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Notes on Excess

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Erin Rose Gardner
Erin Rose Gardner, Pink Things (brooch), 2009, silver, enamel paint and steel pin back, courtesy of the artist
emiko oye
emiko oye, The Duchess 2 from ‘My First Royal Jewels Jewellery Collection 2008,’ 2008, repurposed LEGO®, rubber cord, sterling silver, courtesy of the artist

Gemstones and the history of jewelry as a signifier of luxury (and decadence) are ever present in this conversation. Those who take on the topic of luxury via the context of history (such as Yevgeniya Kaganovich, Kimberlie Tatalick, Erin Rose Gardner, The Opulent Project, Yael Friedman and emiko oye) do so without using luxurious materials. For example, Erin Rose Gardner uses mass-produced ‘diamond’ engagement rings that are compelling yet disturbing and that link the conversation about capitalism to feeling and emotion

so many rings, so much manufactured sentiment. emiko oye’s LEGO neckpieces based on royal jewelry are exaggerations of their antecedents, their largesse addressing the decadence of the original gemstones in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way.

Yael Friedman
Yael Friedman, White Elephants, 2008, constructed paper, courtesy of the artist and Gallery Loupe, New Jersey

In my catalog essay I wrote: ‘New objects are being created but – either through choice of material or mode of production – they confront the very existence of the volume of other objects being produced daily across the globe. By changing the flow of goods (recovering some materials, renegotiating the space within which the jewelry operates), this jewelry highlights current critical conversations of sustainability, wealth and social status and personal responsibility. However, the conversation with “excess” does not end there. Within a modern Western context, jewelry can be inexpensive and fashionable or very expensive (and, perhaps, still connected to fashion). Yet, its relationship with notions of excess can extend beyond cost or number to form and design. What is excessive, opulent and ostentatious today? How does the manipulation of materials and content effect concepts of ornament and display?’

Meg Drinkwater
Meg Drinkwater, Necklace, 2007, resin, found costume pearls, laser cut vellum and paint, courtesy of the artist
Anya Kivarkis
Anya Kivarkis, Rebecca Miller Academy Awards (two part brooch) 2008, silver and auto paint, courtesy of the artist
Ethical Metalsmiths
Ethical Metalsmiths, Radical Jewelry Makeover, various sites, 2007-2009, courtesy of Ethical Metalsmiths

Here’s how I describe this in my catalog essay: ‘In order to provide a vernacular context for handmade jewelry, Gabriel Craig has taken his “studio to the street” for performances that involve dialogue, jewelry production and exchange. Craig’s performance series developed from the recognition that jewelry production is not common knowledge and that the cultural value of jewelry could and should be stressed to a broad public… Not only does he provide insight into a studio process, but he also makes a practice of giving away his work… Craig’s actions undercut practices of consumption and challenge ideas of luxury. His efforts – and, by association, the value associated with it – operates beyond a culture of capitalism while still commenting on it.

Gabriel Craig
Gabriel Craig, Pro Bono Jeweler Performance, Richmond, VA, 2008, courtesy of the artist

This jewelry develops a new strategy for defining decadence

one concerned with material value, certainly, but also volume and context. They are in concert with larger conversations that affect people across economic lines and social status.

Author

  • Lena Vigna

    Currently curator of exhibitions at the Racine Art Museum, Lena Vigna has a particular interest in the contemporary fields of adornment, fiber, sculpture and installation. She has curated over 40 solo and group exhibitions and written numerous essays that explore issues relevant to contemporary art and society. A co-author of the recent Metalsmith article ‘Mining History: Ornamentalism Revisited,’ she was awarded a 2006 Craft Research Fund Project Grant from the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design and her exhibition Adornment and Excess: Jewelry in the 21st Century received an AJF grant in 2009.

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