Tong Wu, an artist dedicated to pure forms and conceptual jewelry, joined AUTOR for the very first time at its 22nd edition — and his debut proved to be a lucky one. The Romanian audience, passionate about contemporary jewelry, instantly fell in love with his minimalist, geometric pieces, many of which were acquired within the first hours of the fair. We hope to welcome him back in future editions, with new collections that will continue to inspire and captivate.
1. How did your journey into the world of contemporary jewelry begin, and what drew you to this form of artistic expression?
My journey began with a passion for drawing and creative expression from a very young age. During my undergraduate studies in China, I experimented with various forms of conceptual and performance art, but it was jewelry that ultimately captivated me. I became fascinated by its unique balance — intimate in scale, yet capable of carrying profound conceptual narratives. Later, studying at the Royal College of Art in London deepened my understanding of contemporary jewelry as a medium that transcends decoration and engages in pure artistic dialogue.
2. How would you describe your personal style in jewelry design, and what are your preferred materials or techniques?
My design language is rooted in geometric clarity and minimalist aesthetics. I focus on pure form, detaching my work from figurative or narrative references to emphasize proportion, balance, and spatial relationships. Silver is my primary material because its neutrality complements my pursuit of quiet, refined visual impact. I rely on advanced 3D modeling and casting techniques, which allow me to push the boundaries of form while maintaining precision and control in every piece.
3. Is there a recurring theme or narrative thread that connects your collections so far?
A central theme throughout my collections is the exploration of form itself. My works consistently examine how shapes and volumes interact in space, often with minimal or no external narrative. The focus remains on composition, material quality, and the subtle emotional tension created by form and void. Recently, I have begun to explore more humanistic and process-driven themes in my studio practice, but the collection I am presenting at AUTOR 2025 continues to reflect my original focus on geometric purity and formal aesthetics.
4. What is the story behind the latest collection you’re bringing to AUTOR 2025?
The pieces selected for AUTOR 2025 represent my ongoing exploration of the potential of pure geometric forms in jewelry. Each work distills shape, line, and surface into their most essential expressions, aiming to create a silent yet powerful presence. Through careful balance and precise craftsmanship, the collection invites viewers to experience the quiet poetry of structure and form — without the need for overt narrative.
5. What does being selected for an international event like AUTOR mean to you, and how do you relate to the contemporary jewelry scene in Eastern Europe?
It is a great honor to participate in AUTOR, which I regard as a significant international platform for contemporary jewelry. Being selected allows me to engage with a global audience and connect with a community that values thoughtful, conceptual approaches to jewelry. I have always admired the Eastern European scene for its intellectual rigor and poetic sensibility, which resonate deeply with my own pursuit of minimalism and purity in design.
6. How does your culture, personal background, or geographical context influence your creations?
My creative perspective has been shaped by a diverse range of experiences — from my upbringing in northwestern China, to my academic training in London, to my current studio practice in a Chinese jewelry district. These contrasting environments inform my sensitivity to materiality, process, and form. While my works strive for a universal visual language, they inevitably reflect my personal journey through spaces of industry, craft, and artistic reflection.
7. What do you hope the audience feels or understands when they engage with your work?
I hope viewers experience a moment of quiet contemplation and curiosity. Rather than conveying explicit narratives, my works invite personal interpretation through their formal simplicity. Ideally, they will sense the underlying harmony, tension, and purity in the way forms are arranged — and perhaps connect with the subtle presence that emerges from silence and restraint.
8. Have there been any key moments in your career that significantly shifted your artistic direction?
Yes. A particularly important moment came when I returned to China and began working closely with jewelry factories. This direct exposure to the realities of production inspired me to reflect more deeply on the hidden aspects of making. While this shift is not yet fully reflected in the works I am bringing to AUTOR 2025, it has greatly influenced my recent studio practice and will likely shape future collections, which will explore the intersection of pure form and process-driven narratives.
9. How do you see contemporary jewelry evolving in today’s context, and what role do sustainability or innovation play in your work?
Contemporary jewelry today is becoming increasingly idea-driven and interdisciplinary. In my own practice, sustainability is reflected in the pursuit of timeless design — creating works that resist trends and focus on enduring visual and material quality. Innovation is equally important: I integrate digital tools such as 3D modeling and casting to achieve complex forms efficiently, minimize waste, and open new possibilities for creative expression.
10. What’s next for you after AUTOR 2025? Are there any new projects, exhibitions, or collaborations on the horizon?
Looking ahead, I plan to further develop works that integrate my reflections on process and material origins, while continuing to refine my geometric language. I am also preparing for upcoming international exhibitions that will expand my presence in Europe. Additionally, I remain open to collaborations with artists and brands who share my values of minimalism, conceptual design, and exceptional craftsmanship.
