Last night the award winners were announced at the launch of the Profile: Contemporary Jewellery and Object Award exhibition.
The awards were judged by Darani Lewers AM, Dr Oliver Smith, Lisa Cahill (Australian Design Centre), Carrie Kibbler and Naomi Stewart (Hazelhurst Art Centre) with Merilyn Bailey for JMGA-NSW in attendance.
Winners in each category are:
JMGA-NSW Established Contemporary Jewellery Award - $3000
Jin Ah Jo, Pipe Way series, 2021
Notes from judging panel: Jin Ah Jo’s Pipe Way series is an accomplished collection of compositionally complex forms that present a subtle and refined artistic statement that satisfies the sensibilities of goldsmith and sculptor.
The Helge Larsen Award - $2,000
Gretal Ferguson, Nailed Down, 2021
Notes from judging panel: Gretal Ferguson’s Nailed Down is a visually compelling silver bowl that appears to be held on the wall by a steel spike, challenging expectations while successfully expressing the characteristics of metal and smithing.
The Helge Larsen Award is a new award presented the JMGA- NSW to honour the memory of the late Helge Esben Larsen, a pioneer in contemporary jewellery, silversmithing and design and a leading educator in his field. Read more about Helge here.
JMGA-NSW Early Career Contemporary Jewellery Award - $1500
Inga Svendsen, Prickly Heart Breastplate, 2021
Notes from judging panel: Inga Svendsen’s Prickly Heart Breastplate is a bold work that presents a heart shaped form made up of a catinated structure that explores the material language of glass and copper.
Hazelhurst Arts Centre Award - $1500
Yukiko Nonaka, Hikari Key Case, 2020
Notes from judging panel: Yukiko Nonaka’s Hikari Key Case is an exquisitely constructed wearable and functional object with an enigmatic dark surface that hints at the importance of keeping safe the contents of the locket.
We chose this piece for its technical excellence, minimalist beauty and flexibility for the wearer. The artist has created a highly resolved work, that is both functional and conceptually engaging.
Australian Design Centre Award - Object Space exhibition in 2023
Kirsten Haydon, Ice Shadows, 2021
Notes from judging panel: Kirsten Haydon’s Ice Shadows is a collection of wall mounted objects that takes the jewel towards the context of installation (and interestingly the backs of the forms contain further visual and textual detail concerning the subject matter).
Highly Commended
Melinda Young, Stories untold – Neckpiece Diptych, 2021
Exhibition dates: 9 August - 28 September 2022
Explore the website australiandesigncentre.com/profile-2022
Images: Jin Ah Jo, Pipe way line miniature I, II & III, 2021. Photo: courtesy of the artist.
