The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has announced two fascinating and unusual themes for The Artisan Awards 2024: ‘Unusual Materials’ and ‘Objet Trouvé.’ These creative topics have the potential to reinvent artistic expression and motivate designers to think beyond the box when creating avant-garde fine jewelry.
The first theme, ‘Objet Trouvé‘ (Found things), will investigate work made from freely visible but frequently altered things that do not normally serve as art materials due to their non-art function.
A ‘found object,’ whether natural, man-made, or merely a piece, is retained and nurtured because the artist has an innate connection and interest in the object. It can be seen as a work of art in and of itself, as well as a source of inspiration.
The goal is to create a piece of jewelry that captures the essence of ‘Objet Trouvé‘ by reinventing an object from your past in a current form. ‘Found object’ can be altered and displayed as art, either in its original form or as part of a larger ensemble of materials. Found Vintage poker chips, antique coins, gathered shells, vintage Venetian glass beads, buttons, and beachcombed shells are examples of ‘found objects’.
The second subject, ‘Unusual Materials,’ urges designers to combine contrasting materials with precious metals to create a conversation between the familiar and the unexpected. Participants must create a piece of jewelry using uncommon materials and at least 50% valuable material. Cement, titanium, wood, porcelain, bamboo, slate, meteorite, glass, recycled plastic, leather, and other unusual materials could be used.
Vipul Shah, Chairman of the GJEPC, remarks on the unique 2024 Artisan themes, “At GJEPC, our vision is to reshape the future of jewellery design through competitions like The Artisan Awards.” Going beyond what already existing is what it means to explore new design boundaries. GJEPC reiterates its commitment to cultivating an innovative attitude among designers through this competition.”
“Defying norms and pushing boundaries, the 7th edition of The Artisan Awards invites designers to embark on a journey towards uncharted territory, that challenges the predictable path,” Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotion & Marketing, GJEPC, adds. Participants are encouraged to use their imaginations to create spectacular artworks using a one-of-a-kind combination of precious and non-precious materials or treasured items. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to produce masterpieces that will captivate and inspire future generations.”
The deadline for submitting sketches is October 31, 2023. Visit the GJEPC website at www.theartisanawards.com for additional information on the competition guidelines, eligibility criteria, and other details.