A symphony of arts and crafts: the BEL Prizes 2024
By Tania Shortt
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From 29 November to 1 December, Autoworld Brussels was transformed into a captivating hub of innovation and artistic expression, hosting the prestigious BEL Prizes 2024. This year's theme, expertise meets art, resonated throughout the exhibition, highlighting the harmonious collaboration between Brussels experts and creative professionals.
A creative melting pot
BEL Prizes 2024
The BEL 2024 Awards celebrated the meeting of exceptional expertise and artistic creativity. The event brought together a range of talented individuals, including ceramists, painters, sculptors, visual artists….
Their collaborative efforts resulted in a spellbinding exhibition of works that blurred the lines between art and technique.
The Wittmann bracelet: a masterpiece in itself
De Wittmann-armband
A particularly striking collaboration took place between Arnaud Wittmann of Maison De Greef and his brother, Philip Wittmann, a renowned painter.
Together, they embarked on a creative journey that resulted in the creation of a breathtaking rose gold bracelet. This exquisite piece, which heralds a new collection to be unveiled in 2025, showcased the brothers’ unique blend of artistic vision and craftsmanship.
Arnaud, a master jeweller, meticulously sculpted the gold using a variety of techniques, imbuing the bracelet with a sense of depth and texture. Philip’s penchant for bold strokes has imbued the design with his signature artistry. The result is a captivating play of light and shadow, where the smooth curves of the gold are punctuated by the sparkling brilliance of the diamonds.
The real pièce de résistance of the bracelet, however, is its motif. Inspired by the intricate signs found in Philip’s paintings, Arnaud has incorporated these elements into the design, transforming them into elegant, evocative details.
Each sign, each line, whispers stories from the artist’s imagination, adding a layer of artistic depth to the already stunning piece.
Arnaud and Philip Wittmann’s collaboration is a testament to the power of family ties and shared creativity. Their ability to harmoniously blend their distinct artistic sensibilities resulted in a truly remarkable piece of jewellery that pushed the boundaries of traditional design.
A promising future for Brussels craftsmanship
Brussels craftsmanship
The BEL Prizes 2024 offered visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Brussels craftsmanship.
The exhibition highlighted the city's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to fostering innovation and creativity. By highlighting the collaborative efforts of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, the event underlined the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in stimulating artistic and technical advances.
As the curtains came down on the BEL Prizes 2024, the impact of this extraordinary event lives on. The collaborations forged, the ideas exchanged, and the inspiration ignited will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of Brussels' creative landscape. The legacy of the event will be felt for years to come, inspiring future generations of artists and craftspeople to push the boundaries of their craft and create works that will amaze and inspire.