The XX Exhibition: Celebrating 20 Years

Above: XXg ring by Welfe Bowyer

In November 2018, e.g.etal is hosting its most ambitious exhibition yet. To celebrate the gallery’s 20th anniversary milestone, over 60 artists have each designed a very special piece – an item of jewellery inspired by the roman numeral for 20: XX.

The XX exhibition also includes a first look at new pieces by e.g.etal director Emma Goodsir, in advance of her full collection launch in 2019.

Above: Quilter Ring by Emma Goodsir

Established in 1998, e.g.etal now represents over 60 Australian designers and craftspeople, with occasional international guests. Over two decades, e.g.etal has become a Melbourne icon: supporting independent jewellery artists and showcasing unique, independent and contemporary jewellery design. Throughout its history, e.g.etal has often been referred to as Melbourne’s ‘hidden gem’, referring to the subterranean location on Flinders Lane. To celebrate this claim, many of the jewellery pieces also conceal a hidden ‘gem’- whether literal or abstract. Some artists have placed glittering stones inside the curve of a ring or at the end of a chain. Others have taken a more lateral approach, creating gem patterns within the structure of their piece.

Julia Storey has created a curvy X pendant in her signature ‘Shared Terrain’ mixed metal texture, nestling a creamy pearl hidden inside the pendant, which can only be glimpsed when the necklace turns gently to the side.

Rhys Turner has crafted two waveform rings that can be worn individually or sleeved together, creating a double ‘X’ shape when viewed at a predetermined angle. As an added surprise, the inner gold sleeve also conceals a hidden diamond.

In each case, searching out and discovering the hidden gem adds an extra spark of joy for the wearer.

XX is exhibiting from 12 November – 1 December at e.g.etal, 167 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Discount Weekend Parking 
Le Garage parking is offering a special $8 weekend rate for XX exhibition visitors when you book online using our special code. Visit legarage.melbourne and enter the time/date you require. Enter the code XXExpo at check out. You will then receive an email with a unique PIN to be used to enter and exit the car park. Valid until 1st December, 2018.

Above: Pieces by Krista McRae, Anita Crowther, Vikki Kassioras, Daehoon Kang, Nicky Hepburn and Maria Natoli.