Christopher Nguyen. Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences. Peter Behrens School of Arts, New Craft Object Design. New Talents Award Nominee 2024
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NewTalentsByKlimt02
Published: 31.12.2024
- Edited by:
- Klimt02
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- Edited on:
- 2024
The 10th edition of the New Talent Award 2024 by Klimt02 aims to recognize the work of graduate students in our field by supporting their careers in the professional world. Nominated by our school members, one of the selected graduates will win the New Talents Award.
My Bachelor project is dedicated to exploring and reinterpreting these timeless jewelry forms by subjecting them to a creative redesign inspired by the principles of scientific anomalies. Four different series of jewelry pieces have been created that relate to various selected anomalies.
>> Check out all the 2024 New Talents Nominees
Name of graduation student: Christopher Nguyen
Name of guiding teachers/lecturers: Jantje Fleischhut & Jochen Zäh
Nominated by Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences. Peter Behrens School of Arts, New Craft Object Design
Christopher Nguyen is a quiet, precise observer - fascinated by deviations from the normal. Throughout his studies, he comprehensively examines various forms of deviation occurring in different areas, e.g. the natural sciences and society. With his jewelry collection 'Normativity and Aberration of Archetypal Jewelry Typologies' he mirrors his clear investigations into the forms and norms of jewelry - focus is on the deviation - the delicate detail - just a glance can easily miss both the delicacy and his message.
Christopher Nguyen operates expertly in analog and digital process techniques, fusing both with sensitivity in his pieces. With the perfectionism of his craftsmanship, Christopher Nguyen integrates the deviation from the normal, the norm, and thus calls for an increased openness towards the other - quietly but clearly. He demonstrates a stakeholder attitude with a critical sense of responsibility and good design. Classic-appearing jewelry with a timely and relevant message.
/ Jantje Fleischhut & Jochen Zäh
Summary of the thesis:
In scientific terms, an "anomaly" refers to an irregularity or deviation from what is considered the norm. The term often has a negative connotation. However, in order to avoid judgment and better understand the broader significance of such deviations, the term "aberration" (or deviation) is used in this context. In fact, anomalies are important because it is only through these irregular aspects, which catch the eye, that an awareness of the “normal state” arises and gives cause to question it.
The pursuit of perfection, or a state free from mistakes and disruptions, is often seen as the ideal and normal. In jewelry, there is no strict rule about what forms it must take. Jewelry is shaped by its function, style, and purpose. While commercial jewelry follows trends and standards, artistic jewelry is more flexible and allows for creative expression.
Timeless forms are recurring variations in proportion and scale of a generally enduring popular design language, so-called classics. Today, these are often reduced to basic geometric shapes. Alongside these, there are iconic jewelry classics that are produced by well-known luxury brands or have been worn by prominent personalities throughout history.
My Bachelor project is dedicated to exploring and reinterpreting these timeless jewelry forms by subjecting them to a creative redesign inspired by the principles of scientific anomalies. Four different series of jewelry pieces have been created that relate to various selected anomalies. The design interventions can be subtle or completely alter the original shape of the piece of jewelry.
The phenomenon of the density anomaly of water refers to the property of water to have the highest density at 3,983°C. The material of cut freshwater pearls becomes denser at one point in the necklace, formally echoing the behavior of the water molecules.
Based on the iconic design of a cartier engagement ring, a digital glitch was transferred to a three-dimensional object. The volume is distorted and thus modified but retains its original shape when viewed from one specific angle.
Social deviance refers to eccentricity or criminal behavior. Here, a person does not behave according to the social norms that are prevalent in the culture or country. These norms normally guide social interaction and simplify interaction by defining predictable social behavior. Applied to the arrangement of gemstones in earrings and rings, a single element is pushed out of its homogeneous arrangement, due to its differing size or shape.
Mutations, or deviations from the norm, play a key role in the evolution of both living organisms and ideas. My approach with these solitaire rings was to break away from a simple prong setting. Therefore, the defining curves of different digitally constructed rings were extracted and new volume was built up. Protruding spikes, which can occur as actual errors while generating, have been retained and are part of the design. Just as mutations help species evolve, they can lead to a new visual language.
Personally, I sometimes feel torn between fitting in with social norms and embracing my own uniqueness. But in this work, I celebrate “mistakes” or irregularities, seeing them not as flaws, but as opportunities for creativity. These deviations add individuality and character to each piece, making them special and valuable in their own right.
