Not so hidden messages

Rothwell, Sarah

Not so hidden messages

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NotSoHiddenMessages.pdf

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Resource type

Journal article

Creator (person)

Rothwell, Sarah

Date published

2023

Abstract

The written word is a powerful and persuasive tool that can inspire and revolt in equal measure. Equally, jewellery has the power to spread messages and has been used for generations to declare an individual’s position of allegiance or defiance. By incorporating a message, slogan or symbol, a jewel becomes a provocative statement on societal and political issues, provoking both the viewer and wearer to think beyond the decorative aestheticism of adornment. Such pieces question both our emotional and intellectual relationship with language and jewellery. Many of those jewellery artists and designers whose jewels incorporate text seek to highlight the power of a word or statement. Some question the value society places upon brand names for instance, or draw attention to systems of oppression. Incorporating a message within a jewel can also be a more provocative statement about exploitation than any text pinned to a gallery wall. With this paper, I aim to explore a selection of contemporary artist jewellers who have used text to carry not-so-hidden messages which question how we perceive the world today.