Shining DESPAIR
Arisa Inoue
Japan

Brooch “Our Treasury-crane”, 2024
Silver925, can, old fabric, silk string,60x90mm
Soldering, brooch making, sewing
Photo : Mirei Takeuchi

Brooch “Our Treasury-turtle”, 2024
Silver925, can, old fabric, silk string,60x90mm
Soldering, brooch making, sewing
Photo : Mirei Takeuchi

It’s not uncommon for darkness to cast a shadow over the human heart. Wounds inflicted by trivial matters, natural disasters, human-caused tragedies, war, death, and separation. The balance between light and darkness is always equal—neither can exist without the other, and neither can exist alone.

Even so, we must protect our hearts. From despair that holds the power to shine with an overwhelming brilliance. One of the fundamental roles of jewelry is as a protective charm, an amulet or talisman. People believe in the magical power that resides within objects imbued with wishes. My jewelry has a small compartment within it, a space where something can be placed to guard yourself. No matter the era or way of life, there are times when despair shines too brightly. We must believe in our own hidden magic and the power of objects, so that we do not succumb to them.

More « Shining DESPAIR »

Shining Despair – Spam Glam / UK

Extreme changes in my life have caused me so much anguish …

Shining Despair – Aya Iwata / Japan

The theme « Shining Despair » merges two opposing concepts: brilliance and despair.

Shining Despair – Anna Timar / Hungary

These necklaces represent the duality of emotions within us.

Shining Despair – Marta Alonso / Spain

Mayfly, an ephemeral flight and Glimpse the universe …

Shining Despair – Willy vande Velde / Belgium

The ring is part of the communication series.

Shining Despair – Jounghye Park / South Korea

The ‘Saves’ series is a collection created by layering and carving small pieces of silk fabric …

Shining Despair – Denis Music / Ukraine

The idea of the « Attention » brooch emerged during the challenging days of 2023.

Shining Despair – Donald Friedlich / USA

For most of us despair comes and goes.

Shining Despair – Deimezi Xenia / Greece

Behind and in front of what is visible.

Shining Despair – Ute van der Plaats / Belgium

When the relentless madness of this world is clouding my heart, I take a walk in the woods …