Precious Thoughts. Differences, incidences and coincidences in some European jewellery

Artist list

Esther Brinkmann, Cathy Cothard, Johanna Dahm, Lucia Davanzo, Maria Rosa Franzin, Pilar Garrigosa, Therese Hilbert, Nel Linssen, Annelies Planteijdt

Christmas is on its sparkling way, and with it comes an important and equally brilliant event for the city of Padova: an exhibition of contemporary jewellery. Padova has always devoted particular attention to this sector, and has already presented several events and exhibitions of very high quality.

On this occasion, Padova will present some of the most important works of nine artists of international fame, all women, who live and work in France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy – the latter represented by two artists from Padova who trained in the goldworking section of the well-known “Pietro Selvatico” Institute of Art.
Each artist will present twelve of her works, allowing all visitors, expert or otherwise in this field of artistic endeavour, to learn more about the main aspects of their creative processes, from the beginning of their careers until today, to compare similarities and differences, to appreciate their multiple facts and aspects and, above all, to understand their thinking and the philosophy which lies at the heart of their works.

This is a unique occasion to learn more about these exceptional artists, their way of conceiving jewellery, of understanding the complex relationship between a jewel, the body which it adorns, and the person who wears it. This is the essence of their creations: different expressive modes which transform a piece of jewellery into a work of art, and the significance of the various cultures from which each of these artists re-elaborates her technique and delights in using many differing types of materials.
Visitors will thus be able, for example, to compare works made perhaps at the same period of time but in different cultural contexts - all linked by originality, great expertise in working raw materials, high technical capacity - revealing their strong sense of commitment, dedication, and creative intelligence.
This is a new way of understanding and enjoying jewellery, of entering into a dialogue with the jewel and the woman who made it, making it come uniquely alive when wearing it, and interacting personally with it.

“Precious Thoughts” will be inaugurated in Padova on December 18 2004, in the prestigious and exquisite setting of the 16th-century Oratory of San Rocco. It will then pass to Barcelona and thence to Hanau.

At 5 p.m. on each Friday in January 2005, an expert will be present and available to visitors who wish to know more about the works exhibited.
The exhibition was arranged and its catalogue edited by Mirella Cisotto Nalon, together with Maria Cristina Bergesio and Alessandra Possamai Vita.
Next year, the same exhibition setting, reserved by the Department of Museums, Cultural Policies and Entertainment for events devoted to contemporary jewellery and sculpture, will host the second edition of “Precious Thoughts”. Exhibitors will be young artists specialising in the field of goldworking, again from various European countries, whose works stand out for their innovative language and particular originality.


Opening times:
Tuesdays-Sundays 9.30-12.30, 15.30-19.00. Closed on Mondays.