Creative jewelry space welcomes the very young
Eleni Marneri enjoys giving space to those who have something to say – with jewelry. In the last few years, she has turned the Eleni Marneri Creative Gallery into a home for off-the-gold-beaten-track creativity. «Dazzling Garden,» an exhibition which opened at the Fokionos Negri gallery earlier this week, showcases works by a group of pupils and their teacher: Katerina Iliopoulou leads the aspiring designers, all of whom attend workshops at the Vortex Studio in Athens, working on handmade pieces based on metals. A graduate of London’s Guildhall University, Iliopoulou has participated in numerous exhibitions in Athens and London. At the gallery, the team effort is showcased through individual vision: Using primarily silver, gold-plated silver and semi-precious stones, among others, the 20- to 30-year-old students are presenting their debut collections, with prices ranging from 60 to 450 euros. Ioulia Galeou showcases «Cities of Imagination,» a collection of geometric designs featuring a minimalist flair, where pieces include bold, gold-plated little finger rings. Next to his design sketches, Yiannis Galatis presents «Treasure Boxes,» a series of three-dimensional pieces from which gems seem to pop out; Myrto Mazmanidis’s postmodern mosaics feature gold-leaf techniques where minute artworks are framed in liquid glass and where patchworks are created through combinations of silver and leather. Alexis Papapetrou’s «Bodyguard» collection of someone-to-look-after-you pieces present gold-plated human figures, sprinkled with a sense of humor, while in Maria Rizou’s «Metaldance,» the traces left behind by tools turn into motifs on the metal. Through the use of solid silver, Gramattiki Romantzi’s fluid pieces are defined by their «Liquid Thinking,» turning into a study on pleated fabrics via oxidized silver techniques. Lastly, Iliopoulou presents «Elements,» a series of pebbles made of silver, subsequently mixed with copper and gold, creating metal waves as inspired by the world of the sea. Coming up at the gallery next month is a study on water, through an exhibition of works by members of the Jewelry Art Workers group. Baby passion Marneri’s passion for all things creative also led her to the establishment of the next door Bebe Gallery, a space for selective babywear, toys and an assortment of accessories for the very young. According to Marneri, the children’s gallery is developing into an interactive area which will include storytelling sessions, for instance. Currently on display at Bebe Gallery are children’s garments by Ekyog, an innovative French company specializing in organic cotton; a collection by London’s Caramel Baby & Child; a series of cuddly, knitted toys by Anne-Marie Petit made in the Netherlands; colorful, elaborate knits by Sophia Digard; amulets by Maria Mastori; a funky series by artist Olga Mergou, who incorporates Yiannis Ritsos verses in various objects; handmade crosses by artist Calliopi, as well as ideas for original christening outfits, such as Empire designs by Vasso Consola. Eleni Marneri Creative Gallery, 3 Agathoupoleos, Fokionos Negri, tel 210.866.8195. «Dazzling Garden» runs to October 30.
