Turning point is a moment of upheaval in which change becomes inevitable, in which the existing order of the individual or the world begins to falter, and reality undergoes transformation. It is a phenomenon present in the structure of the Universe, in the history of humankind, and in the intimate spaces of individual life.
Art jewellery, suspended between body and idea, seems to be the perfect vehicle for stories of transformation – of the passage from old to new, from chaos to order, from pain to meaning. Stories of moments that change everything.
Artists from all over the world have been invited to take part in the “Turning Point” exhibition, tasked with offering a personal, bold and original interpretation of the exhibition's theme, confronting the subject of breakthrough – the moment of transformation, when the existing order collapses and reality takes on a new shape. Works submitted for the exhibition should not only adorn, but above all mean something – becoming a testament to change, a symbol of inner or collective revolution, the beginning of a new path.
The submitted works were selected by Ruudt Peters – an outstanding visual artist and jewellery designer from Amsterdam (the Netherlands). His work is known for pushing the boundaries of convention and exploring deep, often philosophical meanings in contemporary jewellery.
The exhibition is open and international in character. There are no restrictions on technique, materials, form or dimensions of the works. The only requirement is an original creative concept and a high artistic and technical standard.
Letter from Ruudt Peters to the Artists
The concept of “Turning Point” concerns the moments that change everything in our lives, moments like an earthquake that turns our emotions and our world upside down. Perhaps that is why so many artists took part in this open call for the exhibition. Because “Turning Point” resonates in minds and bodies, as well as in the work of artists.
During the selection process, I encountered many different perspectives on human experience. From the body to the intellect, from grief to politics – so many themes were touched upon. I was particularly moved by a work concerning “gender change” – an extremely powerful piece, carrying both an emotional and a political message. I was also surprised by how differently artists can use forms and techniques. For example, ultraviolet light appears in the works in completely different contexts. Heads, keys and spoons take on new meanings.
We gain insight into how artists from around the world confront “turning points” in their lives and how they manage to translate them into jewellery with a powerful, multidimensional message. The artistic standard of the submitted works was very high, which made the selection for the exhibition exceptionally difficult. I tried to show a broad spectrum of creative attitudes from different corners of the world. Cultural diversity produces a wide variety of works – some of which can be difficult for a Western viewer to interpret. In such cases, a text from the artist themselves proved helpful.
This exhibition shows that contemporary art jewellery is alive and possesses an enormous power to communicate meaning.
To the artists whose work was not selected: your creative work has value – please keep creating, invest in your themes, fall down and get back up. Work, work, work. Go, go, go. Next time, the stage will be yours.
List of Qualified Artists: Download the list
Competition rules: Link to the rules
GDAŃSK JEWELLERY WEEK is a new festival-style event dedicated to art jewellery and contemporary design. In a city with centuries of amber-working tradition, designers, artists, collectors and jewellery enthusiasts will come together for exhibitions, meetings, workshops and fairs in the unique atmosphere of Gdańsk – a city that combines tradition with modernity.
The “Turning Point” exhibition will be accompanied by the AMBERIF AUTUMN 2025 International Amber and Jewellery Fair (4–6 September 2025), open to the public.