Otto Künzli

Otto Künzli is one of the most renowned and respected jewellers working today. The Swiss-trained, Munich-based artist has created truly iconic examples of contemporary jewellery including 1995’s 1cm of Love and 1980’s Gold Macht Blind (Gold Makes You Blind). Künzli’s minimalist, yet meticulously crafted work references cultural phenomena, utilising the power of metaphor and iconography with wit and sophistication.  In addition to his highly respected artistic practice, Künzli has an accomplished academic career spanning over twenty years.  As director of the Jewellery department at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste Munich from 1991 to 2014, he taught a number of prominent contemporary jewellers including Lisa Walker, Karl Fritsch and Helen Britton.  In March 2013 his major retrospective titled The Exhibition showcased his extensive ouerve and was accompanied by The Book, a comprehensive catalogue documenting a career spanning over 40 years.