Pearl

Artist list

Vanessa Arthur, Dearsley. Cath, Peter Deckers, Jane Dodd, Sharon Fitness, Karl Fritsch, Victoria McIntosh, Brendon Monson, Mieke Roy, Moniek Schrijer, Lisa Walker, Raewyn Walsh

In 2013 the Victoria and Albert in conjunction with the Qatar Museums Authority held an exhibition on Pearls. This exhibition looked at the long and fascinating history or pearls from the natural to the advent of manufactured pearls. The value associated with this natural phenomenon; the history of the numerous illustrious wearers; and the challenge to this standing with the creation of manufactured pearls.

The Victoria and Albert exhibition and associated publication provided a fascinating history into this iconic jewellery material but unfortunately did not open the conversation up to contemporary use and dialogue of the material. Pearls are also one of the few materials directly associated with the body and adornment whether it is in jewellery or on clothing.
Masterworks gallery invited twelve contemporary New Zealand jewellers to use pearls as a material or starting point for a Pearl exhibition.  

Contemporary jewellers Karl Fritsch and Peter Deckers have made their take on the single pearl earring, a high fashion trend, worn by men in the 17th century, most famously seen in the numerous portraits of King Charles 1st.