Munich Jewellery Week, the most significant global event for contemporary jewelry, welcomes Living Matter, an exhibition that redefines the relationship between materiality and transformation. As part of Handwerk & Design Fair, this exhibition invites visitors to explore contemporary jewelry as more than adornment; it becomes an evolving entity, pulsating with life and in constant dialogue with the wearer and the environment.
Curated by HOOROON and Arte Design Venezia, Living Matter challenges the perception of matter as static, demonstrating how traditionally rigid materials like metal and stone can embody movement, fluidity, and organic transformation. The exhibition presents international jewelry artists whose creations mimic biological textures; veins, tree sap, and skin, offering an immersive, tactile experience that mirrors the dynamism of nature. Jewelry becomes the silent yet powerful voice of natural vitality.
Anna Maria Pitt, Weeping Willow, 2023, Sterling Silver, 9 carat gold. Photographer Catherine Laura.
The selected artists are: Metalsmith Liz, Taylor Chyn, Sandra Cepeda-Joya de Arte, Diana Schuhmacher-Dee, Elle Irwin, Yael Herman, Brigitta B. Horváth, Alina Cuvin – Calima Jewels (Romania), Johanna Typaldos, Allegra’s Jewelry Collection (Romania), Anna Maria Pitt, Valeria Benalcázar, Carla Becerra, Zhuwei Lu, Tony Drawbridge.
Living Matter selected artists: Brigitta B. Horváth (Hungary) explores body language and hand gestures through brooches that symbolize human interaction and choice. Diana M. Schuhmacher (Romania) expresses herself through her jewelry, challenging the boundaries of imagination and design. Taylor Chyn (Italy) uses texture to express spiritual depth, while Johanna Typaldos (USA) integrates international influences into her jewelry, aspiring to teach and create. Carla Becerra (Argentina) translates fleeting moments into rich metal textures, and Alina Cuvin (Romania) crafts organically shaped jewelry with a modern twist. Anna Maria Pitt (Belgium), Icelandic jewellery designer, blends experimentation and order; awarded, exhibited across Europe, now in Antwerp for an MA.
Alina Cuvin, Ring, 2022, Sterling Silver, Cubic Zirconia.
Sandra Cepeda-Joya de Arte (Mexico) merges sculpture and jewelry-making, while Valeria Benalcázar (Ecuador) blends her background in art conservation with organic and synthetic materials. Elle Irwin (USA) transforms coastal textures into sculptural pieces, and Laura Moisa (Romania) preserves nature in silver. Metalsmith Liz (USA) fuses craftsmanship and wearable art, and Yael Herman (Israel), with 40 years of experience, creates bold statement pieces combining traditional techniques with advanced technology. Zhuwei Lu (USA) creates statement pieces with organic shapes, rough textures and unique and evocative colors. Tony Drawbridge (New Zealand) examines the intersection of the organic and the intrusive within the human experience.
The poster of the event
Munich Jewellery Week
Munich Jewellery Week is an annual, independent, artist-run contemporary jewellery initiative that takes place in the city of Munich. The success of the event, which grows exponentially every year, is thanks to the spirit of collaboration by jewellery artists and designers from all over the world. MJW has gained a reputation for being the most important event for the field worldwide, and the number one source for new talent in the field via the most experimental and innovative jewellery presentations one can find.
The Cultural Association Arte Design Venezia promotes international art and design through exhibitions and events that celebrate and enhance Venice’s rich artistic heritage. Over the years, it has built a global network connecting artists, designers, and Venetian craftsmen. The Association collaborates with museums and foundations in Venice and has developed key projects such as Venice Design Week and the VDW Jewelry Selection. The collaboration with HOOROON stems from the shared goal of combining specific expertise to promote contemporary jewelry on an international scale. Arte Design Venezia is now presenting the 12th edition of the VDW Jewelry Selection 2025, with applications currently open on the official website. www.venicedesignweek.com.
HOOROON is a project dedicated to making the uniqueness of contemporary jewelry both understandable and accessible to all, not just as a distinctive ornament, but as an essential expression of personal identity. It is committed to showcasing the most compelling stories and extraordinary creations, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the essence of contemporary jewelry. Through exhibitions and events, HOOROON collaborates with galleries and international institutions, ensuring visibility and meaningful promotion for designers.
Representative photo: Xinyao Fei, Gioiello disegnato per Taylor Chyn
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