Karl Fritsch and Robert Baines

Bavarian Karl Fritsch is interested in the personal history behind each piece of jewelry. The connection between the wearer and the piece of jewelry is often found within the materials themselves. His organic forms sprout gemstones – a reaction to traditional adornment settings. Fritsch often casts his jewelry pieces using ready-made and old pieces of jewelry, producing a range of colored alloys in the process. With little finishing, the ring becomes polished with wear.

Rooted in antiquity, Australian Robert Baines’ jewelry forms are modern interpretations of old techniques, including Ancient Etruscan and Greek gold jewelry. His work often explores the connotation of the color red by incorporating found objects such as plastic cars, bicycle reflectors, bits and pieces of Coca-Cola cans, alongside traditional filigree and granulation techniques into his rings, necklaces, and bracelets. The inclusion of modern elements, gives Baines at platform to juxtapose classical history.