„For us artists and designers, amber has always been important, and the fact that the recipient also values it highly has once again proven Exhibition ‘Amber. Tradition and Innovation’, which has so far been shown in Gdańsk, Munich, and Brussels. As further editions are planned, the ‘Silver and Amber’ post-competition exhibition will be an interesting addition to it” – explained Andrzej Kupniewski, chairman of the STFZ Programme Council. Amber – a stone strongly associated with Poland and igniting the imagination – is also to help the organisers promote the competition on the international goldsmithing scene. „We want to organise a unique exhibition of modern jewellery, inviting friends from abroad, and at the same time promote Polish modern goldsmithing art outside the country” – declared Michał Fatyga, the competition curator.
In connection with the opening of the competition for foreign participants, Alain Roggeman – a jewellery maker, teacher at the SYNTRA training centre in Brussels (jewellery section) and amber enthusiast – has been invited to the jury. The Polish composition of the jury will include, among others, Prof. Andrzej Szadkowski – a jewellery maker, Sergiusz Kuchczyński – a lecturer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź and Lidia Popiel – photographer.
Lidia Popiel's presence on the jury is no accident. She is the Amber Ambassador and co-organiser of the „Amber Inspires” photographic exhibition, which for the first time this year will accompany the „Silver and Amber” competition. Where did this idea come from? „Multimedia has become an inseparable element of every presentation and complements them perfectly, allowing you to reach the recipient in various ways. I believe that in this way we will attract an even wider audience to amber – both among participants and recipients,” explained Andrzej Kupniewski.
The „Silver and Amber” competition is open to all who work in goldsmithing and, through the creation of jewellery, externalise the need to convey their inner emotions, ideas, and thoughts to others, as well as to present a high level of goldsmithing mastery. The only regulatory restriction is the use of amber. The organiser encourages the creation of works in the spirit of contemporary art, as the post-competition exhibition will be presented in venues that align with this trend.
XVIII Artistic Jewellery Competition PRESENTATIONS „Silver and amber”
Organiser: Association of Goldsmiths' Form Creators, Nadwiśleńskie Museum in Kazimierz Dolny
Closing date for applications: 1 September 2018.
Exhibition opening and awards ceremony: 13 October 2018.
More information: www.stfz.pl