Feast of Today, a series of necklaces and objects by the German artist Gésine Hackenberg. The exhibition is a study of the relationship between fruits and vegetables with the people and their bodies. In the execution of this work, the emphasis lies on the human perspective and constructed nature, made of thin copper sheet.

Fruit and vegetables are one of mankind’s fundamental foodstuffs. They are associated with one of our most primary daily needs – eating – and are therefore closely connected with people. What is more, they stimulate and beguile the senses. These qualities are also essential in jewellery.

The intention of my jewellery is to represent fruit and vegetables’ relationship with people and their bodies. Everyday contact with these natural products – shopping, peeling, preparation and eating - serves as the chief source of inspiration. The sensual pleasure entailed in these acts invites us to celebrate the little things in life, playing with fruit and vegetables and adorning ourselves with their splendour. Translating fruit and vegetables into jewellery conjures up images from art and the decorative arts: images of luxuriance and profusion, of harvest festivals and traditional adornments. Classic ornamental motifs such as the Horn of Plenty are juxtaposed with my own contemporary context of daily life.

In the execution of this work, the emphasis lies on the human perspective and constructed nature, made of thin copper sheet. The copper colour ages over time and references the idea of growth and ripening of the fruit and vegetables. These fragile constructed copper objects are then reinforced through electroforming techniques that again, enhances the idea of growth.