'Pearly Whites' brooch

Pearly Whites
2018
shell, mother of pearl, sculpy, remainium
8 x 6 x 2cm

The Pearly Whites series has become an instant classic, and remains one of the most recognised contemporary jewellery works of recent years. Exhibited worldwide and in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria.

For Benedikt Fischer, the act of adorning, or the state of being adorned, is a fundamental element of human existence. His concern for the origin of this ancient practice and desire has encouraged him to explore the multiple functions of jewellery though history, in search of its essential meaning. He believes the animal is always present in jewellery making, be it as a symbol of our instinctive nature or as an artistic material.

Some say making is thinking with your hands. I don’t know. I could never say that I understand everything I do, but I definitely think that there is something other than pure rational understanding. Maybe it’s something in between. I personally need both, to keep my head and my hands busy. BF