From November 20 until December 5, 2009
at Art gallery PUTTI

Exhibition

ROCK CRYSTAL

Exhibition scenography – artists Aigars Bikše.
For the first time as a part od the exhibition a film has been made about the creative process from rock crystal to jewellery.
New directors – Oskars Rupenheits and Oskars Morozs, operator – Aigars Sērmukšs

CRYSTAL – (krystallos in ancient Greek) – is a solid material, its chemical formula – silicon dioxide, SiO2, whose constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern, extending in all three spatial dimensions.

ROCK CRYSTAL QUARTZ –  gemstone, transparent, colorless quartz crystals.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC) explained the origin of rock crystal as deeply frozen ice found in the high altitude and very cold temperatures.

Today rock crystal is considered to be one of the most valuable gemstones, as it consists of two elements essential for life – air and water. The ancient Greeks and Romans carved rock crystal to make of it fine quartz seals and tableware. The Roman Emperor Nero (37 AD- 68 AD) owned two beautiful, clear, translucent crystal cups. In hot summer days the Roman Patricians used to cool their hands by rolling big crystal balls. In China and Japan the craftsmen had to carve a perfectly round crystal sphere as a proof of their craftsmanship. Now these amazing handcrafted balls are admired in many museums of the world.

The way of rock crystal from a natural cluster to the refined piece of designer jewelery is long and adventurous.

„One cannot fix one’s eyes on the commonest natural production without finding food for a rambling fancy” wrote Jane Austen (1775.–1817.)

The jewelery show ROCK CRYSTAL features the „rambling fancy“ by

the local jewellery artists VALDIS BROŽE, GUNTIS LAUDERS, GINTS STRĒLIS, MĀRIS ŠUSTIŅŠ, JĀNIS VILKS and the guest from Lithuania SAULIUS TREINY.

One will be amazed at the diversity of rock crystal and the different interpreations of rock crystal jewellery.

Exhibition opening:

tvnet.lv about exhibition “ROCK CRYSTAL” (link)

lsm.lv about exhibition “ROCK CRYSTAL” (link)

nra.lv about exhibition “ROCK CRYSTAL” (link)

diena.lv about exhibition “ROCK CRYSTAL” (link)

diva.lv about exhibition “ROCK CRYSTAL” (link)