January 15, 2010 – May 16, 2010

Chi ha paura…? Translation: Who’s afraid of…contemporary jewelry? 12 years ago, Dutch jewelry and product designer, Gijs Bakker, began a dialogue with designers about jewelry and its place in the modern world. Moving past the conventional concept of simple decoration and an investment in gold or stones, the goal was to redefine the value of jewelry by the fineness of the idea, not the materials. This exhibit presents the conversation that has followed with over 50 artists from New Zealand, Asia and across Europe. They have translated concepts, such as “Sense of Wonder” in a golden computer key, “What’s Luxury?” in a chain of gold nuggets and “Rituals” in a porcelain wishbone necklace, to name a few. With over 80 thought-provoking pieces on display, each designed to ask what jewelry is in the new millennium, the resulting thought waves will ripple through the design world and add valuable ideas to our everyday lives.

Curated by: Yvònne G.J.M. Joris
Exhibition Design by: Gijs Bakker

Walk-Through Tour:
Designers on Jewelry: Twelve Years of Jewelry Production by Chi ha paura…? with SFMC+D Interim Curator Mariah Nielson
Friday, January 15, 11 AM

Speaker Series Events:
Contemporary Jewelry Design: Chi ha paura…? with Gijs Bakker
Saturday, January 16, 4 – 6 PM

Jewelry Designers/Jewelry Makers:
Who’s Making It? moderated by Marilyn da Silva Thursday, March 11, 6 – 8 PM

Make Art Workshops:
Inspired by Jewelry
Saturday, February 27, 1 – 3 PM
Saturday, April 24, 1 – 3 PM