Weaving Networks, Connecting Trades: A Hopeful Balance for Contemporary Jewellery

The Conference is part of the cycle of virtual activities within the IV Latin American Biennial of Contemporary Jewelry framework.

The valuable contributions of the participants have given us a hopeful outlook, confirming that collaborative work and shared passion are bearing fruit. The re-conceptualization of jewellery, the commitment to the present and the future with a look towards ancestral ways of life, as well as the relationship and respect for Nature must be part of our look, the CO-DEVENIR.

Rita Soto, Director of the IV Latin American Biennial of Contemporary Jewellery Co-Devenir, from Chile, inspired us with the resounding success of the Biennial, which far exceeded the expectations of attendance, achieving a greater democratization of access to author jewellery. For a few days, the city of Santiago de Chile became a celebration of jewellery, where it took center stage in museums, and exhibition halls, among others, reaching out to all kinds of public who enjoyed workshops, lectures, exhibitions, etc.




Her testimony, together with Yael Olave, Director of Communications of the Biennial, demonstrates the strength of the collaboration and commitment of Joya Brava in the consolidation of spaces for contemporary jewellery, opening paths for new generations of artists.

From Barcelona, the experience of Paulo Ribeiro, director of Contemporánea Barcelona, a fair dedicated to the promotion of crafts and applied arts, reflects the growing interest of the sector and the need to blur the boundaries between crafts, art and design. This search for new definitions and the incorporation of other creative disciplines enriches the panorama and broadens the possibilities of contemporary jewellery.

The voice of Vianney Méndez as representative of A-FAD (Association of Artists and Artisans of FAD), from Mexico, reminded us of the power of collaborative work between designers and artisans, demonstrating how the fusion of traditional techniques and innovative concepts can generate sustainable projects with a unique identity. Her textile jewellery brand, Antiga Oaxaca, created in 2010, is a clear example of this, where craftsmanship is the main focus.




As part of the organizing team of Enjoia't, International Contemporary Jewellery Awards organized by the A-FAD, held in Barcelona every two years, which this year had its 28th edition, she participated in the creation of the theme CON-X-IO, an invitation to create pieces around sustainability to promote a more conscious and supportive future.

From Argentina, our special guests, Laura Agustí and Paula Isolda, founders and managers of the Biennial, presented its evolution, which this year for the first time shared spaces in other countries, opening the door to a geographical change of the Biennial, linking Latin America with Europe.

Finally, Ricardo Domingo, jewellery designer, consultant and creative director of brands, reflected on the evolution of contemporary jewellery in Latin America. His expert view confirmed what many of us have presented: Latin America has ceased to be the periphery to become an essential factor on the international scene. With his perspective, he emphasized the relevance of quality and authenticity in our creations, which in turn underscores the need to build a solid identity that adequately represents our artists in the world.

From the organization of “Weaving Networks, Connecting Trades”, this positive balance encourages us to continue working on building bridges between Spain and Latin America. We firmly believe that collaboration is the key to a prosperous and sustainable future in contemporary jewellery. Therefore, we open the doors to new proposals and initiatives that strengthen the ties between our continents, especially inviting Spanish institutions and artists to join this creative network that we continue to weave with enthusiasm and commitment.
 
The talk can be seen on the YouTube channel of Joyeros Argentinos @JArgentinos.

Photos by Rubén González, @ru.ru.ben.