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.

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