Platinum-juwelierskuns - Back to the Future - Platinum Art Jewellery

BACK TO THE FUTURE showcases more than 60 pieces of platinum jewellery created by selected graduates from the University of Stellenbosch since 2007. The Creative Jewellery Design and Metal Techniques Division of the Department of Visual Arts compiled the platinum collection on display during a nine-year research project in partnership with Anglo Platinum and the National Research Foundation (NRF) (Thrip). The exhibition, curated by the Creative Jewellery Design Division, not only celebrates the outcomes of this nine-year research project, but also the 50th anniversary of the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Stellenbosch.

Since platinum possesses unique metal-working properties, it poses particular manufacturing challenges. The core focus of the Anglo Platinum / NRF research project was thus innovative design solutions for the production of contemporary platinum jewellery. Experimental applications and designs were encouraged, often by means of combining new technologies with traditional goldsmithing methods such as die pressing/forming, fly pressing, smithing, texture rolling, and chase and repoussage. Throughout the course of the research project, students strove to artistically balance boundary-pushing creativity and aesthetics with practical viability and detailed briefs, most notably in the form of specific submissions for the PlatAfrica Awards – an annual design competition hosted by Anglo Platinum.

BACK TO THE FUTURE is therefore, as the title implies, an exhibition where the daringly progressive and conceptual meets traditional craft and technique in pieces that are both wearable and sculptural – and for sale.