The turning point is the moment of the solstice, in which the change becomes inevitable, in which the current order of the individual or the world begins to somble and reality transforms. This phenomenon is present in the structure of the universe, in human history and in intimate spaces of individual life.
Artistic jewelry, suspended between the body and idea, seems to be the perfect carrier of the story of transformation, about the transition from the old to new, from chaos to order, in pain in sense. Stories about moments that change everything.
Creators from around the world were invited to the exhibition "Right point", and their task is a personal, bold, original interpretation of the slogan of the lecturer, facing the topic of a breakthrough - the moment of transformation, when the current order is collapsing and reality takes on a new shape. The works reported for the exhibition should not only decorate, but above all mean - becoming a testimony of transformation, a symbol of internal or collective revolution, the beginning of a new road.
The submitted works were selected by Ruudt Peters , a prominent visual artist and jewelry maker from Amsterdam, Netherlands. His work is known for pushing the boundaries of convention and exploring profound, often philosophical, meanings in contemporary jewelry.
The exhibition is open and international. There are no restrictions on technology, materials, form or dimensions of work. The condition is the original creative concept as well as a high artistic and executive level.
A letter from Ruud Peters to the creators
The concept of "Turning Point" refers to moments that change everything in our lives, like an earthquake that turns our emotions and our world upside down. Perhaps this is why so many artists participated in this open call for entries. Because "Turning Point" resonates in minds and bodies, as well as in the artists' work.
During the selection process, I encountered many different perspectives on the human experience. From the body to the intellect, from mourning to politics—so many themes were explored. I was particularly moved by the work about "gender transition"—an incredibly powerful piece, conveying both an emotional and political message. I was also struck by how differently artists can use forms and techniques. For example, ultraviolet light appears in the works in completely different contexts. Heads, keys, and spoons change their meanings.
We gain insight into how artists from around the world grapple with "turning points" in their lives and how they translate them into jewelry with a powerful, multifaceted message. The artistic standard of the submitted works was very high, making the selection for the exhibition exceptionally difficult. I tried to showcase a broad spectrum of creative approaches from different corners of the world. Cultural differences result in diverse works—sometimes difficult for Western viewers to understand. In such cases, a text from the artist himself proved helpful.
This exhibition shows that contemporary artistic jewelry is alive and has enormous power to communicate content.
To the artists whose work wasn't selected: Your work has value—please keep creating, keep investing in your subjects, keep falling and getting back up. Keep working, keep working, keep working. Keep going, keep going, keep going. Next time, the stage will be yours.
List of qualified creators: Download the list
Competition Regulations: Link to the Regulations
Gdańsk Jewellery Week is a new, festival event devoted to artistic jewelry and contemporary design. Designers, artists, collectors and jewelry enthusiasts who await exhibitions, meetings, workshops and fairs in the unique atmosphere of Gdańsk - a city connecting tradition with modernity - will meet with centuries -old amber tradition.
The "Turning Point" exhibition will be accompanied by the International Amber and Jewelry Fair AMBERIF Autumn 2025 (4-6 September 2025), open to the audience.
