Agapurni: How fragile nature is associated to fragile glass.
INTERVIEW by Alberto Chiurato Ranzi
“At Agapurni, we find inspiration in the organic evolution of materials, particularly glass, when subjected to external forces. The outcomes mirror forms found in nature, resonating with an inherent appeal and ease of recognition.”
AGAPURNI will be exhibiting at Milano Fashion&Jewels
18-21 February 2024
A dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, design and manufacturing with the ultimate accuracy. Milano Fashion&Jewels explores a cultural challenge, is sustainability an utopian fantasy or a possibility?
Good morning, Patricia and Andrés. Can you share how your professional journey began and the genesis of Agapurni?
Music brought us together initially, a chance encounter at a rock concert that led to repeated meetings. Patricia, with a background in tourism, had been an export salesman for glass mosaic swimming pools. Andrés, an interior architecture graduate, had been crafting jewelry using aluminum since 2009. In 2020, Patricia joined forces with Andrés to establish Agapurni. The name, derived from “Agapornis” (Lovebirds), reflects the collaboration of life partners with a shared passion. The transition from aluminum to brass, and eventually the incorporation of glass, unfolded, culminating in glass becoming the focal point of their designs by mid-2022.
You’re self-taught, yet you’ve been designing jewelry since 2009. What led you to delve into the art of jewelry-making, and how do you distinguish your creations as wearable art?
Andrés, originally trained as an interior designer, embraced jewelry-making in response to the 2008 crisis, finding a niche that allowed him complete control over the creative process. Viewing their pieces as wearable art rather than conventional jewelry, Agapurni believes in creating objects of inherent beauty worthy of being displayed as sculptures. The human dimension of their designs places these artworks on the neck, ears, or fingers, with necklaces being particularly favored for their creative freedom.
Your designs exude simplicity, elegance, and a minimalist touch. How would you define the overarching style of Agapurni’s creations?
“Nature.” Agapurni draws inspiration from the inherent shapes that materials, especially glass, assume when subjected to external forces. The resulting forms mirror those found in nature, captivating the mind with their organic and recognizable appeal.
Agapurni offers a range of jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and rings. Do you have a favorite creation among them, and could you share the narrative behind it, from concept to completion?
The primary aim is to design objects of intrinsic beauty that stand alone as sculptures. Choosing dimensions that align with the human form, Agapurni positions these creations on the neck, ears, or fingers. Necklaces are favored for their size, allowing for more expansive artistic exploration and fewer constraints on dimensions.
You describe Agapurni’s jewelry as wearable sculptures, entirely handcrafted and incorporating Murano glass. How does your commitment to craftsmanship contribute to the creative process?
Recognizing glass crafting as an art demanding skill and knowledge, Agapurni values the centuries-old tradition of transforming raw glass into exquisite works of art. Craftsmanship plays a pivotal role in their commitment to creating unique pieces that showcase the versatility of glass alongside other materials.
Could you provide insights into the intricate process of creating a jewelry piece? What skills have you developed over the years?
Starting with melting glass into a spherical bubble, Agapurni then employs various techniques such as stretching, crushing, or sinking to manipulate the glass. Once cooled, the pieces are assembled to ensure the design remains neutral, allowing the glass to take center stage.
In what situations do you believe your creations are best suited to be worn?
Agapurni’s creations are versatile and suitable for any time of the day, with the exception of the gymnasium, for obvious reasons.
What future projects do you have in mind, and where do you see Agapurni heading?
Future projects involve continued exploration of the design possibilities offered by glass, with a focus on establishing Agapurni as a prominent name in the world of glass jewelry. The goal is to bring their unique concepts, designs, and glass creations to a broader audience.