The short film Studio Visit with Dana Hakim Bercovich is available to watch at the top of the page.
Dana Hakim Bercovich, a conceptual jewelry artist known for her engaging exploration of social and cultural issues, transforms unconventional raw materials into thought-provoking designs. Completing her master’s degree at the esteemed Konstfack Art Academy in Stockholm, Hakim Bercovich honed her experimental approach, utilizing ready-made materials in novel combinations for her jewelry pieces.
In her Master’s project, Hakim Bercovich introduced her contemporary amulet collection, My Four Guardian Angels. The collection is a reaction to contemporary fears, ingeniously employing readymade materials that evoke a sense of protection while incorporating the aesthetics of North African amulets. One can see work gloves and loudspeaker mesh representing the protective hamsa/hand, while security cameras articulate the notion of the omnipresent, all-seeing evil eye. The use of unconventional materials, such as sawn silver Christmas baubles and artificial black rubber grapes, serves to reinforce thematic coherence.
In her subsequent collection, Crafted Fear, Hakim Bercovich continues her engagement with the amulet motif, shifting her focus to pieces that signify danger and offer visual warnings. Adorned in the cautionary colors of yellow and black, reminiscent of bees, wasps, and radioactive symbols, this collection marks a pivotal evolution in Hakim Bercovich’s work, emphasizing a more graphic aesthetic.
The artist’s exploration of the ancient tradition of amulets highlights a contemporary necessity to protect ourselves from various societal fears. In the accompanying video, Hakim Bercovich provides insights into her creative journey, describing her intricate process of crafting jewelry objects. It’s a potent testament to the transformative power of art and a reflection of how historical motifs can be harnessed to communicate present-day anxieties.
The featured video Studio Visit with Dana Hakim Bercovich is part of the web series Yotsrim by Shachaf Dekel. Yotsrim includes five seasons and 73 episodes. The series won the Best Documentary award at the NYC Web Fest in 2019.
