As early as the 1970s, Wolfgang Rahs (*1952) was inspired by the avant-garde art scene in Graz by the contemporary art festival Steirischer Herbst and the Forum Stadtpark collective, one of the action groups and joint ventures of artists from different genres; he is also member of the artists' union Gruppe 77. Educated in metalcraft and goldsmithing at the Ortweinschule in Graz, Rahs alternates in his works between jewellery, installation, performance, and processual pieces - free works that reflect the concept of jewellery in an all-embracing manner. His examination of myths (Skythisches Stillleben), of conditions he encounters (Verdammte Brosche), and of his own existence (Mauspfad Koeln) plays a key role. An impressive publication on this exceptional artist whose work challenges and therefore expands our traditional understanding of jewellery. Text in English and German.

The intention of Reinhold Ziegler's jewellery objects is to move the attention of the wearer or onlooker from themselves onto something greater - a radical strategy within a field that is strongly occupied with emphasising the individuality of the wearer. Ziegler's art is influenced by the French philosopher Georges Bataille, who in his work Eroticism identifies a strong dilemma in humanity in which, on one hand, we want to fight for our individuality yet, at the same time, have a strong desire to be united with what he calls 'everything that is'. In this book, Ziegler deals with this topic from many angles - gravitation, vibration, meteorites, fossils, and general aspects of humanity such as tools (from the Stone Age), talismans, spirituality, and consciousness.