Jewellery is an object designed in relation to and made for the body. Sometimes, however, it exposes itself, treating the body only as a pretext and background. This time we want to ask precisely about the corporeal aspect of its presence and this context of its functioning. Let the body therefore become a pretext for material or intellectual interpretation, artistic development, transformation and the opening of boundaries. A centre for reflection on the surrounding world and the crises affecting it. An object of political attention, a product of commercialisation, commodification. A medium that opens up an organic, social, humanist, post-anthropocentric perspective. Let the body tell the story of jewellery, and jewellery tell the story of the body.
Dr Justyna Teodorczyk
Jewellery as a dialogue with the body
This year's theme directs attention to what is the primary material and point of reference for jewellery - the body. It is a material, a context, a setting, but also a space of identity, taboos, emotions and experiences. The organisers encourage the body to become a pretext for artistic reflection: from the biological concrete, to cultural meanings, to contemporary tensions between the private and the social.
At a time when jewellery increasingly acts as a message - a manifesto, a political commentary, a tool for self-creation - the slogan „EVERY BODY” opens up room for creative reinterpretation. It can become a story about diversity, acceptance, the digital self, but also about what transcends the human perspective.
As the organisers emphasise, the ambiguity of this year's theme is intended to stimulate artists to experiment and to exploit the full narrative potential of contemporary jewellery.
Jewellery is a personal object. Worn on the body, it focuses attention on itself, emphasising or camouflaging the anatomical features of the „wearer”. In the field of micro-ergonomics, it can be a design challenge; in the field of art, it becomes a message - regardless of the point of reference, it is always a social fact subject to observation, interpretation, evaluation, affirmation, controversy or rejection.
We would like to invite you to talk about corporeality - with all its cultural taboos, limitations, phobias or complexes, in every physical, intimate and cultural context - in the language of contemporary jewellery.
Prof. Sławomir Fijałkowski
Competition that builds international dialogue
The history of the International Goldsmithing Art Competition dates back to 1979. Today, it is one of the most important competitions of its kind in Europe - more than 300 artists from dozens of countries around the world take part every year, presenting a diversity of styles, techniques and personal interpretations. It is not only a review of unique jewellery - it is also a barometer of the changes taking place in this dynamic field of contemporary art.
The competition is open to both experienced artists and budding artists. There are no material or technological restrictions - silver, although part of the festival tradition, is not a requirement. What is judged above all is the reference to the theme of „EVERY BODY”, the quality of execution and the originality of the concept.
Participation in the competition
Participation in the competition remains free of charge - artists are only responsible for the shipping costs of their works. To enter, simply fill in the application form available at silver.legnica.eu, send it by e-mail and then deliver your work to the Art Gallery in Legnica by 18 January 2026.
An international jury will deliberate in February, consisting of: Paul Derrez (Netherlands), Sławomir Fijałkowski (Poland), Sergiusz Kuchczyński (Poland), Andreia Gabriela Popescu (Romania) and Helena Renner (Germany).
The best objects will go on to a prestigious post-competition exhibition, which will be on display at Legnica's Art Gallery from April to July 2026. Traditionally, the Holownia (Holownia) - a presentation of non-qualified works, which is an alternative, extremely lively form of dialogue with the audience - will also find its place during the festival. The winners will be announced during the Festival's Opening Weekend - 8-9 May 2026.