exhibition explores the tale of creativity and craftsmanship behind each intricate piece of jewellery. It also highlights the vast potential and diversity of contemporary jewellery and its rightful alignment with the world of fine art. Each individual work is ambitious in concept and defined by a bold modernity and inimitable flair.

‘Jewellery of great craftsmanship, design and originality has always been my passion. I believe jewellery should reflect the wearer’s individuality but to find well made, unique jewels is often not easy. These ten eclectic international jewellery designer/makers, some of whom are established master craftsmen and others that are emerging or have never showcased in the UK before, have this talent. This exhibition puts jewels on a platform where they can be appreciated as wearable art.’ Joanna Hardy, Curator .

Shaun Leane’s, The Glove, is a technically advanced piece that took five years to make. It combines an armour-like structure with the aesthetics of a lace evening glove. The piece is made up of more than a thousand grams of 18ct white gold and is set with over 5,000 pavé white diamonds. Made in two parts, the cuff can be worn alone as a hand glove, or extended into an evening glove. Every detail has been carefully constructed by hand to ensure a perfect fit to Daphne Guinness’ arm.

A master of the imagination, Kevin Coates makes jewellery which can be worn or displayed to equal advantage. Known for his technical virtuosity and symbolic imagery, he explores the narrative of brooches, crafting miniature sculptures with a sense of perspective that draw the eye inwards towards mythical creatures set within mathematical, geometric frameworks. Coates’ Notebook of Pins collection celebrates the ancient pin form with a series of opulent and complex compositions, each set into its own notebook page of inspirations, ideas and materials.

A consummate example of wearable art, Turkish craftsman Sevan Biçakçi creates new jewellery which looks thousands of years old. He describes his pictorial rings as ‘Byzantine Empire meets Alice in Wonderland.’ From his atelier in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul he  translates ancient stories into drawings for his goldsmiths to work on.

Central Saint Martins graduate Sophia Mann creates beaded jewellery with a sculptural quality. By connecting three-dimensional elements of rough diamond, ruby, coral, shell and antique glass beads between gold and sterling silver frames, her work exudes an aura of sensuality capturing the interaction of contrasting forces within the human body and combines vibrant colour and intricate detail.

‘Shizaru is delighted to be offering a platform to talented goldsmiths and jewellery designer-makers who are creating distinctive pieces that are valuable as artworks far beyond the intrinsic value of the materials used. These are pieces that will be the antiques of the future.’ Benjamin Khalili, Founder and Director of Shizaru.

www.shizaru.com

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