Talisman
5 December 2009 – 14 February 2010
Monica Richards Gallery
Talismans are found in many cultures throughout the world. In this exhibition twelve contemporary New Zealand jewellery artists have made new work responding to the enduring power of the talisman.
Ritual, superstition and transformation, aspects often forgotten or lost in secular society, are explored.
The inclusion of twelve rare and important historic talismans from Canterbury Museum's Oceanic collection highlights an exchange across times and cultures, and reinforces not only the connections between jewellery and the body, science, magic and nature, but also the idea that jewellery accrues meaning through use.
Events
January
Wed 20 Floortalk: Talisman
Exhibition curator Jennifer Hay discusses the twelve contemporary New Zealand jewellery artists who have created new works for Talisman. Canterbury Museum’s Roger Fyfe highlights the inclusion of rare and important historic talismans from the Museum's Oceanic Collection.
6pm / Monica Richards Gallery / free
Sponsored by The Press
Wed 27 The Hole, the Cap and the Claw: Contemporary Jewellery in Aotearoa
An illustrated talk by art historian and curator Dr Damian Skinner, who explores the history and practices of adornment in Aotearoa during the past forty years.
6pm / free Sponsored by The Press
Exhibition images
Click on an image below to view the larger version.
