Past
Exhibitions
Health
& Beauty
Health
and Beauty was a showcase exhibition of jewellery by
Melanie Coleman in the Medical Museum. Her beautiful
yet sinister jewellery reflects the Victorian interest in
science and research. Microscopic cells, generally invisible
to the human eye become visible and the insides of the body
become accessories to adorn the outside. Each piece reflects
the period with which we associate the illness. T.B
Necklace is an ornate choker Malaria Bracelet
a Victorian silver bracelet set with models of malaria cells
instead of precious stones. Whereas a silk wrist sweatband
presents a pictorial representation of Aids. Melanie Coleman
describes this as an ‘Ultra modern, an intelligent virus....’ |
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A
Nightmare of Cancer, Brown Spot Bib Necklace
by Melanie Coleman (c) the artist |
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Coleman’s
work aims to explore perceptions of illness. As is often the case,
this jewellery is a vehicle to transform one’s sense of self by
displaying and identifying with, the normally hidden, unspeakable
and untouchable.
Melanie
Coleman graduated from Goldsmiths with a BA in textiles in 1992,
since then she has exhibited in a number of group shows in London
and the South West. These have included Rag and Bone at
Deptford X in South London, Hello Sailor in Plymouth and
Spaced Out in Plymouth.
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