Jewellery designed by Ute Eitzenhöfer is intrinsically complex and contradictory. Her designs range from playful, sensual, reassuring, to dark, angry, provocative and brutal. Intrinsic beauty and its value to society is a recurring theme of her work. The jewellery she creates is autonomous, it makes a statement; created not for an abstract display case, these are strong artefacts that become complete, that find some meaning, only when worn on the body. The narrative Eitzenhöfer strives for is one of social criticism, her designs are perceived as opulent yet reflect certain images or concepts inherent in the modern world. She has consistently challenged and explored the themes of freedom, time, sensuality and superficiality in her work. This volume is a collection of designs that range from her earlier creative work to the last ten years; thought-provoking, imaginative and often extreme, this is jewellery as a social statement, rather than an accessory.

Text in English and German.