The post-competition exhibition showcases artistic interpretations of „empathy” by creators of various generations from almost every corner of the globe – including the USA, Iran, Italy, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Norway, and New Zealand. The theme sparked immense interest among participants worldwide, with this year's Competition receiving over 500 works from 295 artists representing a record-breaking 45 countries. The jury, comprised of Prof. Sławomir Fijałkowski, Mari Ishikawa, Charon Kransen, Dr. Michalina Owczarek-Siwak, and Doreen Timmers, evaluated the submissions.
”Selecting the award-winning works was not easy. Like the entire exhibition, they are a piece of the puzzle. Each of them refers to a different aspect of empathy, and each impressed us for a different reason. The Grand Prix stands out for its modernity and the effect of a complete project, considered at every stage. The second prize moved us spiritually, and the third was characterised by its interesting form and symbolism. The special prize, in turn, takes the recipient into the author's private, very personal moment, presented in a brave and uncompromising way" – says dr Michalina Owczarek-Siwak, a juror of the Competition.
The results of the 32nd International Jewellery Art Competition EMPATHY were announced during the Opening Weekend of the Legnica Silver Festival. The statutory awards went to:
– Grand Prix of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage – 20,000 PLN + 1 kg of silver funded by KGHM Polska Miedź SA: Eva Fernandez Martos from Spain
– 2nd Prize of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage – PLN 15,000 + 1 kg of silver funded by KGHM Polska Miedź SA: Eszter Sára Kocsor from Hungary
– 3rd Prize of the Mayor of Legnica: 5000 PLN + 1 kg of silver, funded by KGHM Polska Miedź SA: Yotam Bahat from the Netherlands.
The following prizes and honours were also awarded:
– Award of the Legnica Art Gallery – a solo exhibition with a catalogue + 0.5 kg of silver donated by KGHM Polska Miedź SA: Nikita Kavryzhkin from Russia / Germany for the brooch „Ontology of a Scream”
– The Silver Spur – Organisers„ Special Award for creative courage, uncompromising approach, innovation or wit in creative expression – a statuette + 1 kg of silver sponsored by KGHM Polska Miedź SA: Stephie Morawetz from Austria for the piece ”242 pearls for 242 days"
Honorary Distinction of the Director of the Art Gallery in Legnica + 0.5 kg of silver, funded by KGHM Polska Miedź SA: Aya Iwata from Japan for the brooch „Kumonoie (house in the clouds)”
– Inhorgenta Munich Trade Fair Award – Eszter Sára Kocsor from Hungary for the brooch „I Embrace My Sadness”
– International Amber Association Award: Julia Groos from Germany for her „Transformation” rings.”
– Award from the International Amber Association: Suzanne Elstner from Germany for the „best friends” pendants”
– Award of the International Amber Association: Aya Iwata from Japan for the brooch „Kumonoie (House in the Clouds)”
- Distinction of the International Amber Association: Eszter Sára Kocsor from Hungary for the brooch „I Embrace My Sadness”
– Hopea Company Award: Julia Groos from Germany for the „Transformation” rings”
– YES Gallery Award: Marta Norenberg for the brooches „From emptiness to empathy”
– PB Group Award: Julia Groos from Germany for her „Metamorphosis” rings”
– Award of Distinction of the Association of Goldsmiths„ Art: Ivana Tilesova from Slovakia for the ”Secret" brooch”
– LOST IN JEWELLERY magazine award: Aya Iwata from Japan for her „Kumonoie (house in the clouds)” brooch”
– MYDAYBYDAY Gallery Award: Paula Huizenga from the Netherlands for a silver ring.
Discussions on values, contradictions, and the limits of empathy accompanied our deliberations. The same discussions appear in the award-winning works. Sometimes they are exceptional, sometimes obvious, sometimes weaker, and sometimes strong. Empathy proves difficult to grasp – concluded Doreen Timmers, a member of the jury.
The works selected for the exhibition can be viewed in the halls of the Art Gallery in Legnica. Traditionally, the organiser also presents works not selected for the exhibition by the jury – these are displayed in the Holownia (hall of the Old Town Hall / Modrzejewska Theatre).
As part of the Legnica Silver Festival – until 21 July – you can also see other exhibitions of contemporary goldsmithing art:
– Peter Machata „Talking to Her”
– Mariko Kusumoto „Ethereal Journey”
– Jewellery Institute at the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź „65”
– Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou „Computer and Jewellery”
– Jonatan Poeche „Nuances”
– International Amber Association „AMBER 2024 > Other Criteria”
– SMCK ON REEL „Political Jewellery”
– Mari Ishikawa „Borrowed Scenery”
Exhibition of Students from the Studio of Word and Image, Faculty of Art Mediation, E. Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław
32nd International Jewellery Art Competition EMPATHY
Location: Art Gallery, Cathedral Square 1
Period: 27.04.-21.07.2024
Organiser: Legnica Art Gallery
Exhibition catalogue for download HERE
