Malaika NAJEM – Quand le bijou s’en va-t’en-guerre ….
Tout est parti de l’initiative de « I Care a lot«
“This piece (‘Forgotten’ pendant) is about child soldiers and is called “Forgotten”. A subject that sadly still exists in 3rd world countries that are in war whether in Africa, the Middle East or Asia. The average child soldier is under the age of 18 and is forced and manipulated in doing and committing horrors that they are not aware off due to the use of drugs or brainwashing. The child is just an instrument, just a number; just a slave to the gun…the gun is the symbol of power.” (Malaika Najem)
‘Forgotten’ pendant
Malaika Najem, A long way gone necklace, silver, zinc, brass, aluminium, iron, fabric
Malaika Najem, ‘Camouflage’ pendant, shibuichi, 18kt gold, yellow sapphires
Malaika Najem- ‘Forgotten’ pendant – Shibuichi, silver, gold
Malaika Najem, Biota neckpiece, aluminium, white gold - ceci c’est …. la fleur au fusil ! 
Interview par « I Care a lot » :
« What was your starting point or your inspiration for doing this project?
I have been working on the subject of child soldiers for many years in my painting and know in my jewelry. Because this is a subject that is really close to my hearth.
Do you have a personal (or other) connection to the exhibition’s theme?
Yes I am half Lebanese half French but grew up in West Africa. This making me open my eyes living with corruption and hearing about horrors that happen to children. Not in particularly my country but the ones around or in other parts of the world.
What were the main reasons for choosing the materials, shapes or technique in your work?
This piece is made of shibuichi because of the unpredictable color. The outline is of a child soldier made with the process of drilling holes. The outline is a strong image; and the holes are letting the light in, to show that there is still a chance to save them a chance to help this cause and let them forget there horrible past and move on into the light… to a brighter future. In parts of the gun that the child is holding there are some small gold balls. These little balls show how the gun is more important that the human child itself.
What kind of feeling you wish the viewers will get from your work?
I am playing with the outlines of the image and making the viewers search for what it is and realizes that the holes let light through and shows clearly what the image is about. In this case the viewer is forced to imagine who the face or how old this child is. Giving the viewers space to have a free imagination.
If you could give your Jewelry to an important figure in the Middle East who will he/she be? and why?
Any figure in the middle east or in any part of the world. All »