Contact:
Mail: christopher.nguyen93@web.de
Instagram: @christopher_n_jewelry
Find out more about Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences. Peter Behrens School of Arts, New Craft Object Design
Name of guiding teachers/lecturers: Jantje Fleischhut & Jochen Zäh
Nominated by Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences. Peter Behrens School of Arts, New Craft Object Design
Christopher Nguyen is a quiet, precise observer - fascinated by deviations from the normal. Throughout his studies, he comprehensively examines various forms of deviation occurring in different areas, e.g. the natural sciences and society. With his jewelry collection 'Normativity and Aberration of Archetypal Jewelry Typologies' he mirrors his clear investigations into the forms and norms of jewelry - focus is on the deviation - the delicate detail - just a glance can easily miss both the delicacy and his message.
Christopher Nguyen operates expertly in analog and digital process techniques, fusing both with sensitivity in his pieces. With the perfectionism of his craftsmanship, Christopher Nguyen integrates the deviation from the normal, the norm, and thus calls for an increased openness towards the other - quietly but clearly. He demonstrates a stakeholder attitude with a critical sense of responsibility and good design. Classic-appearing jewelry with a timely and relevant message.
/ Jantje Fleischhut & Jochen Zäh
Summary of the thesis:
In scientific terms, an "anomaly" refers to an irregularity or deviation from what is considered the norm. The term often has a negative connotation. However, in order to avoid judgment and better understand the broader significance of such deviations, the term "aberration" (or deviation) is used in this context. In fact, anomalies are important because it is only through these irregular aspects, which catch the eye, that an awareness of the “normal state” arises and gives cause to question it.
The pursuit of perfection, or a state free from mistakes and disruptions, is often seen as the ideal and normal. In jewelry, there is no strict rule about what forms it must take. Jewelry is shaped by its function, style, and purpose. While commercial jewelry follows trends and standards, artistic jewelry is more flexible and allows for creative expression.
Timeless forms are recurring variations in proportion and scale of a generally enduring popular design language, so-called classics. Today, these are often reduced to basic geometric shapes. Alongside these, there are iconic jewelry classics that are produced by well-known luxury brands or have been worn by prominent personalities throughout history.
My Bachelor project is dedicated to exploring and reinterpreting these timeless jewelry forms by subjecting them to a creative redesign inspired by the principles of scientific anomalies. Four different series of jewelry pieces have been created that relate to various selected anomalies. The design interventions can be subtle or completely alter the original shape of the piece of jewelry.
The phenomenon of the density anomaly of water refers to the property of water to have the highest density at 3,983°C. The material of cut freshwater pearls becomes denser at one point in the necklace, formally echoing the behavior of the water molecules.
Based on the iconic design of a cartier engagement ring, a digital glitch was transferred to a three-dimensional object. The volume is distorted and thus modified but retains its original shape when viewed from one specific angle.
Social deviance refers to eccentricity or criminal behavior. Here, a person does not behave according to the social norms that are prevalent in the culture or country. These norms normally guide social interaction and simplify interaction by defining predictable social behavior. Applied to the arrangement of gemstones in earrings and rings, a single element is pushed out of its homogeneous arrangement, due to its differing size or shape.
Mutations, or deviations from the norm, play a key role in the evolution of both living organisms and ideas. My approach with these solitaire rings was to break away from a simple prong setting. Therefore, the defining curves of different digitally constructed rings were extracted and new volume was built up. Protruding spikes, which can occur as actual errors while generating, have been retained and are part of the design. Just as mutations help species evolve, they can lead to a new visual language.
Personally, I sometimes feel torn between fitting in with social norms and embracing my own uniqueness. But in this work, I celebrate “mistakes” or irregularities, seeing them not as flaws, but as opportunities for creativity. These deviations add individuality and character to each piece, making them special and valuable in their own right.
Contact:
Mail: christopher.nguyen93@web.de
Instagram: @christopher_n_jewelry
Find out more about Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences. Peter Behrens School of Arts, New Craft Object Design
Ring: Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien 1, 2024
Silver, gemstones
2.5 x 2.4 cm
Photo by: Christopher Nguyen
From series: Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Earrings: Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien 2, 2024
Silver, gemstones
2.5 x 2.5 x 1.2 cm
Photo by: Christopher Nguyen
From series: Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Christopher Nguyen. Rings from Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien collection, 2024
Silver, gemstones
2.5 x 2.2 x 1.2 cm and 3.6 x 3.2 x 2.45 cm
Photo by: Christopher Nguyen
Silver, gemstones
2.5 x 2.2 x 1.2 cm and 3.6 x 3.2 x 2.45 cm
Photo by: Christopher Nguyen
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Ring: Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien 3, 2024
Silver, gemstones
2.5 x 2.2 x 1.2 cm
Photo by: Christopher Nguyen
From series: Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
Necklace: Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien 4, 2024
Pearls
62 cm
Photo by: Christopher Nguyen
From series: Normativität und Aberration archetypischer Schmucktypologien
© By the author. Read Klimt02.net Copyright.
- Edited by:
- Klimt02
- Edited at:
- Barcelona
- Edited on:
- 2024
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