Experience an exhibition of 3D-printed contemporary jewellery

by Hesti Wade

The Viewing Room Art Gallery in Brooklyn, Pretoria is proud to present Hardware/Softwear, an innovative exhibition showcasing contemporary jewellery crafted through cutting-edge 3D printing techniques. Featuring the work of Hesti Wade, part-time lecturer at the Department of Fine and Studio Arts, Faculty of Arts and Design, this collection explores the intersection of digital design and physical craftsmanship.

Hardware/Softwear is a compelling collection of contemporary jewellery utilising Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) nylon 3D printing. The title reflects objects created through digital design that are made tangible and real via 3D printing, highlighting the transformation from virtual concepts to physical artefacts. The play on words between 'ware' and 'wear' emphasises the dual nature of jewellery as both a sellable commodity and a personal adornment.

This collection explores themes of materiality and corporeality, presenting hard objects that move as though soft and shapes that appear delicate but are structurally stiff due to their 3D printed nature. Inspired by the aesthetic qualities of organic materials such as rocks and coral, as well as the soft textures of needlecraft, knitwork, draped fabric and lace, Wade’s work pushes the boundaries of digital aesthetic and traditional craftsmanship. Moving away from explicit references to nature and craft, the pieces embrace the versatility of Additive Manufacturing (AM) as a tool in contemporary jewellery design.

This exhibition is part of Wade’s Master’s research, titled Strategies for Authentic Contemporary Jewellery Production with AM Technology: An Exploration through Practice. Her study investigates how AM’s capacity for reproducing objects, automating processes and replacing traditional hand skills influence modern jewellery practice. It also examines how emerging AM technologies align with the core values of contemporary jewellery.

Wade brings over fifteen years of experience in the fine jewellery industry, with a background spanning retail and workshop environments. She combines AM with traditional handcrafting techniques and also shares her expertise as a part-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology, where she teaches jewellery techniques and Work-Integrated Learning modules. Her work aims to prepare students for an increasingly modernised and technologically driven jewellery industry.

EXHIBITION DETAILSDATES: 5 – 29 July 2025OPENING RECEPTION: 12 July 2025VENUE: The Viewing Room Art Gallery, St Lorient Building, Ground Floor, 492 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn Circle, Pretoria

GALLERY HOURS:Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 – 15:00Wednesday: ClosedThursday: 10:00 – 15:00Friday: 10:00 – 15:00Saturday: 9:00 – 14:00Sunday: Closed

For inquiries or further information, please contact: 082 579 4466art@stlorient.co.za https://theviewingroom.co.za/

Hesti Wade

Some of the jewellery pieces by Hesti Wade that will be on exhibition at The Viewing Room Art Gallery in July.