Origins & Legacy of Art Jewellery in South Africa

Timed Online Auction, 6 - 22 October 2025

Legacy
About the Session

Legacy, showcases 16 contemporary practitioners whose work reflects the movement’s enduring spirit of experimentation. Like their predecessors, these art jewellers often work with non-precious materials, producing pieces that are expressive, sculptural and conceptually adventurous.  Through these wearable artworks, the artists employ art jewellery as a critical medium to reflect upon, comment on, and challenge the world around them, exploring questions of identity, place, social standing, cultural practices, and political viewpoints.

 


  • Dr Joani Groenewald; Dr Joani Groenewald 'Hopelessly Hopeful' neckpiece
  • Dr Joani Groenewald; Dr Joani Groenewald 'Hopelessly Hopeful' neckpiece


Lot Estimate Change Currency
ZAR 2 000 - 4 000

About this Item

South Africa 1986-
Dr Joani Groenewald 'Hopelessly Hopeful' neckpiece
brass form with copper-backed enamel with resin and glass on the reverse, on a cotton cord, length approximately 55cm, total weight 85 grams
2018

Notes

I view contemporary jewellery as a medium through which I can critically reflect on my social and political environment. My research interests include memory studies, narrative, and translation—particularly within a South African context. I continue to make art that both draws from and contributes to these areas of research. Through my practice, I question the stability of memory, translation, and narrative, while also challenging the traditional function of jewellery.

- Joani Groenewald

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