Curated by Olga Oleksenko and Reviving Ukrainian Roots, the
Strong & Precious Art Foundation Celebrated the Rich Culture of
Trypillia at GemGenève
NEW
YORK, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The
heritage of Trypillia was reinterpreted at GemGenève, marking the
fifth time the Strong and Precious Art Foundation participated in
the prestigious international show. Dedicated to highlighting
Ukrainian artisans, Strong & Precious embarked on a journey to
present "Beyond Time," its new exhibition in the Designer Village
section of the fair. The showcase gathered remarks for its
outstanding craftsmanship and thoughtful intertwining of Trypillian
culture, contextualized in each piece. The displays attracted
attention, artfully juxtaposing ceramics with jewels.
Every year we add new unique pieces by
Ukrainian jewellery designers to the foundation's collection. I
believe this collection will hold great significance, capturing the
creative reflections and hopes of a resilient country during
wartime.
"With every edition the project evolves, and so do our
designers," says Olga Oleksenko, Founder of Strong and Precious.
"Starting from an ad-hoc spontaneous first presentation two years
ago, we have transformed into an art foundation with a mission to
develop Ukrainian talent in the jewellery arts. I am proud of the
pieces presented and the designers behind them. Every year we add
new unique pieces by Ukrainian jewellery designers to the
foundation's collection. I believe this collection will hold great
significance, capturing the creative reflections and hopes of a
resilient country during wartime."
"Beyond Time" highlights featured pieces from emerging Ukrainian
designers and established Ukrainian brands, unified by symbolism
and meaning. Drawing inspiration from the ceramic jar, the "Hidden
Treasure" Ring by Anton Boyko, a new
artist in the 2024 collective, was exceptionally received. Paying
homage to the hallmark of Trypillian culture, it delves into the
nuanced interplay between past and present Ukraine. The ring conceals an invisible
mechanism that embodies this metaphorical link—with a subtle twist,
a diamond plate emerges to fill the jar, only to disappear with
another turn. Reflecting the life-giving essence of rain in
Trypillian culture, another showstopper was the "Pluviam" Brooch by
Iryna Karpova, which embodies
concepts of fertility, healing, and the enduring spirit of an
ancient era. Inesa Kovalova's
"Solar" Earrings, a stunning exhibition feature, draw inspiration
from the cyclical nature of life, reflecting the constant ebb and
flow, the perpetual rhythm of growth and decline, akin to the
recurring patterns of sunrise and sunset. The equally spectacular
"Carre" Ring by Kovalova explores the concept of visual illusion
and perception of the world through light and shadow.
Designers from previous editions, including Inesa Kovalova, Iryna
Karpova, and Drutis Jewellery, continued to receive interest
in their exquisite jewels on display. Strong & Precious also
welcomed three new designers to the collective, whose fresh
perspective captivated the crowd and inspired awe at the "Beyond
Time" exhibition: Bokyo, AGA.TE, and Komendat. Crafted from
ceramics and precious metals, "The Roots" Brooch by AGA.TE
epitomizes the fusion of contemporary innovation with timeless
traditions, intertwining different epochs and cultural influences.
Inspired by the remarkable achievements of the Trypillian people,
the "Struktura" Ring by Komendat reflects a small portion of the
city's layout, inviting wearers to connect with the ancient past
through urban planning.
From a returning brand, symbolizing the timeless connection
between generations, "The Family Tree" Pendant by Oberig,
represents the enduring strength and support of kinship. The
"Mother Goddess" Pendant by Oberig embodies boundless feminine
energy and resilience, worshiping the concept of womanhood with the
Berehynia figure, reflecting Trypillians who viewed themselves as
an integral part of nature. Sculpted to symbolize wealth and
fertility for the Ukrainian future, The "God-Bull" Pendant by GeO x
Iryna Vasylenko, who also returned
for the Strong & Precious exhibit, represents the embodiment of
the supreme deity, God the Father. An enchanting creation with a
solstice ornament, the "Connection of All" Bracelet/Choker by
Drutis Jewellery encapsulates the essence of perpetual movement and
interconnectedness. The "Supergravity" Cuff by Nomis reflects
anthropomorphic figures found in Trypillia, echoing the simple
shapes of heads and faces of clay and gold figurines characteristic
of the era.
