twenty-first century pearls: Katherine Hubble
10 – 27 MARCH 2022

Twenty-first Century Pearls investigates the industry methods used in cultivating Australian South Sea pearls and the Pinctada maxima (pearl shell) through the context of a studio based contemporary jewellery practice. The exhibition seeks to explore the notion of what Australian pearl jewellery could be in the twenty-first century. Mass production processes of vacuum forming and 3D printing are used to reimagine one of the most traditional craft motifs of the shell. Contemporary plastic materials are used to challenge the notion of value within jewellery materials and what is considered precious.

 Katherine Hubble completed her Bachelor of Fine Art in 2016 and was awarded The 2016 Wolf Wennwrich Award for Excellence in Gold and Silversmithing. Katherine’s BA graduate work was selected to exhibit in Fresh!, Selected Victorian graduates in contemporary craft and design in Melbourne. Katherine continued to BA Fine Art (Honours) graduating with First Class honours in 2017 where Katherine received the Emily Hope Award for a Figurative Work. In 2017 Katherine was also selected to exhibit in The Marzee International Graduate Show 2017. From this exhibition, Katherine was invited to participate in the Marzee for Starters program.

Mygrations & Phenomenons is a collaborative project featuring two solo exhibitions at Brunswick Street Gallery by contemporary jewellers, Laura Deakin and Katherine Hubble, showcasing an innovative approach to adornment. With a deep understanding of their craft, these two artists bring together an exhibit that speaks about our place in society and the natural world.

Opening Event: Friday 11 March, 6-9pm

Artist Talks: Friday 11 March and Friday 18 March, from 4pm.

This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2022, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.