Mumbai, Oct 14 (Agency) The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) unveiled two themes for the 7th edition of The Artisan Awards 2024: ‘Unusual Materials’ and ‘Objet Trouvé.’ The first theme, ‘Objet Trouvé’ (Found Objects) will explore art crafted from openly visible yet frequently altered objects that don’t typically serve as art materials due to their non-art function. A ‘found object’, whether it’s natural, man-made, or even just a fragment, is kept and preserved due to an inherent connection and interest the artist has with the object. Found Examples of ‘found objects’ include vintage poker chips, antique coins, collected shells, vintage Venetian glass beads, buttons, and beachcombed shells. The second theme, ‘Unusual Materials’ encourages designers to create a dialogue between the familiar and the unexpected by combining contrasting materials with precious metals.
Participants are expected to design a piece of jewellery that combines unusual materials with at least 50 per cent precious material. Unusual materials could include cement, titanium, wood, porcelain, bamboo, slate, meteorite, glass, recycled plastic, leather and more. Commenting on the unconventional 2024 Artisan themes, Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, comments, through this competition GJEPC reiterates its commitment to nurturing an innovative spirit among designers.” Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotion & Marketing, GJEPC, adds, “this is a golden opportunity to create masterpieces that will captivate and inspire for generations to come.” The last date for submitting sketch entries is October 31, 2023, a statement issued here stated Saturday.