Revelry by Ralph Bakker

Artist list

Ralph Bakker

To enhance the revelry - to paraphrase a Dutch expression - Ralph Bakker has all sorts of additional skills at his disposal. He excels in applying surface finishes like niello and enamel, so he can finish his pieces with lustrous colour. The many elements that make up his necklaces went in the oven time and again, to provide all the silver with dazzling translucent enamels, in subtly contrasting hues.
Seen from the perspective of classic jewellery, Bakker's work is never traditional. Its richness lies in the ingenious construction, the exquisite colouring and his attention to detail, without ever becoming gaudy. Pieces that are a joy to wear, never burdened by habits of displaying financial supremacy; actually the very aim of revolutionary jewellery makers half a century ago.

/ Ward Schrijver
(© Galerie Rob Koudijs)