SMCK Shots. A photo narrative workshop and exhibition project inspired by art jewellery

Is it possible to express art jewellery's intrepid and experimental spirit, boldness and innovation, social and political engagement by using the same visual language established luxury houses or mass production brands use?
 
Art jewellery differs from high-end or industrial jewellery in concept, material, purpose, meaning, production, marketing.
However, art jewellery photography often uses similar standards or clichés.
Objects shot against white or black background or worn by a smiling or frowning model may look nice indeed; but they tell nothing about the artist’s philosophy or concept.
Compared to the expensive advertisement campaigns of established brands, art jewellery photo styling often uses a visual language it does not master, thus its message is lost in translation and does not reach the public, Press, industry experts or recruiters. Art jewellery is brave; art jewellery photography is usually conservative.
 
The project SMCK Shots addresses innovative jewellery artists who wish to become familiar with the history, semiotics, genres or technical possibilities of photography. It challenges them to explore new perspectives and to deploy the narrative behind their work.
 
The project SMCK Shots combines an online workshop with a photo exhibition during Schmuck 2022 Munich, a live online presentation with a catalogue documentation. The photo exhibition SMCK Shots inspired takes place in the multi-awarded Galerie Weltraum that, at the same time, hosts SMCK On Reel international video festival (7-10 July 2022).
 
The workshop consists of two online weekend meetings in May 2022 (Total of 12 hours); it focuses on the history of photography, explains visual semiotics and social symbols, studies specific examples of design, fashion and jewellery photography and gives participants technical advice on how to shoot and edit exciting photos with a low-cost equipment. Individual coaching gives participants specific answers and advice.
 
Each artist participates with a diptych (two photos) which will be printed and exhibited in Galerie Weltraum. An exhibition catalogue in SMCK Magazine will document the project SMCK Shots. A live online presentation of the event gives participants the opportunity to present their jewellery. Artists do not have to be present in Munich.
 
How to apply:
Send your statement and six photos of your work or send us your website link to magazine@smck.org. Add a short cover letter on why you wish to participate in SMCK Shots.
 
Participation fee: 320 € payable in two installments
Weblink: www.smck.org