Oldřich Sládek's jewellery at the exhibition in Memphis

The curated Bracelets, Bangles & Cuffs collection: 1948-2024 illustrates a wide range of traditional metalworking techniques, experimental methods and materials, and contemporary practices. The exhibition features works owned by exhibition organizer Helen Drutt, an educator, gallerist, author, art patron, and modern and contemporary craft promoter.

The exhibited bracelet by FA teacher Oldřich Sládek is a unique piece that belongs to the OPUS HUMANUM series. The series attempts a shift in the creation of folded jewelry linked only by cold joints. The bracelet is thus held together by a threaded nanolink, a feature that sets it apart from traditional jewelry. 'The many parts, assembled in strict order, form a clear whole. Mankind is constantly striving for a shift in everything it does and creates. It strives for perfection, which cannot be attained; being imperfect cannot attain perfection in work. But it must strive, it is its destiny. The work itself reflects the energy and desire put into it,' the author explains.

Before the Memphis exhibition, the jewelry could be seen this year at the 7x7 The Geometry of Elegance exhibition at the Czech Centre in Munich or the Salon Benešovska 2024 exhibition at the Museum of Art and Design in Benešov.

Oldřich Sládek is a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the Czech Technical University and the K.O.V. Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. At the Department of Building Theory, together with Mark Blank, he leads the first-year studio ZAN Sládek-Blank and introduces students to the principles and techniques of making architectural models in the course Building Science I. He is engaged in architecture, designing, and producing jewelry and other objects in his private practice.

The Metal Museum in Memphis (USA) show runs until November 17, 2024.