Yuxiao Zhu
Traditional spiritual or ritual jewellery often serves to establish a connection between humans and deities, seeking divine protection. I aim to explore and develop contemporary spiritual jewellery that resonates with our current era. The narrative perspective of my work mirrors Dante's fantastical journey in "The Divine Comedy," guiding the viewer, as the protagonist, through a journey of seeking divine messages via the jewellery pieces.
Act I: Radiant Birth. The viewer arrives at the first level, witnessing the birth of a baby symbolising "life" cradled within the Tree of Life. Upon examining the coffin held by the infant, the viewer is transported to the second level.
Act II: Roses and Death. Navigating through layers of tombstones, the viewer reaches a skull representing "death" and proceeds to the third level through a bouquet of flowers.
Act III: The Clock of the Present. Enveloped in the sun and moon symbolising time, the viewer searches for the labyrinth's exit, leading through the sun’s centre to the fourth level.
Act IV: Harmonious Eternity. The viewer experiences the harmonious cycle of humans and nature. At this point, the deities return the viewer to the reality, concluding with an amulet reflecting both reality and the viewer's own image.