There is a widespread opinion that the task of art is to break the rules, to transgress conventions, aesthetics and ultimately to change habits (one's own - the author's and the audience's). But is this always a necessary condition? What price must be paid for this? In the field of art, does breaking through always mean going against the tide? Is it an expression of rebellion or rather a step out of one's comfort zone? At what point does an artist in search of a new language in art set limits and slow down (or compromise)?
35 entries from 27 authors were submitted to the competition, of which the jury selected 26 entries from 22 authors for the exhibition. The jury consisted of:
- Michalina Owczarek-Siwak – Jewellery designer, lecturer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, Director of the Jewellery Institute (chairwoman of the jury),
- Renata Adamowicz – Director of the Amber Museum in Gdańsk, art historian,
- Monika Szpatowicz – President of the Foundation for Design Promotion and curator of the AMBERIF fair, author and implementer of numerous cultural education projects, curator of over 100 contemporary art exhibitions and nearly 150 artistic jewellery exhibitions in Poland and abroad,
- Maciej Rozenberg – jewellery designer, photographer, art historian,
- Dariusz Zarański – jewellery designer and maker for 45 years.
The jury selected the works for the exhibition and awarded the following statutory prizes:
Grand Prize: JAKUB ŚLIWOWSKI for the earrings „Two from one were made...” – for the subtlety yet aptness of the theme and the contrasting combination of materials that compositionally form a cohesive whole.
The laureate received the Gdańsk Mayor's Award (1 kg of amber) and, sponsored by the Gdańsk International Fair, a stand at the AMBERIF SPRING 2026 Fair.
2nd place: WOJTEK RYGAŁO for the „The Wedge Will Break Everything” pendant – for its uncompromising message.
The laureate received a prize funded by ROBIS – a shopping voucher for the store to the value of PLN 2000.
3rd place: MICHAŁ FATYGA For the „Przełom” brooch and ring set – for the original concept of everyday jewellery made from unusual materials, as well as a humorous take on the subject.
The prize is a tool kit donated by the MOTYL company.
Special awards were also given out in the competition, which were received by:
JAN LEKSZYCKI for the brooch „Two Options” – from AMBER EXPERTS (0.5 kg amber)
ANDRZEJ BOSS for the „Brosza” brooch” – from the YES Gallery (0.5 kg of silver).
The vast majority of authors approached the subject directly. This has both its advantages and disadvantages. For those who are not familiar with conceptual jewellery, this will be the first step towards understanding it, but for a more experienced audience, it may leave something to be desired. Personally, I missed a bit of subtlety, more in-depth thoughts on what the titular BROKEN could be more than just a contrast of colours or materials. But I also understand that the participants„ approach may indicate a need to speak directly – without forcing a deep meaning. Therefore, let us notice these works as they are, appreciating their aesthetic or craftsmanship quality. Jewellery does not always have to be about something; it can also be ”just" an interesting object – summarised Michalina Owczarek, chairperson of the jury.
The announcement of the competition results and awards ceremony took place on 13th March 2025 during the AMBERIF Spring International Amber and Jewellery Fair in Gdańsk, while the post-competition exhibition's vernissage was held at the Amber Museum in Gdańsk.
XXI International Jewellery Competition PRESENTATIONS 2025
Organisers: Association of Goldsmiths' Forms, International Gdańsk Fair S.A.
Curators: Zuzanna Liskowacka, Tomasz Stangrecki
Exhibition: Amber Museum in Gdańsk, 13.03 – 1.06.2025
Recommended:
PRESENTATIONS 2025 - BROKEN/BROKEN
2024 PRESENTATIONS: „Moderation” in jewellery
PRESENTATIONS 2019: Prosthetics
PRESENTATIONS 2018: Amber inspires
PRESENTATIONS 2017: Silver & paper
PRESENTATIONS 2013: Consumption of art