Pieces of jewellery only fulfil their purpose of adornment when they are worn, i.e., in the context of the piece of jewellery and the wearer. This statement does not change even if these pieces of jewellery – as was important to the author for a long time – can also endure as independent objects. Regardless of whether a piece of jewellery caresses the body or is edged against it, whether its form is final or is completed by the wearer’s action, whether it blends inconspicuously into the overall picture or sets striking accents, it will always lead to a unique connection and interaction between the person and the piece of jewellery.
Student works on the theme of “Geschmückte Haut” (Adorned Skin) created in a course by the author were shown as part of the exhibition “Kunst hautnah”. During her lecture, the author wore a hair ornament she designed consisting of three chin hairs encased in gold tubes, analogous to the fairy tale of The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs. At the end of the lecture, these adorned chin hairs were plucked out individually in a small performance and placed between two silver plates. Both the confrontation with forms of adornment that are close to the skin and, as in the case of piercing, go under the skin, and the theft of hair in the fairy tale to gain knowledge, require bravery and courage.
The course “Körpergeschichten” (Body Stories) was based on the theme of forms of adornment that are close to the body and even violate the body. Students were challenged to engage with their bodies and aspects of their own corporeality. Their experiences contributed to a significant expansion of the common understanding of jewellery and the conventions associated with body modification.
The works dedicated to the author grew out of the course “Klangkörper – Körperklang” (Sounding Body – Body Sound). The course focused on exploring the tonal qualities of a wide variety of materials and transforming them into jewellery or objects.