On the occasion of 30+ years of operation, the Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum presents the second section of a series of anniversary exhibitions. Focusing on the relationship between the creator's work and utility as well as the integration of art objects into everyday life.
The exhibition is initiated by the wife and muse of the artist, Lila Lalaounis. Her innate spirit of hospitality and her love for art de la table formed a special way of presenting and using the creations of Ilias Lalaounis.
Her aesthetic approach, based on moderation, discretion and substance, highlighted the objects. Not only as works of art, but also as functional elements of space and everyday life. For the exhibition, the creator's muse highlights the beauty as well as the utility of selected objects. She meticulously “dresses” tables and spaces such as the dining room, living room or office. Inviting us into the cosy corners of her home.
This exhibition presents selected objets d'art. Decorative and utilitarian objects from the Museum's historical archive and permanent collection.
Of the more than 50 collections created by Elias Lalaounis, more than 25 include or consist entirely of micro-sculptural objects. Wildflowers of the Greek land and the microcosm of insects. Also wrought-iron candlesticks and utensils, galaxies and cells come to life on tables of varying use, embodying the artist's inventiveness.
Through hundreds of drawings, he personally supervised the construction of more than 3,000 original miniature sculptures. These objects form an extensive and coherent body of work. Constituting a rich archival legacy, important parts of which are kept in the Museum's permanent collection.
The aim of the exhibition is to highlight the dual nature of Ilias Lalaounis' works. As autonomous artistic objects and as utilitarian elements that are part of the private or professional space. This approach documents the establishment of the artist as a successor to Fabergé and René Lalique. As well as his recognition as one of the dominant figures of the 20th century in the field of jewellery and decorative arts. Surpassing even Salvador Dali.
The Art of Hospitality proposes a contemporary reading of the work of Elias Lalaounis. Through the prism of use, aesthetic consistency and cultural experience.
Source: lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr
