▲ The installation view of the exhibition ⓒ SeMoCA

 

Seoul, South Korea - May 28, 2024 - The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), under the auspices of the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), is set to host the groundbreaking 'Beyond Adornment' exhibition from May 28 to July 28, 2024. This landmark event marks the first large-scale art jewelry exchange between Korea and Austria since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1892.

'Beyond Adornment' will feature an impressive collection of 675 works by 111 artists and artist teams from both countries. The exhibition is jointly sponsored by the Austrian and Seoul Metropolitan governments and follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation between SMG Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Austrian Ambassador Wolfgang Angerholzer in July 2023.

▲ The Waterdrops 29, Sterling silver, lapis lazuli, 8.3x7.5x2.3cm, 2010 ⓒ Kim Junghoo, SeMoCA

The exhibition aims to redefine contemporary jewelry as a new visual language through material and formal experimentation, moving beyond traditional notions of jewelry as symbols of power and aesthetic objects. Instead, it seeks to highlight jewelry's potential as a medium of artistic expression and communication.

Visitors will be treated to a rich showcase that traces the history of contemporary jewelry in Korea and Austria since the 1970s, showcases works created since the 2000s exploring themes such as 'Body,' 'Nature,' and 'Narrativity,' and examines innovative production methods that blend traditional techniques with new technologies, highlighting the future of contemporary jewelry.

▲ Varied Degree of Protrusion No.2, Hook-andloop fastener, thread, 45x29x8cm, 2019 ⓒ Kim Yongjoo, Photo by MyungWook Huh, SeMoCA

A special interactive 'Matching Jewellery' section will allow visitors to scan their attire and find jewelry pieces that best harmonize with their outfit colors through advanced color analysis, providing an engaging experience.

Special events include an "Artist Talk" on May 30 with participating artists from both countries, offering a platform for discussion and deeper insights into the artists' creative processes and perspectives on contemporary jewelry.

▲ TransXtend_2, 3D print from body scan, resin, rubber, 25x20x5cm, 2012 ⓒ Ursula Guttman, Photo by Elisabeth Grebe, SeMoCA

Additionally, guided tours led by Korean curators will be available on the first Friday of every month as part of 'Seoul Culture Night,' providing attendees with in-depth knowledge and fostering engaging discussions about the exhibition and contemporary jewelry trends.

SeMoCA Director Kim Soojeong expressed high hopes for the exhibition, stating, “I hope this first large-scale craft exchange exhibition between Korea and Austria allows both domestic and international visitors to view contemporary jewelry not merely as adornments, but as artistic pieces.”

▲ Wings, Argentium silver, stainless steel, feathers, 13x7x10cm, 2017 ⓒ Yoon Dukno, SeMoCA

She added, “I also anticipate this exhibition will expand the scope of activities for contemporary jewelry artists in both countries and contribute to the revitalization of cultural and artistic exchanges between Austria and Korea.”

▲ The poster of the exhibition ⓒSeMoCA

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com