Total Artworks

Almost as if by chance – or was it serendipity? – the idea of the Gesamtkunstwerk as a theme for an edition of the magazine took shape during the creation of our first print issue in 2021. In the end, we are convinced that it is worthwhile to look at contemporary applied art from this aspect as well.

The magazine will be released on March 9 – not at newsstands until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, but in leading galleries for jewelry and applied arts. We’ll announce the list of galleries in advance in this blog. Here’s an overview of the topics:

Walking in the Void

Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin have enjoyed great success with their medium of glass. They have staged solo exhibitions in museums and installations in cathedrals. They are represented in numerous collections. They have collaborated with Rosenthal and are still collaborating with Venini. In a solo exhibition at the Danish Glass Museum in Ebeltoft, the artist duo takes a close look at the biggest picture of all.

World made of glass: Philip Baldwin (right), with two employees in the ‘Hotshop’.

Grandpa Wooley

He’ll probably never become as famous as Kurt Schwitters, but he too has surely created a remarkable Gesamtkunstwerk: Wolfgang Lieglein, who called himself Wolli the Kid at the beginning of his creative work, later Master Wooley, and in the end Grandpa Wooley. Art Aurea recollects a jewelry artist who transformed his Berlin apartment into a total work of art of Pop Art.

Last glimpses: Detail of Grandpa Wooley’s living room. Photo Petra Jaschke.

Dedicated to the History of Ceramics

Heinz-Joachim Theis shows what one individual can create when he’s really enthusiastic about a subject. Despite the coronavirus, Rüdiger Joppien visited the gallery owner and director of the Ceramics Museum Berlin. Photographs by Mathilde Agius document the current exhibitions and convey the extraordinary charm of a historic location.

Great ceramic art: Stoneware helmet head by Fritz Vehring in the Keramikmuseum Berlin. Photo Mathilde Agius.

Schmuck 2021

In normal years, the special show at the Munich International Craft Fair attracts jewelry artists and collectors from all over the world. With the IHM, the “Schmuck 2021” and all other exhibitions in Munich have to be canceled. Our contribution gives an insight into the fascinating diversity of contemporary jewelry art.

Fascinating range: Brooch by Attai Chen, selected for Schmuck 2021, which could not take place.

Applied art for Kassel

The coronavirus pandemic is impacting inner-city retailers with full force. Like a ray of hope in these difficult times, a workshop gallery for applied art has been able to re-establish itself in Kassel, the city of documenta. Our article traces Franziska Appel’s path and how she managed to get started despite the coronavirus.