It all started with the "sedesowce". Kasia Zięba and Paweł Kowalski carried out a jewellery project featuring photos of Wrocław high-rise blocks from pl. Grunwaldzki. The artist decided to continue the concept and now bracelets, brooches or earrings made by her feature photos of graffiti and murals from the old tram depot in ul. Legnicka.
"For a moment" versus "forever"
What graffiti and murals have in common is that they are temporary, and sooner or later they will be covered with a new painting, or removed totally, for the sake of white wall. "I was wondering whether somebody documents these works, or photographs them, and I decided that I can do it myself, my own way - says Kasia Zięba, the author of unique jewellery collection.
"Applying photos on aluminium with the process of anodising is very durable; it is practically impossible to wipe out the picture from the metal surface. As a result, what is momentary and ephemeral, on jewellery becomes immortal, and this is the kind of perversion I meant. Also, I try to reach the artists behind the graffiti and murals, and to promote them as a result - explains the artist. The latest collection of jewellery includes photos taken in only one place, the old tram depot in ul. Legnicka.
"Bracelets, earrings or pendants include both graffiti that can be found in the place, as well as elements of architecture.I was allowed to enter the old depot building and take pictures of the ceiling, the lamps or windows. Later, I encapsulated them in jewellery. Every item is different, because each one bears a different photo.
Even a pair of earrings is composed of two different photos, but ultimately they match. You can see that it is a set - she adds.
The Grunwaldzki Bridge on the neck, and the University on your hand
Kasia Zięba is already working on next projects. This time her jewellery will bear objects so characteristic for Wrocław, such as the Grunwaldzki Bridge, the Centennial Hall, or the Spire. "Later I will most probably head with my camera to Nadodrze district. It is very dear to me, because this is where I studied, and now run my own classes in Szkoła Wyższa Rzemiosł Artystycznych [Artisan College] - she adds. At present, the artist is finalizing her latest project entitled "Love Project", the première and vernissage of which will take place on December 19th in Legnica. "This time the jewellery will bear erotic photos, taken by myself and my contributing photographer. The models wish to remain anonymous, and no faces are visible in the photos, only bodies. Arguably, not all works will be exhibited, because some of them will be censored. That's why I'd love to later find a place where they can be exhibited in full splendour.
How much for metal Wrocław?
The form of jewellery Kasia makes is very simple. "I wanted the objects not to overshadow what is displayed on them - explains the artist.
"That's why they contain only properly shaped metal, or one with some silver added, also in raw form - she adds. Bracelets cost 201 PLN, necklaces from 180 to 230 PLN, depending on the amount of silver used. The brooches with Wrocław are available at 180 PLN, and earrings at 150 PLN a pair. Kasia's works can be found on her Facebook fanpage, or during handicraft fairs organized in Wrocław. The upcoming event takes place on December 13th, during Christmas Nadodrze Night at the Infopunkt in ul. Łokietka 5.
