Shining DESPAIR
Minami Hiranuma
Japan

Necklace “Bone chain”, 2024
Stainless mesh, copper mesh, brass mesh, enamel, wax cord, length 1630mm
Vitreous enamel on metal mesh
Photo : Yosuke Otomo

The motif of this work is my feelings when I picked up my grandmother’s bones.

In Japan, due to the influence of Buddhism, most people are cremated and the remaining bones are placed in an urn. This is because cremation is thought to free the soul that was residing in the body.

I lost my grandmother last year. As my various feelings for my grandmother grew, the cremation was carried out and I picked up the bones. At that time, I felt my emotions gradually being released. I realized that the bones were just material and that my grandmother was no longer here, but at the same time I was also convinced that she was still within me. And I felt hope in the midst of despair that I also had this white, light piece.

For this piece, pieces inspired by bones were joined together to create a piece of jewelry. A thin metal mesh was used for the base, which gives it a lightness. On top of the mesh, I applied a portion of cloisonne glaze. I also dared to create unglazed areas and incorporated the expression of oxidized metal. The natural decay process of metal is an important element of the work, representing the cycle of life and death, despair and hope, and the hearts of those left behind.

More « Shining DESPAIR »

Shining Despair – Catalina Rivera / Peru-Spain

“I’m inside, I’m not outside”

Shining Despair – Sunyoung Cheong / USA

As an immigrant mother and artist from South Korea, my work reflects the dualities of migration …

Shining Despair – Sara Shahak / Israel

« Flowers are weak creatures, naive. They reassure themselves as best they can.

Shining Despair – Spam Glam / UK

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

Shining Despair – Marta Alonso / Spain

Mayfly, an ephemeral flight and Glimpse the universe …

Shining Despair – Misha McLean / Scotland

‘Repeat Prescription: 14mg’ embodies the quiet despair felt by those who rely on medication in order to sustain a healthy life.

Shining Despair – Aya Iwata / Japan

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

Shining Despair – Malene Kastalje / Denmark

I am preoccupied with the unpredictable and abnormal aspects of life.

Shining Despair – Yichen Dong & Stacey Huang / China

Many spend their lives chasing ‘key moments,’ …

Shining Despair – Maria Konschake / Belgium

« Prägung » is part of the series « About Space and Identity » …