kristina Lugonja

I care a lot

Croatia, 2010

Materials:

black onyx, body glue

Dimension in cm:

1,3 x 0,8 x 0,5

Artist Statement:

The starting point of this project was global

significance of crude oil reserves in Middle

East and its effect on the overall situation in

that region. Although connected with the

well known slogan “No blood for oil” the

concept goes a bit further and has a more

personal approach. Wearing jewelry is

considered as an expression of

the wearer’s attitude and his decision to

make a difference. It is a showcase of our

opinions and as such demonstrates our will

to change and help. The act of putting

jewelry gives the wearer sort of an

obligation to take action. This decision to

help is inspired by the most intimate way of

helping others: donation of blood.

Donation is very delicate and personal

since it literally means giving part of your

body. In this context, the idea is to cause a

more intimate reaction to the slogan “No

blood for oil” whereas “blood” implies to the

blood of the jewelry wearer. The user is put

in the position of all the people who

suffered due to global pursuit of oil. The

object is to be worn on the spot where the

blood is usually drawn out of the donator’s

vein to remind the wearer of the given

promise. The choice of this spot signifies

that it isn’t merely an ornament to be

shown others, but a private reminder and

testimony of our beliefs. The shape of it

resembles a drop of blood when skin’s

being punctured, but in the color of crude

oil; black. Occasional touching of this

sensitive place on wearer’s body (caused by

this object) ensures that our decision to

make the world a better place won’t be

forgotten.

Do you have a personal (or other)

connection to the exhibition’s theme?

Interest in relationship between western

and eastern cultures since Croatia (my

homeland) is on the crossroads of Western

Europe and Balkan.

What were the main reasons for choosing

the materials, shapes or technique in your

work?

According to the choice of an unusual place

and way of wearing the jewelry, the object

is designed as a self-adhesive body

ornament. The idea was to make an object

which communicates with its wearer rather

than outside observers. It is small, descrete,

almost a ticklish every-day reminder. The

object comes within a card with an

explanation of the work and an empty line

to be filled by the user. Every person can

make a decision to help and change on his/

her own way.

What kind of feeling you wish the viewers

will get from your work?

Feelings of obligation, commitment and

empathy.

Personal information:

Top 3 materials:

ceramics, glass, wood

If I wasn’t an artist what profession would I

choose?

Professional cook