FlockOmania. An exhibition blurring the lines between jewellery and performance

Artist list

Zoe Robertson

Fifteen sculptural jewellery objects meticulously handmade using a mix of traditional craft skills, in combination with industrial processes and new technology, will be on display, creating an unusual setting for a performance-based exploration between objects, the body and the space.

Robertson created ‘FlockOmania’ in response to a collaborative relationship with dance artists Dr Natalie Garrett Brown and Amy Voris. Their background in contemporary dance, movement improvisation and site based performance provided the catalyst for this body of work. The result is theatrically-sized jewellery that emphasises and explores themes relating to the scale and movement of the body. Originally conceived as a solo exhibition in 2015, the exhibition has grown beyond the original concept, evolving into many different forms: an exhibition, installation, mobile performance and into performance lab workshops.

‘FlockOmania’ challenges the traditional display and use of jewellery. The objects break away from static display and are used to create a space referred to by Robertson, Garrett Brown and Voris as ‘a laboratory of making’. In this space dance artists improvise movement and encourage audience participation. During the exhibition at The Cass, there will be two afternoon dance interventions on 13 and 18 January and a private view finale on 20 January.

I’m delighted to be invited to exhibit flockOmania at The Cass, 20 years after my graduation. Reflecting back on my life as a student I realise that the opportunity to development fundamental skills such as design via making, challenging ideas, experimenting and problem-solving have been an essential grounding to help me establish a successful and enjoyable career as a jewellery artist. / Zoe Robertson


About the Artist:
After graduating from The Cass in 1997 with a BA in Silversmithing, Jewellery and Allied Crafts, Robertson has had a successful career as a jewellery artist. She has exhibited her work internationally and runs a studio ‘The Dual Works’. For the last 10 years she has lectured at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and for the last five has been the course director for Jewellery Design and Related Products.

Dates and price

- Performance dates:  Friday 13 January, 2-5pm and Wednesday 18 January, 2-5pm (please book tickets)
- Private view finale: Friday 20 January, 6-8pm (please book tickets).