Curator
Eva Eisler, professor at the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague, was asked to make the selection for SCHMUCK 2015. She selected 63 exhibitors from the applications.
It was important to Eva Eisler to put together a group of the best and most independent works from the most diverse directions.
“While sifting through the several hundred submissions, I realised how many outstanding works there are from all over the world. Each piece is unique; each piece was created in an arduous process of learning, trying, thinking, making mistakes and also succeeding,” admired Eva Eisler.
Winners of the Herbert-Hofmann-Prize 2015
Kimiaki Kageyama, Japan
In the special show SCHMUCK 2015, Kimiaki Kageyama shows us three rings whose strong expressive power is hard to resist. They are made of gold and fragments of old 17th century urushilack. Here, a keen eye and a skilled hand turn something old into a completely new piece of jewellery. You get the impression that these rings were created out of an inner attitude and not according to a plan. The sensitive handling of the materials is an example of how tradition and modernity can be combined. As always, Kageyama’s works are characterised by the highest level of craftsmanship.
Mikiko Minewaki, Japan
Mikiko Minewaki is not an unknown jewellery designer in the special show. However, the work she is now presenting is a new development. The hunt in the children’s room, from which she draws her inspiration, has this time led to trophies made of fabric. A child’s toy is transformed into jewellery and offers scope for a wealth of associations. Childhood memories undergo a cheerful but not nostalgic transformation. However, the idea of designing jewellery has retained its identity at Minewaki.
Paul Derrez, Netherlands
Optimism, cheerfulness and joy are qualities that we urgently need in this day and age. The Herbert-Hofmann-Prize jury sees them united in Paul Derrez’s two brooches. The coloured plastic elements are combined in a way that lends them freshness and honesty in today’s context. The careful processing and thoughtful allocation of colours reveals traditional values of jewellery making, giving the material added significance and charisma. However, the two brooches also have a playful relationship with each other. To share this joy, the jury recommends that you buy both and give one as a gift.
