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South Africa

Redefining Culture and Identity

A Survey of South African Art Jewelry

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This collection showcases a diverse range of contemporary jewelry artists from South Africa, each with a unique perspective and creative approach to their work. From Carine Terreblanche’s reinterpretation of inherited jewelry symbols to Beverley Price’s fusion of indigenous culture with Western jewelry techniques, these artists explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and societal norms through their jewelry. Geraldine Fenn’s Beads for Power Series and Eric Loubser’s satirical Art Jewelry series provoke thought and commentary on societal issues within the jewelry context.

The artists also explore the use of various materials, ranging from traditional glass seed beads, applied in the neckpiece by Samantha Vincent, to the experimentation of waste materials from Chris de Beer. Included in this photo essay is the work of students from various South African higher education institutions to showcase their work and represent emerging talent.

Click on the photos to learn about what they show.

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Author

  • Nina Newman

    Nina Newman has been a full-time lecturer in the Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Programme at the Tshwane University of Technology since 2000. As an award-winning jewelry designer and practitioner, she has showcased her work in various local galleries and exhibitions. Her passion for indigenous flora is a recurring theme in her designs, where she employs the enameling technique—which was the central focus of her master's studies. Currently, Newman is pursuing a doctorate in the South African contemporary jewelry field. Her other research interests include the jewelry design process, and the ethics relating to commercial jewelry design. Newman is also a committee member of the Design Educators’ Forum of South Africa. She is based in Pretoria.

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