The printing of motifs in thin metal sheets has a long tradition – antique bust decoration stitched onto clothing, for instance, or the silver exvotos which are given in gratitude for a recovery and cover entire walls in places of pilgrimage. Every day for one year Henriette Schuster made a medallion with an appropriate motif for that particular day. A focused, almost meditative form of handiwork. Often the depictions also refer to domestic activities in which time and effort play a role. The collection of identical medallions form a kind of ‘sketchbook’ – a compilation of memoranda which evoke personal associations and memories for the viewer. In this way they are given new meaning again and as a trinket or piece of jewellery are good companions.

Paul Derrez

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