Contemporary Jewellery in Context: a Handshake Blueprint

The book Contemporary Jewellery in Context is premised on a mentoring programme in New Zealand that is unique in the world of art.
The project began in February 2011 and was developed by the Wellington-based artist Peter Deckers. Under the title “Handshake” it aims to foster talented graduates on completion of their final exams in jewellery or art, with established artists extending their knowledge to their protégés. The acquired skills are incorporated in exhibitions and joint projects. Aside from technical and artistic concerns, there is a deliberate shift in focus to presentation and networking.
After two years a selection of “Handshakes” has the opportunity to further develop by participating in collaborations as well as national and international exhibitions. In five complementary contributions, renowned authors depict an exciting and multi-faceted picture of contemporary jewellery in the twenty-first century, presenting in texts and pictures a rich palette of topics, works, and concepts from current art practices. Using the example of the “Handshake” project, the conditions and interconnections of education, production, presentation, marketing and networking in design and art are examined.