Contemporary protective jewellery: Amulets in a modern world. A Workshop by Martina Dempf

The exceptional character of amulets is a trigger for creativity in order to find contemporary answers to this human desire.

Migration, diversity, cultural identity and their interdependencies are increasingly daily realities of people and cultures everywhere. The world has become “smaller” as we are frequently on the move, but “bigger”, as we are expected to understand ourselves and our interaction with other cultures in a broader context. In challenging times like today we often get the feeling of having lost control over what is happening around us, and we are seeking safety – a feeling which has actually accompanied mankind since its beginning. People tried to find protection, and they did it individually and as social groups by creating and using amulets – and we do so until today.


The workshops offer to study real amulets, their materiality and metaphysical connotation from around the world, contemporary and historical. With this knowledge, the students design and create their personal amulet in connection to their individual roots in a contemporary interpretation. All materials are welcome, and students are advised on how to assemble different materials technically. A selection of material is offered from my side, but every student is encouraged to bring personal items and materials to work with.
/ Martina Dempf


Important Information:
Duration: 24 hours in 3 days.
Cost: 1200 €.
Teaching language: English.
Skills: Basic knowledge of goldsmithing techniques.
Participants should have an interest in the cultural history of jewellery, with a focus on amulets and their creative
potential.
 
The workshop will be activated with a minimum of 5 participants.
Participants may request the list of tools from the school office to purchase their own, or they can rent a complete kit provided by the school.

15% discount on total tuition for enrolment and payment by December 31, 2025.

>> More information and other workshops here

Martina M. Dempf is a German jewellery artist, designer, and researcher born in Stuttgart, active internationally since 1980. She studied jewellery design in Pforzheim and later ethnology and philosophy in Berlin. Since 1983, she has conducted field research in East Africa, integrating her anthropological experience into the creation of contemporary jewellery. She runs studios in Berlin and Greece, and since 2004 has directed the Atelier Gallery Martina Dempf in der Remise. Her works have been exhibited in solo and group shows across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States, and she has been an artist-in-residence at prestigious institutions such as the Nirox Art Foundation in South Africa. Active as a lecturer and mentor since 1989, she has collaborated with academic institutions worldwide. She has curated numerous cultural projects and served as a juror for international awards. Her works are included in major public collections. A collector and scholar of traditional African jewellery, she combines art, culture, and research in a unique and intercultural artistic language.