Women's hidden role lights up in metal

By Victoria Gail-White
Advertiser Art Critic

"My Planet" series; rings of 18-karat yellow and white gold, agate, diamond. By Junko Nagai, Japan Photographs by Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

"Remembering Giza" box; sterling silver, copper, turquoise scarabs. By Frances Pickens

"Weaving Phoenix" hairpin: sterling silver, ruby, diamonds. By Philine Young, Taiwan

'Hidden Passions: Metalwork by Women Artists from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hawai'i' Through March 28 East-West Center Gallery, John A. Burns Hall 944-7111

In an unprecedented exhibit, "Hidden Passions: Metalwork by Women Artists," the East-West Center Gallery has installed the work of 81 female artists from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hawai'i.

Theatrically lit, oversized cases of clear plastic and glass house the jaw-dropping pieces that traveled here for the 2003 Centennial celebration of Korean immigration.

Humans have been fascinated by metal since the Bronze Age, which began in Mesopotamia around 3500 B.C. Craft workers discovered that gold could be poured into thin sheets and shaped after being heated by fire.

Jewelry, which emerged from the discovery, has been worn to symbolize wealth and status, for good luck, religious purposes and to prevent sickness.

In China, metalwork surfaced with tools and weapons during the Shang dynasty (1766-1045 B.C.). The use of metals in jewelry flourished during the Song dynasty (960-1279 A.D.), as the Chinese preferred silver and used jade, feathers and enamel in their decorations.

Today, these artists illustrate the seemingly endless possibilities of working in metal, which has long-lasting, priceless results (as archaeological digs will attest).

In a spellbinding journey from case to case in this exhibit, light plays off the silver and gold, reflective and matte finishes, set stones, pearls and found objects in the small metal sculptural forms and jewelry. It is no wonder that metal, the basis of many monetary systems, holds our attention.

Combinations in silver, gold, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and copper are set with familiar materials (diamonds, jadeite, green tourmaline, lapis lazuli, pearl, abalone shell, amber, quartz and agate) as well as unusual materials such as glass hunks, holographic paper, stacked paper circles, fish line and hemp cloth, enhancing the drama of this theater. Our eyes are dazzled by the rings, collars, brooches, necklaces, bracelets, hair pins, incense burners, perfume bottles, teapots, salt and pepper shakers, shawl, chalices, vessels and other objects.

The "hidden" role that women have had in society (a play on words in the title of the show) is belied by the strength of technical approaches, cultural references and aesthetic sensibilities in the work of their hands. The traditionally male-dominated art of metallurgy gets a fresh and powerful feminine voice.

Komelia Hongja Okim is the international coordinator for the project. Frances Pickens organized the nine artists from Hawai'i: Carole Bowan, Brenda May Ching, Nancy Montgomery, Hiroko Pijanowski, Frances Pickens, Carol Sakihara, Donna Shimazu, Candice Wakumoto and Cynthia Wiig.

Some of the treasures are for sale.

School tours can be arranged by calling outreach coordinator Pattie Dunn at 944-7584. Parking is free on Sundays.