Lecture

Ruth Schneider (research associate at the Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus, Hanau): When does jewelry have power? Between non-verbal potentials and the restrictive dominance of decorative practices

As a non-verbal communication medium, jewelry not only reflects individuality, but also society and group affiliation. When jewelry is worn, it forms a bridge between the supposedly private and public spheres. Despite the intense emotional connections that can be made with jewelry, it is often dismissed as a decorative accessory and is subject to reductions. The lecture will take a look at how jewelry can break with its reductions, queer and expand narratives. Jewelry can be protest, jewelry can have power, move masses and preserve stories.

Ruth Schneider (*1992) works as a research assistant at the Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus Hanau and is co-host of the podcast Glanz&Kante. Ruth Schneider researches the narration and visuality of jewelry, body-related objects and adornment. Most recently, Ruth Schneider's essay Bling. Kaum Glitzer was published in the anthology Schmucken by Logos Verlag Berlin.