Part of the Handwerksmesee International crafts and trade fair, the Schmuck jewellery exhibition in Munich is the longest standing of its kind and one of the most highly regarded in the world.
An extensive program of events all over the city has developed around the special jewellery show, but Schmuck remains the focus and rationale for the annual gathering, which has been running for almost six decades.
More than 912 applications from 65 counties were received by Schmuck organisers and only 21 artists have been chosen to participate in 2018. Lisa Walker and her partner Karl Fritsch, both Schmuck regulars, were the only New Zealanders to make the cut this year.
Lisa and Karl met in Auckland in 1994. German-born Karl was a student of the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich at the time and was a key reason Lisa decided to move to Munich (see Art Zone #43). Lisa was a student of Professor Otto Künzli at the Munich Arts Academy from 1995 to 2001. The couple lived and worked in Munich until they moved to Wellington with their children in 2009.
Lisa, who uses a large range of materials and techniques, makes what she calls ‘reactionary work’. She pushes the boundaries and questions the notion of beauty. Te Papa will be featuring I want to go to my bedroom but I can’t be bothered, which charts Lisa’s 30-year evolution as a jeweller when it opens its brand new purpose-built art gallery, Toi Art in March next year. Justine Olsen, Curator of Decorative Art and Design at Te Papa, says an extraordinary range of Lisa Walker’s works will be on display – made from materials including copper, pearls, and pounamu, and found objects like LEGO, cell phones, and egg beaters.
Karl’s whimsical, wearable rings are a favourite with fine art and jewellery collectors alike. He began with traditional goldsmith’s practical training before studying at the jewellery department at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts.
He has exhibited around the world and was awarded the Herbert Hoffmann Prize at the 1995 Handwerksmesee.
A new partnership between Creative New Zealand and Objectspace has been set up to use the knowledge and expertise of the gallery to benefit artists operating internationally. Objectspace will liaise between the fair and exhibiting New Zealand artists, co-ordinate freight, and help connect artists with people and opportunities during the fair.
Creative New Zealand supports the New Zealand artists exhibiting at Schmuck with grants of up to $3,000 for flights and accommodation. If they are also accepted to attend the emerging artist competition Talente, another part of the Handwerksmesse trade fair, additional support is offered.
First published Art Zone #72
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