The first edition of PREZIOSA presented the works of 11 internationally acclaimed European artists representing three generations so as to be able to demonstrate the possible metamorphoses in material that makes up an ornament designed and created to be the messenger for a new form of aesthetics, for feelings and reflections on our society.

The idea of an exhibition dedicated to contemporary jewellery became inseparable from the desire to create a bridge between the past and the present, to underline how a city with an exceptional historical mand artistic heritage can provide space for contemporary creativity.
The symbol of the city of Lucca, the city walls, have been chosen as the reference element for the exhibition, and in the atmospheric surroundings of Villa Bottini an exhibition itinerary which reflects that of the city walls has been created, in which the ramparts have been replaced with 11 display cases showing the work of a similar number of European artists.
The objective of the exhibition is to present jewellery understood as the result of studies in expression that transform, mould and recompose the material, imbuing it with new aesthetic qualities and content. Precious material, inasmuch as it plays the lead in experimentation that brings out the suggestive, evocative potential of precious metals and gems, but also of unusual materials such as paper, plastic, stee and recycled waste object.
A visit to the exhibition therefore becomes a stimulating journey within the studies developed since the 1960s by revered masters, established artists and promising young creators. The city of Lucca’s historical linkswith the goldsmith’s art is recalled in a significant section in which jewellery and sacred objectsform XIX and XX century are on display. This window on history has been designed and put together with the cooperation of Prof. Dora Liscia Bemporad and Dr. Antonella Capitanio, with grateful thanks for the decisive contribution of the Director of the Silverware Museum, Ornella Casazza.
The exhibition in Lucca presents the works of eleven internationally-acclaimed European artists representing three generations so as to be able to demonstrate diachronically the possible metamorphoses in material that makes up an ornament designed and created to be the messenger for a new form of aesthetics, for feelings and reflections on our society. Here we offer some notes on the work of the eleven artists aimed at estabilishing the relationship between the crative ideas and materials chosen to interpret them; for a more complete introduction to their work we would refer you to each individual’s specific bibliography.

by Maria Cristina Bergesio

PARTNERS

With the support of

General management
Studio Ipotesi, Florence