A new exhibition of 150 pieces of jewellery designed by some of the most famous artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibition opened at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida. The title of the exhibition, “Artists’ Jewelry: from Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection”.
Organized in collaboration with guest curator Diane Venet. Includes more than 150 pieces of artist-designed jewelry from the internationally acclaimed collector's personal collection.
The exhibition includes works by well-known artists in a new context, including iconic charms by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Also quirky head pins by Claude Lalanne and Man Ray. Even surrealist pins by Dorothea Tanning and Salvador Dalí and abstract works by Louise Nevelson and Arnaldo Pomodoro.
Some artists, such as Alexander Calder, were successful jewellery makers, the museum notes. While other artists, such as Frank Stella, created unique jewelry.
The exhibition features pieces of forged metals and gemstones such as rubies and diamonds. As well as jewellery made using specific assembly techniques, objects discovered and pieces made from metal, plastic and other unconventional materials.
Each piece tells a story of friendship, creative risk-taking and personal identity, the museum said.
Along with the jewellery, some sixty accompanying works are on display. These include paintings, sculptures, works on paper and photographs from the museum's permanent collection by many of the same artists.
“Diane Venet's collection is unique. The necklaces, rings, brooches, earrings, headpieces and much more that she has collected feature incredible detail. They are rendered in interesting materials by some of the most famous artists of our time.” As Ghislain d'Humières, director and CEO of the Kenneth C. Griffin wing of the museum, said.
«They are exhibited alongside paintings and sculptures by many of the same artists from the Norton Collection. Artists’ Jewelry is an unparalleled opportunity for museum visitors to expand their understanding of the work of their favorite artists through these miniature works of art.».
The breadth of Venet's collection is evident in the exhibition. It includes pieces such as a chunky gold ring designed by Yoko Ono. It resembles a vinyl record with «Imagine Peace» engraved on it as a token to her late husband John Lennon. Another geometric necklace in gold and colorful enamel by Meret Oppenheim. One of nine produced, entitled «Tête de poète».
“Modern and contemporary, surreal and innovative, minimalist and kinetic, commercially produced and unique. The Venet collection has it all,” the museum said.
This editing was intended to create a visual dialogue between the works. So as to express the artists' technical range and different sources of inspiration, the museum said.
Venet said she appreciates the way the exhibition demonstrates the artists' creative challenges. When they transform their art from large exhibitions into something much smaller, which is wearable and deeply personal.
Many of the works on display were gifts from close friends and associates of Venet. As well as from artists she knew personally and whom she persuaded to expand into new media.
Born in Paris to a family of art collectors, she followed in their footsteps, pursuing a career as a radio and television presenter.
She married the French artist Bernar Venet and helped organize exhibitions worldwide. This introduced her to notable artists, such as Stella and Robert Rauschenberg, who gave her jewellery.
«The story of this collection is very much the story of my friendships in the art world over the last forty years,» Venet said.
“In my rather wandering life, this jewellery collection is such an intimate museum that I can take it with me everywhere. But also the treasure I can find upon my return home. I am honored that the Norton Museum has invited me to share these special pieces with a wider audience.”.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is «Optic Topic» by Man Ray, 1974. Which Venet bought as a gift for her husband.
The 18 cm wide golden mask is modelled on a driving mask. It has insect-like notches above each eye.
«Since the beginning of mankind, individuals have been adorned with fine metals and precious stones. They were ways of class distinction as well as personal expression,» said J. Rachel Gustafson, head of curatorial operations and research at Norton.
«This exhibition bridges the gap between craftsmanship and fine art. Two creative forms that rarely intersect or are interpreted in the context of a single exhibition.».
«Rabbit Necklace», 2005-2009, a platinum pendant by American artist Jeff Koons. Edition 11 of 50. © Jeff Koons Photo by Jeff Koons: Sherry Griffin
Guests can also «sample» selected pieces. A feature that, according to the museum, places the viewer inside the collection.
He will also present a special artwork based on sound. Created and produced by performer and acoustician Sheila Concari, whose compositions focus on the interactions between the human voice as well as new technologies.
In each iteration of the exhibition, Venet invited a few select artists. So that they could create new works to be included in the collection and the exhibition.
Concari's work for this exhibition uses spoken word techniques. But also unique sound treatments designed to engage visitors and complement the visual projections of the exhibition.
The exhibition opened in April and runs until 5 October. It was curated by Venet, with Norton Museum of Art chief curator Op.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
