International Earring Exhibition

Artist list

Anne Bader, Catalina Brenes, Pilar Cotter, Mirla Fernandes, Joanne Haywood, Daphne Krinos, Rike Bartels
, Petra Class, 
Lluis Duran, 
Hella Ganor, 
Peter Hoogeboom, Judy McCaig, Ela Bauer, Andy Cooperman, Nicolas Estrada, Liisa Hashimoto, Beate Klockmann, Martin Papcùn, Katja Prins
, Jan Smith, 
Felieke van der Leest, Iris Saar Isaacs
, Antje Stolz, Babette von Dohnanyi, Karin Seufert, Rudy Tancharoen, Emily Watson

Invited by Barcelona jeweller and author Nicolas Estrada to write the preface for his book New Earrings, published in 2013 by Thames & Hudson, Noel Guyomarc’h will present a selection of earrings from this publication. Over 200 pieces of jewellery will be on display.

The only article of jewellery that requires physical intervention – piercing of the earlobe – the earring continues to be the most popular accessory. The earliest examples were found more than 7,000 years ago, during archaeological digs in Mongolia. In following millennia, this article of jewellery acquired various meanings and functions. It took a variety of forms, from the talisman to the symbol of wealth or prosperity, and was, at times, prohibited for religious or political reasons. From poissardes to girandoles, pearls and the use of precious stones, designs varied widely, inspired by each other. In recent decades, a number of unusual materials have made their appearance. This exhibition looks at current production in contemporary art jewellery.

Lustre, colour, humour, asymmetry: a full list of words describing the works selected for this event would be a long one. Made from traditional materials as well as plastic, silicone, and porcelain, among others, the earrings presented here rival each other in originality and ingenuity as well as in their remarkable exploration of the aesthetic. Daring, delicate, or simply exquisite, they will leave no one indifferent.