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Where does the edge of the canvas end
and the edge of the world begin? (1) 

Under the title of edgesbordergaps, this conference explores the idea of the defining edge: the point where this place becomes known and designated; separated from somewhere else. That point of definition is the threshold, the beginning and the end. But what happens when we occupy the divide, when the divide becomes a place, a space, the gap; when what we experience is not what we anticipate?

We are accustomed to jewellery playing a range of defined roles in our lives, appearing in different contexts and generating a variety of meanings. Jewellery from non-traditional materials is no longer unusual, but what of jewellery that tests our understanding of a ‘jewel’ in other ways? In our technologically-oriented world borders are shifting and dissipating, so where are the current borders within contemporary jewellery? What do they look like today? What are they separating? What gaps are appearing, waiting to be filled? Have we reached the boundaries of contemporary jewellery as we have known it or are we reconstructing it in other guises?


edgesbordergaps encompasses a range of events which bring together practitioners of all levels of experience from around Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Through this conference we seek to provide a forum to generate a lively environment for discussion and deliberation of current issues in the field of contemporary jewellery. This conference will be of interest to practitioners, educators, curators, collectors, researchers and theorists working across a wide range of disciplines. In engaging with these presentations and exhibitions you will be able to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary jewellery.

In 2015 the broader conference project includes 3 days of talks; an exhibition program; a workshop program (pre- and post- conference); social events, including the infamous Pin Swap; and additional satellite events.

Convenor: Dr Karin Findeis
Chair, JMGA-NSW Inc.

(1) Douglas Fogle, "The Trouble with Painting", in Douglas Fogle, (ed), Painting at the End of the World (Minneapolis, MN: Walker Art Center, 2001), p. 15.

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