Unexpected Pleasures at NGV. Part 2

The next section of the Unexpected Pleasures exhibition at the NGV looked more at jewellery in a creative sense. A number of the artists in this section had developed a signature using the aesthetics of modernism. Simple, clean lines and an absence of decorative detailing is what makes this work powerful. One artist featured in this section was Johannes Kuhnen, whose work I recognised from his talk at AgIdeas. His Interchangeable Pendant System followed the modernist’s interest in modular components. Made out of anodised aluminium and stainless steel his pendants have a wonderful simplicity about them, but they are also very diverse in with so many options for different colours and colour combinations.

Mark Edgoose's Ring and Box no.1 looks at jewellery when it is not being worn. When not being worn the ring becomes part of the box which then forms what looks like a miniature scale sculpture. I found the concept of having the ring constantly seen as a piece of work whether or not it was being worn very intriguing, and in this instance quite successful.

Mark Edgoose Ring and Box no.2 (2010)

Mark Edgoose Ring and Box no.2 (2010)