Griffith Regional Art Gallery is set to become the centre of Australian Contemporary Jewellery with the upcoming Alchemy: A National Contemporary Jewellery Initiative.
From November through December, the Gallery will present a trio of high-end jewellery and design exhibitions, creating a unique and stunning visual experience for all visitors.
The first exhibition, The National Contemporary Jewellery Award, is the Gallery’s biennial showcase, now in its 32nd year. This flagship exhibition highlights the very best in Australian contemporary jewellery design, with 25 artists competing for a $5,000 prize and the opportunity to be included in Griffith’s prestigious National Contemporary Jewellery Collection.
The second exhibition features Treasure Trove – 50 years of Jewellery from The National Gallery of Australia, part of the NGA’s Sharing the National Collection initiative. This collection, paired with Griffith’s own jewellery holdings, offers an in-depth look at Australian jewellery trends and design evolution over the past five decades, featuring pieces like brooches, rings, necklaces, and bracelets from the 1970s through the 2010s.
Rounding out this celebration of contemporary jewellery is GEOMORPH, an exhibition by artist Sabine Pagan that explores the relationship between materials and our surroundings. The collection reflects Pagan’s recent move to Tasmania and her Swiss-Australian background, blending natural and industrial elements to evoke a profound sense of place and material.
Art Gallery Coordinator Ray Wholohan said that this year more entries were received than ever have before, demonstrating the strength and value of contemporary jewellery.
“Alchemy brings together an extraordinary range of contemporary jewellery from across Australia. This initiative highlights Griffith’s unique role in preserving and celebrating jewellery as an art form. We’re thrilled to partner with the National Gallery of Australia and the University of Tasmania’s School of Art to present this exceptional experience,” he said.
Alchemy will open with a ticketed event on Friday, November 8, at 6pm. Visitors can also join a free floor talk on Saturday, 9 November from 9am, featuring insights from industry leaders and artists. The exhibition will be open to the public from 9 November to 22 December, with Treasure Trove remaining on display for the next two years.
The Griffith Regional Art Gallery thanks their annual program sponsor, Dee-vine Estate.