Hannah Offerman. Pforzheim University School of Design. New Talents Award Nominee 2025

Name of graduation student: Hannah Offerman
Name of guiding teacher: Prof. Andi Gut, Prof. Christine Lüdeke, Prof. Valentina Michaelis

Nominated by Pforzheim University School of Design


Hannah’s jewellery fosters self-awareness and confidence, harnessing the unique power jewellery has to transform how we feel.
She reinterprets the historical relationship between jewellery and armour in a contemporary way, opening up a space to consciously reflect on the fact that we must accept and reveal our vulnerability in order to come closer to one another.
Her work gives space to ambivalent feelings and expresses them through its symbolic power. Even as objects, deliberately removed from the body, the pieces offer us the confidence to reveal ourselves while also being able to set boundaries where necessary.
/ Prof. Andi Gut


The statement of the artist:
Armor and how it forges relationships

In addition to various forms of physical armor, such as chainmail or turtle shells, there is also psychological armor. This armor helps us to survive difficult situations and, on the other hand, ensures that we do not unnecessarily put ourselves in dangerous situations. This armor is formed as a protective reaction triggered by experiences.
The wearing of armor can create behavioural patterns that shield an individual from others, prevent them from opening up and showing their vulnerable side, or stop them from taking new steps. Armor can create a barrier and distance, where closeness would be important. A sense of social sense and a stable, supportive environment with deep, healthy relationships are important for individuals and a healthy psyche. It is therefore important to find a balance between protective armor and the ability to form bonds.

In this work, it is the aim to create an awareness that we all wear armors and that we can take it off in certain situations. Psychological armor is flexible and is able to evolve and change continuously. Once you become aware of your armor, you can work on how far it can extend and when it can be taken off. Trust is established and a deep relationship developed when the vulnerable self is revealed.

The first step is to wear the pieces of this work. Specifically, it involves becoming aware of your own personal protective mechanisms and understanding when they are in place and what effect they are having.
The second step is to recognise situations or phases of life in which the armor is not necessary and can be taken off. You can show yourself to be open and vulnerable. However, the armor does not simply disappear; rather, it becomes an empty shell.

When worn by a person, its function is very clear, but when it is taken off, the question arises as to what it is for and what should be inside the shell. Perhaps this shell remains empty when removed, as it is ultimately intended for the body and psyche. It can serve as a reminder that one is capable of taking control of one's own armor. Perhaps it serves as a repository for insecurity or fear that would otherwise be carried around. In any case, it can be used as armor again when the feeling arises that this is necessary.

Two materials were used in this work. One is copper, and the other is a para-aramid thread—Kevlar. It is very strong in relation to its weight. It has particularly high strength and heat resistance. The thread is much stronger than metal, yet appears much more fragile.
By being aware of one's own armor, it is possible to create a balance, which, however, must be explored again and again. This should be used to create healthy protection that still allows for courage, optimism, trust, and openness.


Contact:
Mail: hannah.offermann@gmx.de
Instagram: @ofenadesign

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