IV Latin American Biennial of Contemporary Jewelry: Co-Becoming: Narratives for Possible Futures

Our country will become the epicenter of art jewelry with the holding of the IV Latin American Biennial of Contemporary Jewelry, Co-Devenir: Narratives for Possible Futures, which will take place simultaneously in Argentina and which will be held in Santiago with an extension in Temuco during the months of October, November and December 2024, consolidating itself as a key event for the sector. This edition is focused on the urgency of pondering present actions and their impact on the future, promoting the creation of speculative narratives that integrate respect for nature and interspecies collaboration. “The biennial invites the community to be part of an event that transcends the mere exhibition of pieces; It is an opportunity to bring knowledge and appreciation of this profession to citizens. We want all assistants to feel part of a deep reflection on the future of jewelry and the role it plays in our lives,” commented Rita Soto, director of the biennial in Chile.

Organized by the group Joyeros Argentinos and the Joya Brava Association in Chile, this meeting will feature various activities, including the central exhibition of Co-Devenir contest, which invites jewelers to create works that dialogue with the present and propose a future of coexistence and collaboration. The exhibition of the 76 selected pieces will be held at the Palacio Pereira Extension Center, in Santiago (3 of October to 3 of November). There will be a specialized jury that will choose the top 3 places, as well as one prize per country and one by public vote.


“This event will not only strengthen the contemporary jewelry scene but will also generate an open and thoughtful dialogue between creators and the public. It is essential that citizens actively participate, discover the value of this profession, and approach the narratives that invite us to rethink our future,”  Soto added.


Ruta Brava: An innovative circuit
One of the novelties of this edition is Ruta Brava (October 3rd to the 10th), a circuit of simultaneous exhibitions organized by the Joya Brava Association, which will exhibit works of contemporary jewelry in 24 conventional and unconventional spaces in the capital, such as: National Library, Saloon 2 Hairdresser, National Museum of Fine Arts, CityLab- GAM, FAU - U. de Chile, Magnolia Hotel, Chipe Libre restaurant, Montecarmelo Cultural Center and Aldea del Encuentro, among others. This tour will allow attendees to explore jewelry in a different context, bringing this discipline closer to the general public in an inclusive and accessible way.


“We want to generate an alternative space that breaks with traditional exhibition forms. The idea is that contemporary jewelry is integrated into people's daily lives and that they can discover the multiple forms of creation that exist internationally. It is an invitation to open yourself to new perspectives. It should be noted that there will be inaugurations every day, making the route a week of celebration around this discipline,” explained Paulina Latorre, director of Ruta Brava.


Extension in Temuco
The region of La Araucanía, known for its rich artisanal heritage, will host an international training meeting and the Co Devenir exhibition, organized by the Crafts Program of the Catholic University of Temuco. In this regard, Tania Salazar, in charge of the Program, commented: "For us, it is very relevant to bring an international event of this type to the region, with this, we recognize all the work that contemporary and traditional creators, goldsmiths, and jewelers have been doing for years, not only in La Araucanía but in the entire southern part of the country. The idea is that we can open a space for meeting and exchange, learning about new trends and also giving the public the best of international jewelry. We hope that this meeting will strengthen networks between the creators and the institutions that are dedicated to promoting creative professions in the country. The extension in Temuco is financed by a Fondart 2024 project, a training line."


Dates:

Santiago:

• Co-Devenir Exhibition at Palacio Pereira: 3 of October to 3 of November 2024
• Ruta Brava: 3 to 10 of October 2024
• Reflection days and conferences at CityLab: 4 and 5 October 2024

Extension in Temuco:​

• International Seminar and workshops, Catholic University of Temuco: 10 and 11 of October.
• Co-Devenir Exhibition Campus San Francisco of the Catholic University of Temuco: 14 of November to 12 of December. Origin in Buenos Aires

The Contemporary Jewelry Biennial originated in Buenos Aires, was promoted by Joyeros Argentinos in 2016, and has been held in 2016, 2018, and 2021. This year, for the first time, it will be held outside Argentina, with Chile being the chosen country. It is organized jointly by Joyeros Argentinos and the Joya Brava Association.


International meetings
This Biennial will include the Ruta Brava in Santiago, the Buenos Arts Circuit in Buenos Aires, the Joyas al Sur circuit, which has the entire continent as its territory, and the virtual Circuit on the labial.ar platform.

The countries participating in the Co-Devenir exhibition are Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Poland, the USA, and France.
Countries participating in the Ruta Brava: Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, USA, France, Spain, Hungary, Netherlands, South Korea, China, UK, Iran, Belgium, Austria, Italy.


Award Jury: Carol Illanes (Chile, Director of the Palacio Pereira Extension Center); Fabiana Gadano (Argentina, contemporary jeweler, teacher, JA curator); Miriam Pappalardo (Brazil, contemporary jeweler, teacher); Nury González (Chile, Former MAPA Director, academic, artist and curator); Rita Soto (Chile, Industrial designer, contemporary jeweler, teacher and cultural manager) and Tatiana Apráez (Colombia, contemporary jeweler, teacher).


For more information about the programming and routes visit www.joyabrava.cl and www.labienal.ar.
On Instagram @bienaljoyeria


DOWNLOAD HERE IV BIENNIAL PROGRAM
RUTA BRAVA MAP
PHOTOS OF THE  ARTISTS + THEIR JEWELS