As GemGenève gears up for its 8th edition, the Strong and Precious Art Foundation is thrilled to announce its participation in this prestigious show for the fifth time. This year, they are set to showcase the rich heritage of Trypillian culture, spanning a period from c.5,500 BC – 2750 BC in what is now Ukraine.
Unveiling Trypillian Legacy
Trypillian culture flourished across south-east Europe, from modern-day Ukraine to Romania and Moldova. Characterized by distinctive red and orange pottery adorned with curvilinear designs, the Trypillian people engaged in shifting agriculture and intricate rituals. Olga Oleksenko, Founder of the Strong and Precious Art Foundation, expresses, “Our exhibition aims to celebrate the cultural legacy of the Trypillian people and showcase the talent of Ukrainian jewellers.”
A Diverse Array of Designs
The upcoming exhibition will feature designs from both emerging Ukrainian designers and established brands, all unified by strong symbolism and meaning. Participating for the first time are Komendat, Aga.te, Anton Boyko, and GeO Gems x Iryna Vasylenko, joining previously represented designers Drutis, Inesa Kovalova, Iryna Karpova, Nomis, and Oberig.
Each piece in the collection tells a story, capturing the essence of Trypillian culture while showcasing the craftsmanship of Ukrainian designers. “The Family Tree” Pendant by Oberig: Crafted from 18K yellow gold, diamonds, and quartz, this pendant symbolizes the timeless connection between generations, representing the enduring strength and support of kinship. “The Mother Goddess” Pendant by Oberig: Embodied in 18K yellow and white gold and adorned with diamonds; this pendant honors the profound role of women in nurturing and safeguarding life, featuring the Berehynia symbol. The“God-Bull” Pendant by GeO Gems x Iryna Vasylenko: Sculpted in 22K gold and 18K carat gold with diamonds and a silk cord, this pendant pays homage to the supreme deity in Trypillian mythology, representing wealth and fertility for the Ukrainian future. The “Hidden Treasure” Ring by Anton Boyko: Crafted from 18K gold, titanium, and diamonds, the ring delves into the nuanced interplay between cultural heritage and modern-day Ukrainian culture, concealing an invisible mechanism that embodies a metaphorical link to heritage. The“Serenum Pluviam” Brooch by Iryna Karpova: Reflecting the life-giving essence of rain in Trypillian culture, the brooch features ebony wood, gold, diamonds, and Ukrainian amber, symbolizing vitality and the enduring spirit of an ancient era.“The Roots” Brooch by AGA.TE: Intertwining contemporary innovation with timeless traditions, the brooch seamlessly merges ceramics and precious metals, symbolizing aspirations for the future.“Solar” Earrings by Inesa Kovalova: Inspired by the cyclical nature of life, these earrings symbolize eternity, equilibrium, and the vast cosmos, with suspended diamond-set circles adding depth and dimensionality. The“Connection of All Things” Bracelet by Drutis Jewellery: Crafted from sterling silver and plated with 999 carat gold, this kinetic bracelet/choker embodies perpetual movement and profound symbolism, showcasing a vibrant fusion of colors with hot black, red, and white enamel, accented by Ukrainian topaz and amber.“Structura” Ring by Julia Komendat: Honoring a Trypillian City, this ring captures its rich history through intricate symbols concealed within its design, mimicking the city’s layout and integrating transparent stones with significant Trypillian symbols. Trypillia SUPERGRAVITY Cuff by NOMIS: Drawing inspiration from anthropomorphic figures found during the Trypillian cultural period, this cuff symbolically bridges the past and present, connecting the heritage of Trypillian culture with contemporary jewellery artistry of Ukraine.
A Fusion of Heritage and Contemporary Artistry
To enhance the presentation at GemGenève, the Strong and Precious Art Foundation is collaborating with ceramic artist Victoria Yakusha, the visionary behind FAINA. By incorporating FAINA’s ceramics alongside the exquisite jewels on display, the exhibition promises a captivating fusion of heritage, culture, and contemporary artistry.
Nurturing Ukrainian Talent
Olga Oleksenko shares the foundation’s mission, stating, “With Strong and Precious, our mission is to nurture Ukrainian talent and support the development of the country’s jewellery industry.” The foundation has seen significant success in just two years, with global exposure for Ukrainian artists, extending beyond Ukraine’s borders.
About the Strong & Precious Art Foundation
The Strong & Precious Art Foundation, established in April 2022 by Olga Oleksenko, is dedicated to promoting Ukraine’s vibrant jewellery heritage and showcasing its designers. Guided by the belief that beauty can inspire and uplift, the foundation aims to uncover the captivating story of Ukrainian jewellery and art while highlighting exceptional talent. Through exhibitions and initiatives, it seeks to promote Ukrainian jewellery-making expertise, sharing its roots and influences from ancient times to the present day.
For partnership inquiries and more information about the Strong & Precious Art Foundation, visit their website, https://www.strongandprecious.com/.