Sebastian Menschhorn – Text and Form
Texts worn on the body are one of Sebastian Menschhorn’s passions. The motivations are varied and complex, and the transitions are fluid. Are they mottos like those once found on the coats of arms of Renaissance princes? Are they slogans, statements, insights? Messages to the world around us? Or rather self-affirmations – mottos to be seen and kept in mind every day so that they can be lived up to. And help keep away the distractions along life’s path.
The artist, born in Vienna in 1971, works comprehensively and without boundaries: graphic design, furniture, works of art, and everyday objects are part of his repertoire. Since 2010, Sebastian Menschhorn has regularly designed distinctive and meaningful pieces of jewellery for Maison Köchert, including Bible rings and Bible bracelets adorned with quotations from the Song of Songs or the Book of Wisdom. Menschhorn found the texts for his rings and bangles in the Bible, which he considers to be – besides the writings of Greek mythology – the most important and defining work of our cultural sphere; the fundamental book of our culture. The haptics, materiality and tactile quality of the high relief lend even more meaning and power to the words and sentences.
His ribbon and bow collection, created for Maison Köchert’s 200th anniversary, not only reflects the infinity of feelings, but also pays homage to the bow motif that recurs in many historical pieces of the house. Menschhorn’s current work – such as his expressive lightning bolt earrings – marries the round and the angular in forms and stones.
And there is Love, a bracelet made of white and grey diamonds and rectangular rubies of particularly precious quality. This masterwork of goldsmithery is as much a statement as it is a stunning jewellery piece. So distinctive. So sparkling. So subtly powerful.
Sebastian Menschhorn studied at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna under Paolo Piva and Toshiyuki Kita. He lives and works in the Austrian capital, collaborating with outstanding icons of Austrian design and brand history. With his profound knowledge of art and literary history, he creates a perfect fusion of modernity and timelessness.