“Art is not a study of positive reality
it is seeking for ideal truth.”
— John Ruskin
As a silversmith working in the 21st century, Shinta Nakajima seeks to confront the question: ‘Why do we decorate?’
Ornamentation is one of the ways of expressing the truth of the world for the craftsmen. We sympathise with the organic and inorganic, through a language of making.
However, through centuries of application this ancient figurative ornamentation has been diluted of its mysterious power.
As Carl Jung said, “The symbol is alive only so long as it is pregnant with meaning”: the old truth has been formulated, pressed into partial decoration with curves and details that differ from its original nature. I intend to reinterpret and revive the historical significance and forgotten truths of humanity, now buried beneath the layers of time.
Shinta Nakajima is an award-winning Japanese silversmith based in Sheffield, where he honours the heritage of the metal industry through his meticulous craft.
With a deep respect for the historical decorations of silversmithing, Shinta utilises traditional hammering techniques to breathe life again into the “semiotic significance”, infusing them with the original nature of impermanence and imperfections.
His work reflects a unique blend of Japanese and British cultural influences, showcasing a mastery of skill and a profound dedication to exploring the art of silversmithing.
Japanese craftsmanship, Based in Sheffield.
