The Land of the Bauhaus: Design, Arts, Crafts & Jewellery in Germany　

Modern design and Germany

Recently, after visiting Lithuania, I also visited Munich, Germany.
The purpose of my stay in Munich was to see a jewelry exhibition called Inhorgenta.
And since I was there, I also took the opportunity to check out some of the galleries and art museums in Munich.
Takayoshi Terashima , a contemporary jewelry artist who has been active in Munich for the past nine years, he took me to show me around any galleries in Munich.
He is an artist who won the Hoffman Prize, the highest award at the SCHMUK contemporary jewelry competition, last year in 2024.

I have always wanted to know how design, art, and crafts have developed in Germany based on modern design, which began with the Bauhaus.

The Bauhaus was an art school that existed for only 14 years from 1929.
Although it was closed by the Nazis, its educational philosophy later spread throughout the world.
Functionality and minimalism have played a major role in modern design.

Gallery

Of the galleries we visited, the Bavarian Art and Crafts Association gallery (Bayerischer Kunstgewerbeve) was the most enjoyable and accessible, where even the ordinary people could easily purchase artist goods.

When I went there, they were having an exhibition by a textile artist called OODD STUDIOS .

Watching the production video, it appears that materials such as nylon are used, but it is clear that it is made through detailed handwork.

I couldn't help but buy a small textile piece.

Pinakothek der Moderne Museum

The Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich is a national museum of 20th century and contemporary art, design and architecture.
The exhibition in the top image is famous.

As expected from the country of the Bauhaus, the "design" exhibits were very substantial.
There were many Japanese designs on display, including a chair by Shiro Kuramata and a Nintendo game console.

If you go down to the second basement floor, there is a permanent exhibition of contemporary jewelry.

Munich Jewellery Week, a festival of contemporary jewellery, is held every year, and the opening ceremony will be held at the entrance of this museum.

In Germany, many people enjoy jewelry as art.
There are also many artists who go back and forth between being jewelry artists and designers, which makes the jewelry fun.

Based on modern design, the jewelry features simple, beautiful lines that suit our modern lifestyles.
And yet, the art of handicrafts continues to be passed down.

I think that kind of feeling is important for jewelry in this day and age.
Modern jewelry design concepts are still rare in Japan.

I believe that design is born from societal demands and involves solving problems with unprecedented ideas in order to create a new society.

That's why I design and create things with that awareness and sensibility.

I would like to make a contribution to the field of Japanese jewelry as well.