If you live in or are planning to visit New York City in the coming months, why not swing by the Museum of Arts and Design? Right in Columbus Circle, the museum is currently showing an exhibition called Elegant Armor: The Art of Jewelry that will run through May 31, 2009.
According to the Museum: "The Art of Jewelry presents innovative pieces of contemporary art jewelry from our permanent collection, dating from the 1940s to the present. The works on display range from the subtle to the flamboyant, from the purely geometric to the organic, and from narrative to sculptural works that extend the limits of the human body. The exhibition presents the major themes, materials and techniques that make contemporary jewelry visually exciting and intellectually stimulating."
One of the unusual pieces in the collection is the bracelet above by Peter Chang (1986). Made of acrylic, polyester, PVC and found objects, I love the snakeskin-like appearance and the donut shape. Another visionary piece is the cocktail ring below by Ruth Radakovich (1969). Constructed of 14-karat gold and titanium, it is both organic and futuristic.
If you're in town next week, the Museum is presenting a free daylong public program dedicated to contemporary studio jewelry on Nov. 22. It will introduce visitors to the leading trends, techniques, and processes in the field of jewelry design through artist demonstrations, and discussions.
Photos by John Bigelow Taylor
