In the 1980s, Warwick Freeman (b. 1953) co-revolutionised the world of New Zealand jewellery, which led to the creation of a unique artistic language. Today, he is regarded as one of the world's most influential contemporary jewelry artists.
His works tell of his life as a Pkeh
as the Mori call descendants with European roots
of his culture, and history, as well as the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and the country's unique materials: the millimetre-thick mother-of-pearl of the pearl oyster, the iridescent inner membrane of the pua (a rainbow abalone), and the pounamu (a type of greenstone). He works with found objects in which he recognises a 'sign from the past', a kind of
archetype, something familiar, and discovers forms, symbols, and images that connect Mori, Polynesian, and European civilisations through emblematic meanings that transcend their cultures. As such, Freeman has long been a mediator between the cultures.
Edited by:
Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum, Objectspace Imprint: Arnoldsche Country of Publication: Germany Dimensions:
Height: 275mm,
Width: 205mm,
Weight: 1.546kg ISBN:9783897907324 ISBN 10: 3897907321 Pages: 304 Publication Date:23 April 2025 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active