Klimt Reinterpretation
Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Eugenia Primavesi" was the inspiration for this project. Through the semiotic analysis of artistic techniques, physical qualities of the portrait, and the research of Gustav Klimt's personal fascination with japanese art and culture, I designed a piece meant for Eugenia herself to wear.
The 925 silver piece features a pattern inspired by traditional japanese kimono patterns that reflected a part of the nature found in japan. The raised pattern found on this pendant is an interpretation of the "Asanoha" motif, also known as the japanese hemp leaf patttern. While traditionally used in wood block prints or fabrics, the pattern featured on the pendant is designed to reflect light in a dazzling way. The pattern's execution here is a nod to Klimt's famed use of patterns and color in his works.
What started as research into patterns used in traditional japanese kimonos, much like what Eugenia is wearing in Klimt's portrait, turned into a sketching session where I could see how these patterns could be isolated into geometrical shapes that could dictate a design philosophy. The Asanoha pattern is comprised of overlapping hexagons, that while looking like a set of incomplete tiles, is actually made of complete hexagons.
Some research on existing use of this pattern in fashion and accessories gave ideas as to how a dazzling surface could be achieved. The 3D was iterated and designed in Rhino 8, printed in castable wax resin, and cast in 925 silver.
