Rebecca Hannon: Jolie

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Rebecca Hannon

Jewelers' Werk Galerie proudly presents Rebecca Hannon: Jolie

How heavy is too heavy? What are limits of personal ornamentation for men? Works in this exhibition were made in response to a three-month artist residency on the French Polynesian Island on Hiva Oa. Hiva Oa is the final resting place for both Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel .

"In Hiva Oa, I was interested in the traditional roles both women and man had, and how this was expressed through ornamentation. These roles are shifting, especially with the overlay of European culture present. The Marquises people themselves are currently involved in an intense re-examination of their history. I did a switch of traditional gendered adornment, and made ornaments for men with flowers and pieces for women utilizing the tattoo symbols of the warrior. I worked very big and free using simple materials. Over the past two years I have been studying the objects and photos and writing to understand how this investigation might shape understanding of gender expectation in ornamentation. There has been much writing about the loss of distinct style linked to a place, but I am curious about why with all of our global contact, our ideas of what can be considered jewelry hasn’t changed that much. The work in 'Jolie' explores non-traditional adornment. It is big, bold, white, and mostly made for men."

Processes used for this artwork include kiln-fired porcelain, gold soldering, iron forging, hand piercing, water jet cutting, sewing, laser cutting, vacuum heat forming, among others.