Between Nature and Artifice

Daniel Kruger,

20 February - 25 March, 2018

The exhibition 'Between Nature and Artifice' features works by renowned contemporary jeweller Daniel Kruger. Daniel grew up in Namibia and was educated in Cape Town, before immigrating to Germany. Known for his ceramics and jewellery, Kruger weaves complex and diverse influences into his pieces, often from his own background but also via museum research and extensive collecting.

This exhibition explores of the effect of culturally specific design on personal identity. In a new body of work, Kruger explores techniques and ornament found in Ndebele, Venda and Zulu beadwork, combining the craft practices of his homeland with a European outlook in an attempt to explore and define where, as an artist and as a human being, he belongs.

This exhibition is proudly presented as part of Melbourne Design Week, 15-25 March, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the National Gallery of Victoria.


Necklaces, 2017, cotton fabric, glass bead embroidery. Image by Thilo Härdtlein.

Work from Between Nature and Artifice

Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2017, glass beads, turquoise fragments
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2017, glass beads, plastic fragments
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2017, cotton fabric, glass beads
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2017, glass beads
Ring by Between Nature and Artifice Ring, 2011, silver, pigment
Earrings by Between Nature and Artifice Earrings, 2006, turquoise, coral, gold
Earrings by Between Nature and Artifice Earrings, 2006, lapis lazuli, coral, gold
Pendants by Between Nature and Artifice Pendants, 2018, silver, brass, copper, gold
Pendant by Between Nature and Artifice Pendant, 2013, silver, copper
Pendant by Between Nature and Artifice Pendant, 2009, enamel on copper, silver
Necklaces by Between Nature and Artifice Necklaces, 2018, silver
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2012, silver, pigment
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2014, silver, acrylic glass, mirror, pigment
Brooch by Between Nature and Artifice Brooch, ,
Brooch by Between Nature and Artifice Brooch, 2014, insects, pressed flowers and leaves, acrylic, silver
Pendant by Between Nature and Artifice Pendant, 2011, enamel on copper
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2011, silver, pigment
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2011, silver, pigment
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2013, silver filigree, acrylic glass, paint
Necklace by Between Nature and Artifice Necklace, 2008, silver

Artists involved