Herbert Hofmann Prize 2017

In the field of artist jewellery, the Herbert Hofmann Awards are amongst the most renowned international recognitions. The tension among guests and representing jewellery artists and designers was thus quite high during the award ceremony on Saturday, 11 March, at the Internationale Handwerksmesse. This year’s winners were Florian
Weichsberger, Volker Atrops and Sanaa Khalil. The jury’s justifications:


Sanaa Khalil - Lebanon / Italy
The wooden brooches by Saana Khalil radiate a strong presence. The domeshaped surfaces have been intensely worked: carved, cut, hamered, with great care and at the same time violently. A violence in the making that has been inspired by the harsh circumstances in war territories. The three domes out of wood refer to religious, political and economic powers. They offer us a metaphorical shelter, even when their surfaces seem covered by wounds. Danger and hope, vulnerability and strength come together in these meaningful objects.

Florian Weichsberger - Germany
The series of pendants base on the understanding of jewellery as tool. Between weapon and orientation instrument their function stays enigmatic. The polished elements can be moved, and allow to clap and hide the pointy edges. The highly aesthetised materialisation has something threatening, between protection, attack and self-injuring possibilities. Florian Weichsberger is interested in the paradox of vulnerability, even when one is fully equipped. His jewellery embodies a reminder of this universal, old wisdom.

Volker Atrops - Germany
The disk-like brooches by Volker Atrops are painted with traditional bird subjects. At the first sight, they remind of European folk arts. At a second glance they confront us with several irritations: Not the expected ceramic or glass is the support for such paintings, but plastic. A further irritation is created through the superimposition of a second layer of drawings that stand off in a different colour: A star, several stains, a scribble subvert the pastoral romance and transform the brooches in buttons of the street culture.
These works are an invitation to question cultural codes and at the same time they offer a reflection on tradition, identity and contemporary making.


The jury for the Herbert Hofmann Award was made up of Prof Otto Künzli, Dr Gert Bruckner, Dr Monica Gaspar, Prof Dr Marjan Unger and Dr Cornelie Holzach. The Herbert Hofmann Awards are presented annually at the special exhibition SCHMUCK at the Internationale Handwerksmesse. For many goldsmiths and jewellery designers, simply participating in the exhibit is a large goal: there were over 700 applications for the special exhibition SCHMUCK 2017, but ultimately, the contributions of 67 artists from 31 countries were selected and exhibited.