Retrospective exhibition of works by artist Paloma Sanchez was held at the Embassy of Spain in Beijing - June 2024
A retrospective exhibition of works by artist Paloma Sanchez was held at the Embassy of Spain in Beijing
On June 19th, a retrospective exhibition of artist Paloma Sanchez's works was held at the Spanish Embassy in China. The exhibition, titled "20 Years of Spanish Goldsmith in China: From Beijing to the Florence Biennale", highlights the excellence of Spanish goldsmith in China through the 20-year career in this country of Spanish GIA ( Gemological Institute of America) graduate gemologist and art jewelry designer Paloma Sanchez, and the cultural bridge she has built between Spain and China through her creations, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Spanish Goldsmith in China.
Paloma Sanchez is GIA (Gemological Institute of America) gemologist and designer. As an expert gemologist, she seeks quality specimens and exquisite stones worldwide, traveling directly to gem mines in producing countries. As a designer of "Wearable Art", she regularly collaborates with renowned Chinese master goldsmiths. She founded her brand, Paloma Sanchez, The Art of Jewelry, in December 2008 in Beijing, China. Following the opening of the first gallery in Beijing, the brand settled in Paris and Dubai. She is also a globally recognized gemstone investment advisor with 30 years of experience in the field.
This retrospective includes representative pieces from her collections over the years, as well as internationally award-winning pieces, especially emphasizing those with a marked Chinese cultural influence or created in collaboration with prominent Chinese goldsmiths. The exhibition shows the essence of the designer's art, rooted in nature, and her divided love between her European origins and her host country, China, and her philosophy, deeply engaged in climate challenges.
Paloma Sanchez crafts her designs with a graceful dialogue among gemstones, gold, and silver, under a tapestry of hues drawn from deep Iberian roots. This is seamlessly interwoven with the allure of the East, the storied heritage of Tibet, the refined colors of the Qing dynasty, the philosophical depth of the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, and the melodious strains of Kunqu Opera. The spirituality that emanates from her design goes beyond mere decoration or object, transforming each piece into a talisman with identity.
Following the Ambassador's wish to honor the host country, China, Paloma Sanchez conceived and created a cultural performance that was staged during the exhibition, which intertwines Kunqu and Don Quixote, both national treasures and universal cultural heritages. Such a fusion demonstrates how diverse cultural identities can complement and enrich each other, offering a broader appreciation of the beauty and complexity of both cultures.
This exhibition is not only a retrospective of her creative journey but also a grand celebration of cultural exchange between China and Spain, offering new inspiration and momentum for future artistic collaborations.
During the presentation, H.E. Marta Betanzos, the Ambassador of Spain to China, emphasized, "These 20 years of Spanish goldsmithing in China are not a matter of chance." "They are the result of Spain having many great artists. Within our diverse and richly varied artistic world, goldsmithing may be the least known." "Here, we witness an art that is the product of an intriguing fusion between East and West, interpreted through the unique vision of Paloma Sanchez."
The exhibition has received widespread acclaim from ambassadors, diplomats, executives of Chinese and international multinational companies and leaders of GAC (Gems and Jewelry Association of China), among others. It also attracted significant attention from both Chinese and international media.
Guests from other countries (UK, New Zealand), from HK and many other cities in China, all long-time admirers and collectors of Paloma’s creations, came to Beijing solely to attend the exhibition.