A personal perspective by Olga Iakymovych, Founder & Artist of O’Gem Jewelry
There are certain places where I always feel particularly inspired as an artist.
A good art fair is one of them.
Not simply because of the artworks on display, but because of everything that happens around them: conversations between artists and galleries, encounters with collectors, unexpected introductions, new perspectives and ideas that continue to develop long after you leave.
This August, I had the opportunity to experience exactly that at Knokke Art Fair 2026, held at the iconic Hotel La Réserve in Knokke-Heist, Belgium.
And this particular edition felt especially meaningful.
Knokke Art Fair has a remarkable history.
The fair first opened its doors in 1976 at Hotel La Réserve, and over the following decades developed into one of the longstanding international art events on the Belgian coast. After exactly 50 years, the fair returned to its original home for its 2026 edition — a beautiful way of connecting its heritage with a new chapter. (KNOKKE ART FAIR)
The 2026 edition also marked a renewed focus on modern and contemporary art, bringing together modern masters, post-war icons and contemporary artistic voices within a carefully curated setting. (KNOKKE ART FAIR)
For me, this combination of history and contemporary creativity is particularly interesting.
Art is constantly evolving. Materials change. Boundaries between disciplines become less defined. Sculpture can become wearable. Jewelry can become sculpture. Design can enter the art world.
This is precisely the territory that interests me as an artist.
Walking through Knokke Art Fair as an artist
I visited the fair as a guest of artist Avi Kenan, whose works were presented at the event.
Being invited by an artist to experience a fair from within their world is something I value deeply.
I always enjoy meeting other artists and seeing how they approach materials, form, scale and meaning. Every artist has a different way of looking at the world, and these encounters often challenge my own thinking in the best possible way.
Avi’s work gave me one of those moments.
I was particularly fascinated by the way his sculptural language had been translated into wearable gold pendants — miniature versions of his sculptures that can be worn on the body.
I found this idea incredibly compelling.
It reminded me once again that the relationship between sculpture and jewelry can be much more interesting than the traditional distinction between the two suggests.
Jewelry can be a small sculpture.
A sculpture can become something personal.
And an object created as art can move from the gallery space into someone’s everyday life.
This is very close to the philosophy behind O’Gem.
Why art fairs matter to my practice
As the founder and artist behind O’Gem Jewelry, I don’t visit art fairs simply to look at beautiful objects.
I go there to connect.
To meet artists.
To discover galleries.
To understand what is happening within the contemporary art scene.
To exchange ideas.
And, importantly, to build relationships that can develop into something much bigger over time.
For an independent artist, these relationships matter.
A gallery is not simply a place where an artwork is displayed. It can become a bridge between an artist, collectors, curators and a wider cultural audience.
That is why I consider attending art fairs and exhibitions an important part of my artistic practice and the development of O’Gem.
Every conversation has the potential to open another door.
Sometimes it is a conversation about materials.
Sometimes it is about an artist’s philosophy.
Sometimes it is about a future exhibition.
And sometimes an unexpected conversation becomes the beginning of a collaboration.
O’Gem belongs in the conversation between art and jewelry
O’Gem was created from my desire to approach jewelry differently.
I work with natural gemstones, sculptural forms and handmade ceramic, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that sit somewhere between jewelry, sculpture and collectible design.
For me, a ring is not simply an accessory.
It is an object with presence.
The natural stone is not just a decorative element. Its individuality, colour, texture and geological character become part of the artistic composition.
The ceramic is not simply a material chosen for convenience. It allows me to create forms that would be difficult to achieve through conventional jewelry techniques.
This is why I feel particularly connected to the contemporary art world.
There is a shared curiosity about material, craftsmanship, individuality and the relationship between an object and the person who experiences it.
And increasingly, I see jewelry being recognised not only as fashion, but as a legitimate medium for artistic expression.
The presence of contemporary jewelry at Knokke Art Fair reflects this broader conversation.
From inspiration to collaboration
I have always believed that creativity grows through exchange.
As an artist, I don’t want O’Gem to exist in isolation.
I want it to be part of a wider conversation — with artists, galleries, collectors, designers and people who appreciate objects not only for their beauty, but for the story, craftsmanship and artistic thinking behind them.
Visiting events such as Knokke Art Fair gives me the opportunity to develop these relationships naturally.
And I am particularly grateful when those connections happen through other artists.
Being welcomed into another artist’s world, being introduced to their work and meeting people within their professional circle is something I consider a privilege — and also an important part of building O’Gem’s future within the international art and design landscape.
Perhaps the next chapter will look a little different
Walking through Knokke Art Fair this year, I found myself thinking about the future.
O’Gem has always been moving towards a space where art jewelry is treated as collectible art rather than simply an accessory.
The direction feels increasingly natural.
And perhaps one day I will not be visiting Knokke Art Fair only as a guest.
Perhaps I will be returning with O’Gem.
I like leaving a little space for possibilities.
For now, I am taking home what I value most from this year’s visit: inspiring encounters, new relationships, fresh ideas and a renewed sense of where I want to take my work next.
Because for me, being an artist is not only about creating objects in the studio.
It is also about being present in the world of art.
Meeting people.
Building bridges.
And allowing one idea to lead to another.
Perhaps this is where the next O’Gem chapter begins.
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