Conventional jewellery

Pforzheim, 1988 – 1989

– dedicated to my father –

"... Initially I made jewellery just for myself, in other words jewellery for men. It was part of my search for my identity, of my exploration of male images prevalent in our society, of my personal role as a man, especially as a gay man. What is considered beautiful? What is considered masculine? What should I judge myself by? How free am I from convention? On the basis of these questions I spent a long time playing with conventional forms of male accessories: breast pocket handkerchiefs, ties and bow ties."

Excerpt from: Das geschmückte Geschlecht, Interview with Tim Schleider in MAGNUS 7/93

Studies

Hamburg, 1990 - 1991


“…Jewellery is an extremely interesting cultural-historical phenomenon. You can change your own appearance by adding supplementary objects – an altogether absurd idea when you consider it. These objects act as signs appended to the body, giving visibility to social distinction. People play with their charisma. Today this happens mostly through fashion. When I wear trainers and jeans I am donning a sporty, youthful, easy-going image. Quite different from when I wear a suit. You can do very similar things with accessories, although this means treading a very fine line. On the one hand you seek to emphasize your individuality, on the other you need to observe certain conventions, otherwise you’ll find yourself excluded.”

Excerpt from: Das geschmückte Geschlecht, Interview with Tim Schleider in MAGNUS 7/93