"Participating in GemGenève is an opportunity to showcase our
creativity and originality to a global presence" says a statement
from AGA.TE. "The exhibition inspires us to explore new forms,
materials, and techniques, fostering the development of our
creative potential and opening up new possibilities for innovation
in the world of art jewellery."
Known for her distinctive 'live design' philosophy, which
seamlessly integrates a profound connection to the earth and ethnic
roots, ceramic artist Victoria Yukusha collaborated with Strong
& Precious to present FAINA pottery alongside jewels at
GemGenève. Reviving the shape of traditional Ukrainian festive
pottery, her KUMANEC vase set features ancestral shapes that
vibrate with the animistic presence of live design. With five
variations, each made of clay, the live ceramics are crafted to
hold dry flowers. Through FAINA and her limited collections,
Victoria Yukusha carves out a unique niche by blending a
minimalistic aesthetic with rich cultural codes and an
architectural background.
"Exhibiting at GemGenève as part of the Strong & Precious
Art Foundation has significantly facilitated my growth as a
designer," says Inesa Kovalova. "It
has enabled me to reach a wide international audience, gain press
coverage, and meet my first collectors. I believe Olga's initiative
is transforming the jewelry industry in Ukraine, opening doors for emerging designers
and pushing them to achieve their highest potential."
Reflecting on the experience, Yuliia Komendat says, "I am
incredibly grateful for the opportunities provided to me by Strong
& Precious and GemGenève. As I embark on the beginning of my
career in the jewellery industry, having recently graduated, I
cannot express how meaningful it is to be recognised and to feel
the belief in my creative vision." She continues, "The foundation's
encouragement has pushed me beyond my own expectations. This was my
first important step in the field, and I will cherish this memory
forever."
Trypillian culture, spanning circa 5,500 BC – 2750 BC in what is
modern-day Ukraine, represents an
important chapter in southeast European history. At GemGenève, the
Strong & Precious Art Foundation brought its heritage to the
forefront through modern interpretations of decorative art.
Numerous attendees remarked on the distinctive and striking designs
showcased at the "Beyond Time" exhibition, noting the exceptional
craftsmanship and innovative design. The body of work presented by
Strong & Precious designers is continuously expanding, with the
introduction of fresh talent being warmly received by both press
and guests at GemGenève.
About the Strong & Precious Art Foundation:
The Strong & Precious Art Foundation is dedicated to
promoting Ukraine's vibrant
jewellery heritage and showcasing its designers. Established in
April 2022 by art collector and
jewellery connoisseur Olga Oleksenko, the foundation emerged from a
heartfelt desire to contribute to Ukraine's positive growth and development.
Guided by the belief that beauty can inspire and uplift, the Strong
& Precious Art Foundation embarked on a journey to uncover the
captivating story of Ukrainian jewellery and art while highlighting
the exceptional talent that has thrived for centuries.
The mission of the Strong & Precious Art Foundation is to
support the Ukrainian agenda and tell the world about the work of
Ukrainian artists. Collaborating with those that embody creative
expression, the foundation ensures the preservation and advancement
of Ukrainian jewellery design. Through exhibitions and initiatives,
the Strong & Precious Art Foundation strives to promote
Ukrainian jewellery-making expertise, sharing its roots and
influences from ancient times to the present day.
https://www.strongandprecious.com/
Media Contact
Olga Gonzalez, Strong &
Precious Art Foundation, 2129139761, info@pietrapr.com,
https://www.strongandprecious.com/
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SOURCE Strong & Precious Art Foundation