Nidi (Nests)
Sissi Nidi ( Nests), 2019 18kt gold thread brooch with ruby, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds 9 x 9 cm circa Unique and signed With an artistic focus of anatomical study in relations to environmental elements, the artist brings forth new ways to interpret jewellery, as the work of art then transforms into a second skin of light and gold for the wearer. Sissi interlaces the symbolism of the bird’s nest with the anatomy of the human body by having the entire project completely handmade by herself, creating an ornate ring, a pair of earrings, and brooches that re-transforms into pendants. These embellished, yet delicate pieces act like sculptural works of her own. Carefully interwoven and welded with gold and silver threads, decorated with precious gemstones, Sissi’s contemplative process re-imagines a sculptural piece of art to work in tandem with the single wearer. It was pivotal to Sissi that she was personally involved with the crafting of Nests. Her hands-on experiences reflected in the handcraft deeply incorporates her conceptualisation of the delicate works of art as an extension of herself and of the wearer. Nests draws its symbolism from natural nests which provides a safe place and is transformed into a […]
Calligraphy
Ute Decker Calligraphy, 2020 100% recycled silver brooch 13.5 x 5.5 x 3 cm Unique, signed and titled Calligraphy is at the pinnacle of Decker’s examinations following the narrative of the singular line. Like the freehand ink that brushes along the paper, this same freedom and expressive mark-making is mirrored in the fluid curls and manipulation of the silver ribbon in this unique brooch.
Scar
Gigi Mariani Scar, 2018 Silver, 18kt yellow gold, niello, patina, brooch diameter 5.5 cm unique and signed Working with old fashioned techniques, Scar is a sculptural brooch that incorporates niello, a blackener with the aid of sulfur, of which Gigi Mariani carefully conceals the preciousness of the bright silver. Fundamental to the expressive, pictorial medium of niello, the application of heat, “blood clots” and cracks appear in the surfaces — making them appear marked by age, creating such unique surface textures. Mariani engages his instinctive approach of using the metal surface as a canvas, and with niello, he interrupts that surface texture through his precise, geometric forms, dotting the brooch with a single linear pattern of silver droplets. In addition to precious metals, the basic materials of Gigi Mariani’s jewellery include iron, copper and brass. His incredibly sculptural and geometric wearable works of art have become a testament to Mariani’s incredible attention to materiality as both a goldsmith and visual artist.
Labyrinth
Gigi Mariani Labyrinth, 2016 Silver, 24kt yellow gold, niello, patina, brooch diameter 6 cm unique and signed Labryinth is a complex brooch that demonstrates GiGi Mariani’s incredible treatment of form and materiality. He works with antique, almost forgotten techniques. Combining his wearable jewellery pieces with niello, a blackener with the aid of sulphur, he conceals the preciousness of the precious gold and silver on the underside of the brooch. The unique attributes to niello are given under the application of heat; “blood clots” and cracks appear in the surfaces — making them appear marked by age, creating such a unique sculptural look to these works. Mariani engages his instinctive approach of using the metal surface as a canvas, incorporating he expressive medium of niello, he interrupts that surface texture through his precise, geometric forms. This brooch is indeed that labyrinth of topological surfaces, contrasted by its expressive texture. In addition to precious metals, the basic materials of Gigi Mariani’s jewellery include iron, copper and brass. His incredibly sculptural and geometric wearable works of art have become a testament to Mariani’s incredible attention to materiality as both a goldsmith and visual artist.
Storm
Gigi Mariani Storm, 2017 Silver, 18kt yellow gold, niello, patina, brooch diameter 5.5 cm unique and signed One of our major highlights, Storm is a remarkable wearable sculpture piece that epitomises Gigi Mariani’s examination with metal as his canvas for expressive mark making. Mariani’s artistic practice engages with an antique, almost forgotten technique. Incorporated in such contemporary, abstract form, the artist often uses niello, a blackener with the aid of sulphur, which conceals the preciousness of the silver and gold. This unique attribute to niello is given under the application of heat; “blood clots” and cracks appear in the surfaces — making them appear marked by age, creating such a ridged texture. In his instinctive approach of using the metal surface as a canvas, he heavily contrasts the precise, geometric form of the brooch with such expressive mark making attributed to the niello. In addition to precious metals, the basic materials of Gigi Mariani’s jewelry include iron, copper and brass. His creations’ unique aesthetic appeal is due to the fact that these sculptural and often cuboid pieces have been crafted by a goldsmith who also works as a visual artist.
Profil
Jean Cocteau Profil, 1961/62 circa 28kt gold brooch/pendant 29 grams circa; 5.7 x 4.7 cm Edition of 50 Ref. 1493 Atelier Hugo Editions The wearable art collaboration between François Hugo and Jean Cocteau began in the 1960 and led to a collection of sculptural pieces that were born out of Cocteau’s prolific collection of drawings. Together, they went on to create a total of 13 jewellery pieces, some in 23 carat gold and others in 18 carat gold and adorned with precious stones. Many of Cocteau’s designs are of human profiles and mystique creatures, inspired by ancient civilisations and astrological symbols. In 1961 the pieces were exhibited at the International Exhibition of Modern Jewellery in London. Combining the sobriety of a 23 carat gold with other more linear pieces in 18 carat gold encrusted with precious stones, the pieces encompass Cocteau and Hugo’s artistic vision.
