Contemporary Art Jewelry

(3 Credits)

Why is jewelry such a powerful means of expression in today's globalized world? Why have humans across virtually every culture developed the practice of adorning themselves with jewelry? Through cultural and artistic lenses, students examine jewelry in its broadest significance, with particular emphasis on contemporary art jewelry as a form of communication. The course begins with an anthropological inquiry into human self-adornment, investigating decoration practices across cultures as vehicles for identity and expression, before shifting to the UAE context and the rich history of pearl diving. Working with an internationally recognized contemporary jeweler, students will explore the relationship between jewelry, light, and reflection as vehicles for meaning, experimenting with materials to develop concepts into a wearable piece. Fieldwork across the Abu Dhabi Gold Souk and Sheikh Zayed National Museum will allow students to explore the cultural narratives jewelry embodies in the UAE and beyond. Finally, students present their work in an exhibition at the Arts Center Cube, showcasing jewelry’s rich intersection with art, culture, economics, and personal expression.