MJW Overview 2020: Jewellery not Jewellery

KATIE BRITCHFORD (KB):
It is my intention with the exhibition to open up a dialogue between contemporary jewellery and fine art. To bridge the gap a little and view the idea of ‘jewellery as concept’ rather than just addressing jewellery via different mediums. This is done in many ways: through video, performance, painting, drawing, text, sculpture and objects. Doing this, I believe, encourages a different discourse around what jewellery means for our society and how the concept of jewellery is viewed through the eyes of non-jewellery contemporary artists. 

KB
The two galleries where the work will be presented will act as treasure rooms, filled to the brim with each artist’s own unique interpretation of what jewellery is. Twenty-five artists have approached the topic from their own perspectives and material practices. As a kind of wunderkammer if you will, the chaotic installation will represent a broad interdisciplinary approach that gives the viewer a refreshing perspective. 

KB
Jewellery is contemporary and part of the art scene, so it is important to have a conversation about it, or to at least include it as part of the conversation. For me though, it is also important to broaden this conversation beyond being just about material and the processes of making jewellery and to also ask conceptual questions about why jewellery exists and how it exists in our society. There are other artists in the art world making jewellery or art about jewellery that never seems to filter into the ‘contemporary jewellery scene’. It is my hope that through this exhibition a new conversation can begin and ideas and concepts can be expanded. 

KB

I think MJW is a perfect opportunity to show this exhibition. It has the ability to open up a conversation about what jewellery is and can be from a different perspective. And also, it will be a great break in the program away from the typical exhibitions you see during MJW.