How do you like this stunning necklace by Niki Stylianou of Greece? It's made out of rubber and stone-beads and is one of the many contemporary jewelry works you can see on Klimt02.
Co-founded by Leo Caballero of Barcelona, Klimt02 showcases contemporary jewelry from around the globe. I recently did an interview with him to find out more about the philosophy behind the site.
Leo believes that "creation and art are profitable in both a spiritual and economical manner" and seeks to link the two on Klimt02. He named the site after the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, "whose works are like jewels".
Jorge Gil of Cuba: ring made out of titanium
Klimt02 is almost like an online museum where anyone can select a country and find an artist making contemporary jewelry that may not be found in a nearby shop. I might not have known where to find jewelry by a Cuban artist, for example, but there was this gorgeous titanium ring on Klimt02.
For artists and members, Klimt02 provides a community where people can present and exchange ideas. There's even a forum where artists post articles and background materials about their works that might not be found anywhere else.
Carolina Hornauer Olivares of Chile: Oxidized silver, dyed human hair, river pearls, steel wire, volcanic stone, cotton thread
Klimt02 often takes risks on pieces that might not be conventionally pretty but are still appealing in their own way. Perhaps this comment from Caballero sums it up best: "The more conventional jewelry has its own space, but not contemporary jewelry." He told me that the selection of jewelry "is not based on what we like, but on what we think can be interesting for people. Klimt02 is just an opinion."
One of the highlights for Leo is watching the artists develop their craft and discover their own language. Check out this unusual necklace by Heejin Hwang (originally from Korea) that's made out of steel wire, enamel and ground rock.
When I asked Leo about trends, he was reluctant at first to comment because he doesn't like the notion of 'trends.' But then he added that "it's more about the artists' languages." He went on to say that "the works are hard to catalog by countries....As we are living in a world with great mobility and access to information, we are influenced by many people and languages....I will say that the people who are teaching now at schools are the ones who more influence the trends."
Marta Mattsson of Sweden: Brooch made of beetle, cubic zirconias, walnut wood, resin, lacquer, silver
I've brought you just a small sampling of the artists featured on Klimt02. If you haven't been there already, I urge you to go the site. You'll find out where the latest jewelry shows are taking place, see new works by the artists, and find listings of museums and galleries around the world where you can see contemporary jewelry.
Meanwhile, thanks to Leo Caballero for sharing his ideas and insights with us.
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