The Artist as Jeweler

Jeff Koons, Rabbit Necklace, 2005-2009, platinum, 3 in pendant / 29 in chain, D. Venet Collection

Something unexpected has happened.  Artists like Jeff Koons and Anish Kapoor, who are renowned for their monumental works, have turned their attention to jewelry, small intricate accessories that I’m sure all of us want to bring home.  Bass Museum of Art’s current exhibition showcases some 200 jewelry pieces by 135 artists.  These wearable artworks belong to collector Diane Venet who became fascinated when her then husband, sculptor Bernar Venet, rolled a thin piece of silver around her finger to form a wedding ring.  Since then, she has acquired jewels made by artists, as well as commissioned pieces by Kader Attia, John Chamberlain, Wim Delvoye, Orlan, and Frank Stella.

While building her collection, she explained, “I’m careful to ask only those artists whom I think will find the request challenging and fun.  It’s important they recognize that the jewel should be seen as an extension of their art-making.”

Nam June Paik, Sense Amplifier – Inhibit Driver, 2012, necklace, mixed metals and plastic, 35 cm x 11.5 cm (with chain); 13.5 x 11.5 cm (pendant), N. Seroussi Collection

Lee Ufan, Untitled, 2012, sterling silver, D. Venet Collection

Salvador Dalí, Cuillére avec montre-peigne (spoon with comb), 1957, brooch, gold, midnight blue enamel, 11.2 x 2.5 cm, D. Venet Collection

The jewelry on display are exceptional and little-known pieces by famous artists such as Max Ernst, Andy Warhol, Georges Braque, Louise Bourgeois, Lucio Fontana, Salvador Dalí, Louise Nevelson, Man Ray, Anthony Caro, and Yoko Ono.  Often conceived for a friend or a loved one, several of these jewelry pieces reveal a surprising tenderness about these well-known artists. These wearable sculptures are presented in three categories – the Early Masters, Representational, and Abstraction – with sections devoted to the human figure, nature, Pop subjects, words, geometry, and new technologies and materials.

Roy Lichtenstein, Modern Head, 1968, brooch, enamel on metal, 7.8 x 5.8 cm, D. Venet Collection

Located at 2100 Collins Avenue
in Miami Beach, the Bass Museum of Art is open from 12 noon to 5 pm, Wednesdays to Sundays.

x Sybil

(Images from Bass Museum of Art)

Dior X Anselm Reyle: I love collaborations

One thing I always love is collaborations and my favorite kind are those between fashion houses and artists. It is just the type of thing to propel the artist to instant recognition and adds an immediate ‘cool’ factor to the brand involved.

This time, Dior has gotten together with German conceptual artist Anselm Reyle who also exhibited at the Frieze Art Fair, to create a collection of accessories (handbags, shoes and jewelry). Using the artist’s signature camouflage print, Dior’s take involves loud and fun shades of fluoro yellow, green and pink.

Little Yorkshire, 2010

Mixed media on canvas, steel frame with lacquer

Just to show a variety of Anselm Reyle’s works. I love this piece. Reminds me of those rainbow colors you see on crude oil.

Untitled, 2008
Bronze, effect lacquer, plinth with piano lacquer

I can almost see it on the street already. It’s just so recognizable.

What did I say about it being fun and loud.

I love the accessories too. The purple one reminds me of the ‘crude oil’ sculpture. Gorgeous colours.

Somehow I imagine this ad would trickle down to the street and we will see pop art-sy colored nails everywhere!

Here’s a classic with a twist. I like it!

Anyone for some army disco mix? Wonder what they’ll come up with next. More collaborations I hope.

X Alex

(Image from gagosian,vogue de, harpersbazaar au)