The works of Italian jeweler Gian Luca Bartellone blossom in opulent, often floral forms and vibrant colors, recalling the style of the Baroque era. Nevertheless, his Bodyfurnitures collection is not the result of a retrospective gaze—these modern pieces of jewelry break traditional norms and mischievously question deep-rooted perceptions. Although Bartellone draws inspiration from tradition, he treads new paths with daring combinations of materials: gold, gemstones and silk are united with papier-mâché or paper, the lightness and flexibility of the latter providing the perfect backdrop for his elaborate creations. The mix of materials in his work is clearly unconventional, but these disparate ingredients have become familiar accomplices for this academically trained goldsmith.
