RAJESH GOGNA

Established since 1998, Rajesh is an award-winning Metalwork Artist & Academic working in Design Craft and Contemporary Silver based in Leicestershire. He is the fourth generation of Goldsmith/ Silversmith in his family who creates One- Off pieces of functional and sculptural collectable art objects.

 

Over the past two decades, Rajesh has developed an international reputation for his contemporary metalwork and has exhibited across the globe in the USA, Beijing- China, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands and Germany. His work is in a number of museums and private collections to include Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, National Museum of Wales, Harborough Museum and The Kamm Teapot foundation in North Carolina. Rajesh became a freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company in 2013 and he continues to contribute towards the furtherance of innovative design and critical thinking in contemporary silversmithing through his practice and academic research role at De Montfort University in Leicester.

He also supports the growth and maintenance of the craft sector by offering his expert knowledge through his voluntary role as judging panellist for Goldsmiths’ Fair and past committee member and Chairman of the Association of Contemporary British Silversmiths (CBS), the leading association for Contemporary Silver in the UK

Thematic Enquiry- Over the past 25 years he has drawn inspiration from both his Indian and British influences with a keen interest in historical and functional silverware, in particular the ‘Teapot’ which is steeped in traditional and cultural values for people and communities of all backgrounds.

Tea drinking is a social custom that often, and across many cultures, carries themes of ritual. For many, the teapot sits at the forefront of the ‘ceremony’. For Rajesh, the teapot is a symbol of togetherness and friendship, of telling stories and sharing confidences.

The Golden moment is one of a limited-edition series of sculptural artefacts that symbolises the importance of taking precious time out to be with loved ones, breaking through sensitive boundaries and capturing memories.

Here it also serves as a metaphor for a special moment being captured through the infusion of familiar and nostalgic conversations between form and function with a juxtaposition of creating something entirely refreshing and timeless.

Other research themes such as, ‘Innovative Infusions’; ‘Stealth Luxury’; ‘Unzipped Metal’ andFrom the Table to the Wall’ Architectural Jewellery are seen explored in his practice and sit at the cutting edge of creativity, craftsmanship and aesthetic culture all visually stunning and conceptually rich hand-crafted artefacts.

Website: https://www.rajeshgognasilver.co.uk

Email: rajeshgognasilver@hotmail.co.uk

Instagram: @rajeshgognasilver