The sting of Passion
Exhibition
/
11 Jul 2009
-
25 Oct 2009
Published: 22.06.2009
Manchester Art Gallery
- Mail:
- stingofpassion
gmail.com
- Phone:
- 0161 235 8888
- 0161 235 8899
- Management:
- Jo Bloxham

(...) An exhibition of jewellery made in response to Manchester Art Gallery’s collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. (...)
An exhibition of jewellery made in response to Manchester Art Gallery’s collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
The title of this exhibition, The Sting of Passion, is taken from a line in a poem, which the Greek poet, Sappho wrote as a hymn to Aphrodite. A depiction of Sappho is included in this publication.
I have always felt a natural empathy with the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. In them I can see a potent and enigmatic quality that - despite the superficial appearance of warmth, serenity and beauty - hide profane and often sinister meanings. Many Pre-Raphaelite and Late Victorian paintings were made in response to a poem or a piece of historical literature, often belonging to medieval mythology. Likewise, the jewellery made for each painting in The Sting, is a contemporary interpretation of something from the past.
The twelve paintings selected for The Sting have a common theme. They are not just aesthetically pleasing and beautifully painted; they all depict women in various guises. Be it the woman portrayed as the Temptress, Seductress, Femme Fatale or purely as an icon of beauty, there can be no doubt - these women are dangerous. They appear to have a hypnotic power over man, which serves to highlight and expose his vulnerability.
Human weakness is at the heart of these tales. Love can be a fatal drug. These women are not to be messed with!
Jo Bloxham
Curator
The title of this exhibition, The Sting of Passion, is taken from a line in a poem, which the Greek poet, Sappho wrote as a hymn to Aphrodite. A depiction of Sappho is included in this publication.
I have always felt a natural empathy with the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. In them I can see a potent and enigmatic quality that - despite the superficial appearance of warmth, serenity and beauty - hide profane and often sinister meanings. Many Pre-Raphaelite and Late Victorian paintings were made in response to a poem or a piece of historical literature, often belonging to medieval mythology. Likewise, the jewellery made for each painting in The Sting, is a contemporary interpretation of something from the past.
The twelve paintings selected for The Sting have a common theme. They are not just aesthetically pleasing and beautifully painted; they all depict women in various guises. Be it the woman portrayed as the Temptress, Seductress, Femme Fatale or purely as an icon of beauty, there can be no doubt - these women are dangerous. They appear to have a hypnotic power over man, which serves to highlight and expose his vulnerability.
Human weakness is at the heart of these tales. Love can be a fatal drug. These women are not to be messed with!
Jo Bloxham
Curator
Bracelet: Sting of Passion, 2009
Sterling silver, fine gold and garnets
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Pendant: Untitled, 2009
Copper, vintage crystal, coral beads and gold
Brooch
Fine silver, glass, porcelain, coral, lacquered wood and photo
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Neckpiece: Neckpiece for Ophelia, 2009
Concrete, glass
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Manchester Art Gallery
- Mail:
- stingofpassion
gmail.com
- Phone:
- 0161 235 8888
- 0161 235 8899
- Management:
- Jo Bloxham
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