Step into a world where art meets technology at The Artificial Lens, an extraordinary exhibition by the Creative Jewellery and Metal Design Division at Stellenbosch University. This showcase of undergraduate talent delves into the profound impact of social media and artificial intelligence on our daily lives, expressed through the intricate artistry of jewellery design.
Celebrating Talent and Innovation
Each year group brings its unique perspective and technique to this compelling theme:
1st-Year Students:
Embracing the organic textures of nature, first-years used cuttlefish casting to create forms rich in texture and depth. Their work evokes the raw essence of materiality while hinting at the digital fingerprints that shape our realities.
- 1st Place: Zia Hanna Meintjies
- 2nd Place: Miane Koch
2nd-Year Students:
Through fold forming, second-years manipulated metal into intricate, flowing designs. Their creations reflect the complex layers of our interactions with technology, transforming flat surfaces into dynamic, multi-dimensional works.
- 1st Place: Anouck Esterhuyse
- 2nd Place: Peter Ivan Mitrovich
3rd-Year Students:
Adding vibrant hues and precise details, third-years explored vitreous enamel. Their pieces are a colourful representation of how artificial influences can enhance, distort, or redefine the natural world.
- 1st Place: Juliette Lindup
- 2nd Place: Lucy Bischof
4th-Year Students:
The final-year students pushed the boundaries of traditional jewellery-making by experimenting with mould making and resin casting. Their innovative designs showcase the potential of blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques to mirror the fluidity and adaptability of the digital age.
- 1st Place: Lara Ann Burger
- 2nd Place: Nicola van Aarde
Industry Support and Collaboration
This exhibition is more than an artistic showcase—it is the culmination of a year’s worth of learning, creativity, and exploration. The event not only celebrates the students’ growth and achievements but also fosters collaboration between academia and industry.
Representing Cape Precious Metals, Malcolm, Charmaine, and Jenny attended as one of the Jewellery Department’s preferred suppliers. We proudly sponsored silver for various prizes handed out during the evening, underscoring the importance of industry support in nurturing emerging talent.
Together, these works form a collective investigation into the intersection of art, technology, and daily life. The Artificial Lens invites viewers to reflect on the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence and social media and how they shape our perceptions and experiences.
This exhibition is a dialogue—a space to explore how technology and creativity intertwine to redefine the boundaries of jewellery and design. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of artists and designers shaping the future of their craft.