On Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful exhibition of jewelry designed and crafted by renowned American sculptor Alexander Calder. This exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Museum dramatic new Perelman Building is a "must see."
Recognized as one of America’s most innovative modern artists, Alexander Calder (1898–1976) redefined sculpture through his iconic mobiles, stabiles, and the popular Cirque Calder. Calder’s work in metal jewelry, however, is one form of his artistic output that is less known. Throughout his life, the artist produced more than 1,800 jewelry works of art, each made entirely by hand. This is the first exhibition devoted exclusively to his unique body of jewelry work, and consists of approximately one hundred objects, including necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings, and tiaras.
Calder’s love of abstraction was incorporated into all of his sculptural work, and his jewelry was no exception—it is this abstraction that sets the jewelry apart.
Calder’s love of abstraction was incorporated into all of his sculptural work, and his jewelry was no exception—it is this abstraction that sets the jewelry apart.
Calder created personalized pieces of jewelry for family, friends, and acquaintances by incorporating monograms or shaping names into decorative patterns. He also displayed and sold his jewelry through trunk shows and gallery exhibits. His well-designed jewelry, made of nonprecious materials, was reasonably priced; however, Calder’s distinctive jewelry was not conventional adornment for the average woman.
This is a huge and varied exhibition of some of the most unusual jewelry you will ever see. But hurry, the exhibition closes on November 2.
No comments:
Post a Comment