Curatorial statement of Sam Tho Duong, Curator of SCHMUCK münchen 2026

When selecting jewellery for an exhibition, it is essential for me to appreciate both craftsmanship and avant-garde creativity. The pieces selected should either be masterfully crafted to show high regard for traditional craftsmanship, and/or innovative and original to represent the avant-garde. New designs, unusual materials or innovative techniques should contribute to making the exhibition exciting and contemporary. Care should be taken not to select works that have already been shown by the artists in a similar form in previous special exhibitions. The selection should strike a balance between craftsmanship and creative innovation in order to honour tradition while also looking to the future. The result is hopefully an inspiring exhibition that reflects the diversity and development of jewellery design and delights visitors with fresh ideas and impressive craftsmanship.

A big thank you to the dedicated team at the Munich Chamber of Crafts, especially Barbara Schmidt and Eva Sarnowski for their wonderful cooperation.

Of course, I would also like to thank all participants for their submissions and regret that, due to the limited exhibition space mentioned above, many interesting works could not be included.

Sam Tho Duong, Pforzheim, November 2025


Catalogue
Each SCHMUCK exhibition has been documented in a catalogue since 1983.
The 2026 catalogue will be available to you at the start of the trade fair.
You can purchase it at the Internationale Handwerksmesse in Hall B1 and in the Galerie Handwerk or order it online.
 

About the author

Sam Tho Duong, born in Vietnam and based in Pforzheim, Sam Tho Duong is one of the most influential voices in contemporary jewellery. With his experimental eye, he transforms natural finds and everyday materials into poetic, precisely designed works.

The beginning of many works lies in observing nature and the everyday.

Growth, decay and chance are creative motors for him: Failed attempts often open up new horizons.

With international exhibitions, major prizes such as the Friedrich Becker Prize and the Herbert-Hofmann-Prize as well as works in museums such as the V&A London or MAD New York, Duong brings expertise and sensitivity to his role as curator of SCHMUCK 2026.