EXPO ‘Annette Dam: More or Less’ – Goldfingers, Copenhagen (DK) – 29 Juin-31 Aout 2013

« Annette Dam: More or Less«   -  Goldfingers  (Copenhagen, Denmark)

(Annette Dam brooches  « More or Less » 2013 Gold plated silver, enamel, sash ribbon, steel)

An exhibition about precious gems, daisy brooches and copying
A big, raw diamond that looks more like a piece of dirty salt, rather than an expensive gem. A flat ring made of gold, with a hole in it, where the diamond should sit. Jewelry artist Annette Dam, who last year was formally recognized for her imaginative talents with the Saint Loye Award, completely defies the conventional wisdom of VALUE in her new exhibition More or Less.
The exhibition consists of several jewelry series, each with their own title and peculiar approach, such as the above mentioned diamond ring.  Another group of pieces plays on the famous daisy brooch series by renowned jeweler Georg Jensen, seeking to explore the gray zone between fertile sources of inspiration, and generic replicas. In other words, perfection, reproduction and convention of tastes, are subject to debate, as reflected by Annette Dam’s choice of title, turning architect Mies van der Rohe’s mantra upside down: Less is More or More or Less?
It all depends on the eye of the beholder. Here, the artist challenges her audience to contemplate upon the individual pieces, to trace their process from the original idea to the jewelry to which they evolved. Clues tell the story about tradition, material status, and value. All the pieces at the exhibition encapsulate process and reflection, joined by gestalt, mounted on large mood boards, demonstrating an artist who comments, nuances upon, and ironizes over the concept of “jewelry”.
After all, what is best, most precious and aesthetically beautiful?

Further more, Annette Dam also exhibits works at the Nordic exhibition From the Coolest Corner and the Biennale of crafts and design 2013 in Rundeaarn, Copenhagen Denmark.

Annette Dam  Ring: More or Less 2013  Pink opal, gold 14k  Photo: Dorte Krogh

Annette Dam – More or less ring 14k gold

Annette Dam  Necklace: More or Less 2013  Pearls, elastic ribbon  Photo: Dorte Krogh

Annette Dam  Brooch: Misfits 2012  Silver, gold plated silver, pink opal, plastic, paper, lacquer, rose quartz, elastic band, clips

 

Goldfingers 
Klosterstræde 18
1157 – Copenhagen
Denmark
Telephone: [phone]
website: www.goldfingers.dk
mail: [e-mail]

Donna d’AQUINO – sur le fil du bijou

Donna d’Aquino

« My current body of work connects my interest in drawing and jewelry using wire as I would use charcoal. The work consists of a series of wire bracelets and brooches that reflect an exploration of line, form, volume, movement, structure, geometry, space, light and shadow.

Donna D’Aquino ‘in line‘ 12L wire bracelet n°85-steel- 6inch wide, 3 1/4 high

Two of the primary influences for this body of work were The Modern or New Jewelry Movement, which began in Europe in 1970, and the Constructivist Movement, which took place during the early part of the 20th century, primarily in Russia. The influence of these two movements, coupled with my interest in architectural structures, form the basis for this body of work.
Although the Russian Constructivist Movement was very broad and encompassed many different mediums, it is their methods of construction that I find most engaging. They extended the formal language of abstract design into practical design. They introduced different materials such as construction lumber and plastics, to explore new approaches to space and movement.
I am also greatly influenced by the Modern or New Jewelry movement, which took place in Europe from 1970 through the 80′s. Fundamental to this movement was the concept of pushing the boundaries that traditionally defined jewelry. My work is very much influenced by the minimalist European approach to design, which is expressed by an accent on formal elements, and integration of non-precious materials. I strip the designs to their essentials, while sometimes adding a touch of playfulness. I appreciate their spontaneity and direct response to the materials.
It is also important to me that my jewelry exists off the body as well as on the body. When these objects are not being worn they are hung on the wall as a three-dimensional drawing floating in space. Optimally, light is projected from above the pieces to create shadows; this interaction with the wall adds a further dimension to the work.
The size of the pieces are perceived differently on the body than on the wall. On the wall they appear small within the architecture. On the body they appear large and quite dramatic as a result. The pieces are transformed depending on their context. The wearer is reminded of the piece with every movement of their arm and body; it takes commitment to wear these pieces. This duality of function/positioning and the scale of the forms is meant to challenge western traditions of jewelry. »   (at VelvetdaVinci)

MFA, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 2000

Donna D’Aquino -  ‘in line’ 18L wire bracelet n°41-silver – 5 x 7 1/4 inch

« work in line » : « This body of work is based on line and the act of drawing. I use wire in place of charcoal or pencil to create three-dimensional drawings for the body and wall. The work is inspired by interior and exterior architectural structures such as bridges and telephone towers.
It is important to me that an object function both on and off the body. These pieces when not being worn are meant to hang on the wall by a single nail as a drawing floating in space.
I am interested in pushing the boundaries that traditionally define western jewelry. »

Donna D’Aquino wire bracelet n°88 – steel – 6inch high & 7inch wide

Donna D’Aquino ‘in line’ 5L wire bracelet n°59 -steel, plastic-dip, 5,5inch high x 5,5inch wide

Donna D’Aquino ‘in line’ 21L wire booch n°53 -steel, plastic-dip, 5inch high

Donna D’Aquino Red wire bracelet n°14 -Steel,plasti dip- 7inch high, 7inch wide

Donna D’Aquino ‘in line’ 17L wire bracelet n°16- silver- 6,5inch