Amazones

Sophia Vari Amazones, 2011 Silver brooch and pendant 2 AP plus edition of 6 12 x 7 cm ; chocker 10 cm internal diameter Signed and numbered Sophia Vari’s “portable sculptures”, as she likes to call them, first became part of the artist’s body of work 30 years ago; at a time in her life when demanding international schedule kept her constantly on the move. While travelling, she carried with her a small box of plasticine, from which she would mould miniature sculptures. “From that day on, I had a new creative challenge that gave me a lot of joy because I could see the pieces being worn,” she recalls. Vari approaches wearable art in precisely the same manner and strength as her abstract sculptures, collages and paintings. Her thorough exploration of bold geometric forms, the examination of volume, painterly curves and lines result in the composition both peaceful and elegant but also captures a harmonious theatrical tension. “It is a real challenge for me, and it is very much like creating a sculpture, made to be worn. No doubt, the fact that I am a woman has its advantages. Firstly, because I can try it on me – and secondly […]

Joy BC Hypatia, 2022 green bronze, 22kt recycled yellow gold, recycled 925 silver and green garnets cut by Jean Noel Soni, brooch and pendant 6.9 x 5.1 x 1.5 cm Edition of 3 Hypatia was force of nature. A Greek Philosopher and Mathematician. A woman who was written about by Plato in a patriarchal society. “In previous work, I have explored the hidden histories of forgotten female heroes, creating miniature-monuments in their honor. This ring and pendant/brooch are made to celebrate and honor Hypatia – but also to protest against violence to woman. The historical recurrence of violence to women, for simply being a woman, is barbaric.” Her portrait in the brooch/pendant is carved and cast into bronze, a material synonymous with Hellenistic Greek sculpture. The tears specially cut by alluded gemstone cutter Jean-Noel Soni and set into 22ct yellow gold. Often in ancient sculpture, the eyes in stone carvings and bronzes were inlaid with gold and precious or semi-precious stones. Many of these were stolen and thus we now see portraits with empty eyes. “The teardrop is recurring symbol in my work and I have researched tears both scientifically and mythologically.Whatever the type of tear, in my view, they […]

Ute Decker Rolling Waves in Moonlight, 2017 18kt Fairtrade gold brooch & pin 10 x 3.7 x 2.5 cm edition of 28 unique within the series initialled and hallmarked   The award winning, internationally exhibited artist jeweller, with pieces in several museum collections including the V&A sculpts movement into powerful minimalist forms for her first solo show at the gallery. Sensuous undulations characterize the new Waves series created for this exhibition. Expressing the beauty of nature through abstractions, Ute Decker is arresting time to take a closer look at the movement of waves, usually so fleeting.

Joy BC Hypatia, 2021 Bronze, 18kt recycled yellow gold stell and garnets brooch and pendant 10.5 x 8.5 x 1.5 cm Edition of 3 Signed “Hypatia was a force of nature. A Greek Philosopher and Mathematician. A woman who was written about by Plato in a patriarchal society. She was also murdered. In previous works, I have explored the hidden histories of forgotten female heroes, creating miniature-monuments in their honour. This brooch is to celebrate and honor Hypatia – but also to protest against violence to women. The historical recurrence of violence to women, for simply being a woman, is barbaric. In ancient times a brooch could be an emblem of authority, wealth and power. Brooches have also often been a mode of protest or a billboard of one’s beliefs. Think of badges with slogans on or the suffragette pins.The red patina and the deep blood red garnets represent bloodshed. Both bronze and yellow gold are affiliated with artworks from the Hellenistic period (323 BC-31BC). This work combines a noble metal (gold), most associated with jewellery, with a material (bronze) synonymous with sculpture”. Joy BC  

Satta Matturi Nomoli Art Deco , 2022 18kt white gold, brilliant cut diamonds, baguette diamonds, onyx & ceramic brooch Unique Africa, its art, history, design and culture, has been a constant source of inspiration for jewellery house, Matturi. Launched in 2015, the brand aims to transform diverse narratives into luxurious high jewellery, set in 18kt gold with responsibly sourced brilliant diamonds and coloured gemstones. Matturi’s design approach is carefully considered and rooted in research leading to a visual and conceptual approach to design and aesthetics. Created in limited quantities, each piece is timeless and unique. Matturi strives to bring modernity into their distinct designs that can be worn or collected by women and men across the globe.   Nomoli Totem Earrings 5 Nomoli Necklaces / Pendants 5 Ta-Seti Earrings 5 Nomoli Earrings 6 Nomoli Rings 4 Nomoli Art Deco Brooches, Featured 7

Giorgio Vigna Sasso, 2019 Oxidised silver granulation, copper, magnetic brooch 7 x 7 x 4 cm Unique and signed

Giorgio Vigna Sasso, 2019 Oxidised silver granulation, copper, silver magnetic brooch 6 x 5 x 1.5 cm Unique and signed

Sissi Nidi ( Nests), 2019 18kt gold threads with rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds brooch & pendant 9 x 9 cm unique and signed   With an artistic focus of anatomical study in relations to environmental elements, Sissi brings forth new ways to interpret wearable art, as the pieces transform into a second skin of light and gold for the wearer. For her wearable art pieces, Sissi interlaces the symbolism of the bird’s nest with the anatomy of the human body. The artist’s creations are hand-made and embellished, yet delicate like her sculptures. 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 to be personally involved with the production of her wearable art pieces. Nests draws its symbolism from natural nests which provide a safe place. Nests can be displayed as a sculpture when taken off, and becomes a sculptural work of wearable art that unites with the individual when worn.  

Jean Cocteau Profil, 1961/62 28kt gold brooch and pendant 5.7 x 4.7 cm; 29 grams edition of 50 ref. 1493   The wearable art collaboration between François Hugo and Jean Cocteau began in 1960 and brought to life an extraordinary collection of sculptural pieces which are based on Cocteau’s prolific collection of drawings. Together, they went on to create a total of 13 wearable art pieces, some in 23kt gold and others in 18kt gold, and often adorned with precious stones. Many of Cocteau’s designs are based on human beings 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. 

Ute Decker Rolling Waves at Dawn, 2019 18kt Fairtrade gold and 100% recycled sterling silver sculptural brooch & pin (bimetal) 9.5 x 4 x 2.2 cm edition of 24 unique within the series initialled and hallmarked   This unique piece is highly reflective of Ute Decker’s understanding of the complexities when working with two different metals, given the differences in malleability and melting points. The resulting brooch is a delicate display of two colliding components combined into a very simplistic narrative of the nature of waves, of which the bicoloured metals suggest a change in the daylight to the brightest time of the day.