The Museum of Applied Arts Cologne (MAKK) in Germany is presenting an exhibition titled “From Louise Bourgeois to Yoko Ono: Jewellery by Female Artists,” featuring 101 pieces of jewelry created by 45 female artists. The show, which opened November 11 and runs through April 26, highlights works by well-known figures such as Yoko Ono and Louise Bourgeois, including Ono's yellow and white gold ring shaped like a vinyl disc inscribed with “Imagine Peace” and Bourgeois’ gold spider brooch and silver shackle neckpiece. The exhibition was curated by Lena Hoppe in collaboration with museum director Petra Hesse, and an accompanying book edited by the curators will be published by Arnoldsche Art Publishers in February 2026.
This exhibition matters because it shifts focus from jewelry as mere adornment to a serious artistic medium, showcasing how major contemporary female artists have used jewelry to express personal and political themes. By centering on women artists, the show addresses historical gender imbalances in both the art world and the craft of jewelry-making, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of fine art and wearable objects. The inclusion of iconic figures like Bourgeois and Ono helps draw broader public attention to the often-overlooked contributions of female artists to this specialized field.