I, OBJECT by Stella Chrysostomou — A Mention

A few years ago, I did a piece of concentrated post-grad study through the art school at Otago Polytechnic. An idea had been pestering me for several years, and I needed a focus to make it over the hump from rattling about in my mind to becoming something actual in the world. I’m usually project-driven when it comes to my art practice, but sometimes an outside structure (deadlines, unexpected conversations, an introduction to whole new bunch of thinkers and artists) is just what you need. Anyway, the study — a great mix of practical experimentation and theory, reading and writing — was perfect for this idea and I finally got it out of my system (mostly). The exciting thing, apart from the study itself (yes, I would do more if time and money weren’t barriers), was what followed: an exhibition and an accompanying book. I never intended to write a book, let alone a book of short stories. That was 2023. The book sold out (admittedly a small printrun) and we reprinted. Now there are just a handful left. So, if you are curious about these stories, interested in jewellery (or objects in general) and our relationship with it (bodily and psychologically), you might like one of the final copies. And it’s also nicely produced, has diagrams and an index, and, although I never intended it, it is surprisingly funny.
(PS: I think there is another book brewing…)