WE LOOK FOR WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR MEMBERS

LEO CABALLERO, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KLIMT02, ON THE POSITIVE CHANGES COVID-19 ENFORCES ON GALLERY SERVICES AND QUALITY

KLIMT02 office in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: KLIMT02

CZ: Contemporary jewelry lives from creativity and innovation. How has the coronavirus pandemic changed jewelers' works? Is there any specific characteristic you observe regarding the current concepts and themes?

LC: Creativity always reflects the current time and events the artists/society are involved in. Social, political, economic issues. But aside from some specific works and projects directly related to corona, we do not think it made a remarkable change in the artists' own creative languages. We did not see it very much in the fine arts, architecture, or crafts. It probably affected the way of working, especially during lockdowns when artists could not get to the workshops or students to schools so they had to look for more creative ways of making. The impact has been stronger in the way we consume jewelry with many galleries closed, exhibitions, meetings and fairs postponed or cancelled.

CZ: How does the pandemic affect your work as a worldwide communication platform?

LC: We are used to working from different places, when traveling, on holidays. We found ways to meet and decide or discuss daily questions and analyze the situation, It was more limited but it worked out.
We also looked for ways to support members and readers with new initiatives, such the Jewels On Sale, and give free access to students of the school members, as well as to general readers.


Leo Caballero in his office. Photo: KLIMT02 CZ: What should jewelry artists and galleries do in a situation like this to sustain and stimulate demand for jewelry art?

LC: This is a good question. Same as for other markets, we think we have to give more exposure to online sales. Clients cannot go to galleries, but galleries can go where the client is and offer their products, give a good and fast shipping service, returning works policies, after-sales service.
Jewelers have to trust their galleries - selling is not easy - provide high quality works, photographs, and anything the gallery needs to present their collections to clients in the best way. The response to orders should be fast and professional.

CZ: Klimt02 has recently introduced objects and textile art in its repertoire. What other plans you have to broaden the scope of your readers' interests?

LC: More and more, everything is related. We realize that a good work is a good work, no matter the format or discipline. If it is good, we have to show it.
We are open to silversmithing, blacksmithing, objects…disciplines growing in interest. There is a high creative level we must share.