Celebrating Life by Paul Derrez

Artist list

Paul Derrez

The work of Paul Derrez (born 1950 in Sittard, Netherlands) demonstrates how jewellery and objects can become ambassadors for identity and social issues. The Amsterdam-based jewellery maker has, since the beginning of his career, explored the question of  jewellery and objects as far more than merely decorative elements on the body or in a space. 

Paul Derrez began to pursue his passion for jewellery, craftsmanship and design as early as the 1970s. He trained as a goldsmith in Schoonhoven from 1972 to 1975 and studied performing arts in Utrecht. Alongside his work as an artist, he was active as a lecturer and as chairman of the Françoise van den Bosch Foundation. His body of work spans over 50 years of continuous creation, is represented in international collections and has received numerous awards. With his Galerie Ra in Amsterdam, he had a significant influence on the international jewellery scene for over three decades.

The Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus Hanau is the first institution in Germany to dedicate a comprehensive exhibition to him, showcasing the full breadth of his oeuvre, which encompasses jewellery, silverware and objects.

Derrez’s work is characterised by clear, minimalist forms and the combination of precious and base materials. Many of his pieces contain symbolic references. His body of work celebrates beauty and joie de vivre. At the same time, it repeatedly addresses social themes such as protest and solidarity. It reflects his personal experiences and attitudes, inviting us to consider jewellery as a political and communicative medium.

To mark the exhibition in Hanau and as part of Pride Month, Paul Derrez also created the Hanau Pride Ring, whose coloured dots create a rainbow-like play of colours when held up to the light.