JEWELLERY AND IDENTITY : Research on deviation as a process to create art objects based on identity-related jewellery. (R-12213)

The connection between jewellery and identity seems obvious. Through jewellery, we show who we are and what we stand for. But can jewellery and its creation process be used to reflect on today's multilayered identities in a diverse society? This research aims to develop a method to look at societies through the lens of jewellery and, based on those impressions, generate art objects imbued with cultural memory and identity. In this context, deviation is presented as a method of design and creation. In the process of deviation, my ambition is to work with jewellery of significant cultural value, more specifically the signet ring, and to alienate it in different ways. Existing pieces of jewellery will be reproduced several times, using a wide variety of techniques. The reproduction will be characterized by intended deviations, resulting from either material errors, process errors or external factors such as disruption of the digitalized source material. This creates a series from which each copy is characterized by a partial loss, partial change or partial expansion of information. In the process, certain elements will become stronger, while others will fade into the background. How does the character of the object change when we partially or completely disturb its appearance and what statements do these objects make about the process of culture? The principle of creating is meant to be a metaphor for the society itself.

Keywords:Cultural memory, Identity, Jewellery

Disciplines:Jewellery design and gold/silversmith arts, Jewellery