Jewelry is intended to reflect the artist’s personality, to captivate by powerful and unique radiance and to underline the charisma of his wearer. This credo of the Munich gallerist applies without restriction to Gigi Mariani. Isabella Hund, an experienced jewelry designer herself, has a distinctive sense of craftsmanship and artistic quality. For a long time, she has represented the work of the artist from Modena with conviction, not least because he strikes a bridge between archaic goldsmithing and the formal language of modernism.
Gigi Mariani, goldsmith and artist, in his studio in Modena
Precise geometric shapes are broken by organic surfaces
Gigi Mariani experiments with traditional techniques such as niello and granulation
In his sculptural jewelry, Gigi Mariani employs techniques such as niello and granulation, which have been known since ancient times and have been used by major Italian masters such as the Renaissance goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini in important historical works. “My work is based on spontaneity and instinct,” says Mariani. Tirelessly, he tries to transfer everyday feelings impulsively into his pieces. The rich color of high-grade yellow gold contrasts with deep black to anthracite niello, precious metals are combined with iron, copper or brass, precise geometric shapes are broken by organic surfaces.
Brooch from the Painting Series, silver, yellow gold 750, niello and patina
Bracelet Craks in Gold. Silver, pure gold, niello and patina. Find more works by Gigi Mariani in the PROFILE on artaurea.com
Often, the sultry silver slag of the niello completely covers the metal and lets its preciousness disappear under a dark, rough layer. Through the use of heat, cracks and clots are formed, which are further forged until they recall old relics. Fascinated by the potential of metals and techniques, the Italian goldsmith and artist treats the metal as a canvas in his painting. Thus, he transforms the original characteristics “until the extent of what can be achieved,” explains Mariani.
Since her studies from 1976 to 1982 at the Fachhochschule für Gestaltung Pforzheim, Isabella Hund has been one of the most important protagonists of contemporary jewelry culture. The exhibition with the “concept artist” Peter Skubic during the past international crafts fair in Munich is now followed by an artist, whose jewelry mainly arouses emotions – stylish, of course.
Opening:
Thursday 09.03.2017 from 6pm
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Galerie Isabella Hund
Frauenplatz 13
80331 Munich
Germany - Link