In February 2025, the prestigious INHORGENTA jewelry exhibition in Germany will host the debut of a unique performance created in collaboration between jeweler Jurga Gusarovienė and performance artist Monika Dirsytė.
The piece, titled “I Wear Precious Diamonds and Am Trapped in an Iron Box,” will take place at the JurGus Jewellery stand, inviting visitors to explore the concept of luxury from a fresh perspective.
During the performance, Monika Dirsytė will stand in darkness for an entire day, bearing a 20-kilogram iron box on her shoulders. Through a small peephole, visitors can see her wearing beautiful jewelry with sparkling diamonds.
This performance symbolizes the dual nature of luxury: while diamonds shine brightly in the darkness, their brilliance contrasts sharply with the weight and isolation of the iron box. Through this, the artists aim to provoke a question: What lies at the heart of luxury – light or suffering?
Art often emerges from struggle, and Monika embodies this idea by standing in darkness, burdened by the heavy box throughout the day. The sparkling diamonds evoke mixed emotions: on one hand, they symbolize love and purity; on the other, they carry the hidden stories of human toil and pain.
About the Creators:
Jurga Gusarovienė is a jeweler known for her refined artistry, pursuit of individuality, and timeless designs. At her gallery, JurGus Jewellery, she crafts one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces that blend unique stories with the finest gemstones. Jurga believes that luxury lies not only in beauty but also in creating value that lasts for generations.
Monika Dirsytė is one of Lithuania’s most prominent performance artists, actively creating for over a decade. She is celebrated for her ability to express profound existential questions through body, movement, and installation. Monika’s works, exhibited in Lithuania and internationally, explore themes of transience, suffering, and emotional connection. Among her most notable achievements is the performance “Sanctity” at the Venice Architecture Biennale, where she received significant international acclaim. Her art has also been featured at prestigious venues, including the Tate Modern in London and Berlin Art Week.
