PREFACE

Curator Dr. Kuo-Jen, Chen

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First of all, as the curator of "Dazzling Metal - Taiwan Contemporary Metalwork and Jewelry Art Exhibition" , I would like to express my deep gratitude towards the 200 metalwork and jewelry artists who participated in this exhibition. Through their exceptional work, we get to see the diversity of contemporary metalwork and jewelry art in Taiwan. Among the artists in the exhibition, some are already celebrated artists around the globe, some are daring and innovative young artists, some are professors who have been nurturing young talents in universities for years, some are entrepreneurs who built their own brands, while more are full-time artisans painstakingly running their own studios. No matter how we choose to approach our work, what all of us have in common is the love and dedication for art we show through our creation.

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Contemporary metalwork and jewelry art breaks through traditional impressions, as it focuses on artistic expression, awareness of the self, and the delivery of concept. Artisans not only have good command of the material and its handling skill but also create unique forms and shapes informed by experimentation. All of this results in an artistic language that is unique to the maker. Through experimentation and practice, the formation of metalwork allows the creator to translate their imagination into tangible forms. Only through a precise process of creation could a piece faithfully embody the abstract inspiration that gave birth to it.

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For metalwork and jewelry artists in the 21st Century, focusing on artisanship and incorporating new technology is equally important. Fortunately, in comparison to other fields, traditional techniques in metalwork and jewelry art do not fade with the passage of time. Moreover, innovation continues to flow in, making contemporary metalwork and jewelry art more diverse and full of charisma, showcasing the rich emotions, beliefs, and philosophy of contemporary artists.

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Lastly, allow me to express my gratitude to all participating artists once again. It is thanks to your participation and support that we get to capture and showcase the scene of contemporary metalwork and jewelry art in Taiwan in such a diverse and captivating collection. Our styles and approaches may be poles apart, yet, we are all exploring the world of art and its infinite possibilities with a free spirit. Let us explore and discover the artistic trends and artisanship of contemporary metalwork and jewelry art in Taiwan.