Exhibitions

Peter Bauhuis, David Bielander, Helen Britton, Benedikt Fischer, Karl Fritsch, Simryn Gill, Kyoko Hashimoto, Marian Hosking, Kait James, Cara Johnson, Inari Kiuru, Otto Künzli, Manon van Kouswijk, Lore Langendries, Pete McCurley, Juanita McLauchlan , Catherine Truman, Lisa Walker

Everything is Holy brings together the works of 18 contemporary makers to explore how the concepts of sacredness and value are expressed within the medium of jewellery.

Everything has the potential to be revered; to be transfigured from the mundane to the meaningful, regardless of its origins or perceived value. Jewellery has been associated with monetary value—gold and gemstones are symbols of status and wealth in many cultures. Yet, the artists here push against this convention, challenging what is regarded as valuable and asking instead, what makes something meaningful?

Jewellery is considered among the earliest examples of the human capacity to think symbolically. It has always been an integral part of human expression, a way of holding and displaying shared values. Contemporary jewellers consider these themes from a conceptual point of view. Through their materials and approaches, they invite us to reconsider perceived jewellery norms and to expand the concept of value. Contemporary jewellery can contain ideas about Culture, politics, social systems and the environment. For some makers, meaning is found in deep connection to the land, in personal histories or in ancestral connections. For others, it comes from questioning what society considers sacred—whether it be a religious symbol or a precious stone—in ways that can be challenging, even profane.

Materials are used in ways that draw connections between form and meaning, surprising us and offering a new viewpoint. The resulting jewellery may be irreverent, wry, tender and teasing. These works reflect the evolving dialogue between the artist, the material and the broader world.

Taking its name from the Patti Smith song Spell—a gloriously profane hymn to the messiness of humankind—this exhibition is an invitation to reflect on how jewellery can expand beyond material value to become a site of intellectual inquiry and social critique. By investigating what we consider holy, these artists offer new perspectives on what it can mean to adorn ourselves, and how we communicate about the things we hold dear.

Katie Scott

Macedon Rangers resident Katie Scott is Director, Funaki Gallery, Melbourne, which specialises in contemporary jewellery from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia. Founded by artist Mari Funaki in 1995, the gallery continues to be a leading advocate in the field of contemporary jewellery.

Image: Manon Vann Kouswijk, No Worry beads, 2012, porcelain, glaze, thread, Collection, the artist.