Some and None : Jewellery as Graphics an exhibition of jewellery objects by David Neale

[Metalab]

Metalab is delighted to present Some and None: Jewellery as Graphics, a collection of jewellery created by Melbourne based goldsmith David Neale. In this body of work Neale borrows techniques from the graphics studio such as painting, collage and line-work, using them at the jeweller's bench to make signs for the body and to tell wearable stories. The result is an exquisite collection of finely crafted treasures for our times.

For Neale, the visual power of jewellery is basic, lying in distinctive shapes, colours and textures. His work has a unique and graphic language, one that doesn't always follow the familiar 'grammar' of jewellery - it isn't always shiny, or smooth, or metallic - he uses paint, inscribes lines and text on bold shapes. Neale often treats metal like paper, cutting it with scissors, folding and scratching text onto it - an approach to making that is immediate and ‘un-precious’ but that invests the work with emotion and humour, making reference to his fascination with the rich history of goldsmithing. The works in this exhibition have been assembled with a collage-like approach, layering up a play of opposites within the jewellery object: obvious vs. obscure, rough vs. refined, precious vs. poor, some vs. none.

David Neale studied Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT, Melbourne. He has exhibited extensively in Australia and overseas, this is his first solo exhibition in Sydney.

The exhibition runs from 3 June - 1 July 2010

metalab
10b Fitzroy Place Surry Hills NSW 2010
p: 02 8354 1398 e: [e-mail]

Open Wednesday - Friday 11am - 6pm and Saturday 11am - 5pm

www.metalabgallery.blogspot.com