HEBE ARGENTIERI, Argentina
Cyprinus carpio, common carp
I find inspiration in the wetlands of my homeland, depleted by unsustainable agricultural practices and the abuse of pesticides. The shores of lakes and rivers, suffering from drought and pollution, are littered with thousands of dead fish. During my walks, I collected carp bones from these piles. After thorough cleaning and processing, I assembled the bones using the lost wax and resin technique. I created wax inserts for each bone, later cast in bronze, then assembled and reinforced with layers of resin for added strength. The resulting pieces reveal beautiful textures and organic forms – reminders of what is at stake. Cyprinus carpio, the common carp, has followed a path closely intertwined with humanity. It once conquered the world alongside us. Carp and humans originated in Asia and have spread globally. Unless drastic changes occur, both species now appear to be on a shared path to extinction.
Material: carp bones, bronze, steel
Technique: lost wax, construction, mixed techniques
She is a contemporary jewelry designer based in Junín, Argentina. Her work explores the relationship with her territory through a feminist perspective, addressing issues of identity, belonging,
and the intimate bonds between the body and landscape. Materials are at the heart of her work. Using transformation processes, she seeks to reveal hidden stories woven into matter; using elements such as bone, metal, and organic remains, she creates narratives that speak to the social and environmental issues that shape our lives. Her exploration of materials is driven by a deep ecological awareness and a commitment to developing bio-based and sustainable alternatives. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums both domestically and internationally. Since 2015, she has taught jewelry making at her own studio in Junín.
Website: hebeargentieri.com.ar/
Instagram: @hebeargentieri
