I know this sounds cliche, but as a twenty-something design connoisseur, I often gravitate to the work of other young artists and designers. I enjoy attending graduate shows organized by the major art school in my area (and have even blogged about them on this site in the past) and am curious to see who the designer leaders of my generation are. If I were to purchase a work of art or an object of design, I would most likely purchase it from someone who is also young and just beginning their career. It is for this reason that I was happy to learn about an exhibition that just opened at Gallery Loupe in Montclair, New Jersey.The exhibition, "Australian Jewelry Topos", focuses on the works of 18 Australian artists, all post-graduates or alumni of the Gold and Silversmithing Department of the renowned RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. The theme of the exhibition is place, either physical or metaphysical. The designers employ both traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques in creating their wearable works of art. The exhibition is on view through April 2, 2011.
By the way, if you happen to miss the exhibition I would still encourage you to visit Gallery Loupe. The gallery specializes in contemporary art jewelry and has an extensive roster of artists from around the world. I also love the title. In their own words: "In naming the gallery, we were drawn to the image of the LOUPE - a magnifying glass through which intricate detail can be seen that is not visible at first sight. As an instrument of altered perception and new revelation, we see the LOUPE as a wonderful metaphor for Contemporary Art Jewelry."
For more information visit the gallery's site http://www.galleryloupe.com/
