The (exhibition) year in review...
Looking back at the breadth and depth of work produced for our exhibition program this year is staggering. Over the course of nine months we have presented nine exhibitions by outstanding contemporary jewellers…
Joungmee was born in Korea and has resided in Melbourne since 1997. Over the last twenty years she has studied contemporary and traditional jewellery-making techniques in both these countries and now teaches master classes in iybsa (a traditional Korean metal inlaying technique). The combination of Korean and Western concepts and processes is an intrinsic part of Joungmee’s work. Joungmee has exhibited her work, and features in public and private collections, in Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Joungmee makes contemporary jewellery that is inspired by, and references, Korean folklore, traditional wrapping cloth (pojagi) and metal inlay techniques (iybsa). Her work has technical references to stitching, patchwork and layering as well as symbolic references to happiness, blessings and yin and yang philosophy. She often uses the simple forms of circles and squares (circles representing heaven, sun and females, and squares representing the earth, moon and males). Joungmee’s pieces can be identified by the characteristic layering of textured chiseling, giving the metal a velvety surface. The chisel marks both conceal and reveal layers of imagery.
Looking back at the breadth and depth of work produced for our exhibition program this year is staggering. Over the course of nine months we have presented nine exhibitions by outstanding contemporary jewellers…
“…if I was in Korea I don’t think I could produce this kind of work, probably because the influences in each place are so different. If you’ve always lived in one place you’re not as likely to really see your surroundings…to take a close look.”
Exhibition dates: 13th June - 2nd July, 2011
Opening night: Tuesday 14 June, 6pm - 8pm at e.g.etal
“When you leave your country of origin, you gain a broader perspective that gives you the opportunity to take a closer look at your own culture. You find it more interesting and realise that its values can’t be separated from your identity…you have a chance to understand the depth of this culture.”