'Breakthrough: Swedish Art Jewelry Today'
The U.S debut exhibit for five important Swedish contemporary jewelers opens with a reception at 5-8 p.m. on May 3, 2017 at the Gallery of Reinstein|Ross, a unique New York City venue whose mission is to bring international exposure to emerging and established artists. These five Swedish jewelers are redefining the field and bringing global attention to their work: Ingrid Bärndal, Agnieszka Knap, Åsa Lockner, Hedvig Westermark and Jelizaveta Suska.
Each of these artists' work is grounded in traditional metalsmithing, inspired by historical jewelry, yet they work in a wide range of materials, techniques and ideas. While linked to the rich heritage of traditional Swedish jewelry, the majority of their work is far from the silver jewelry that is perceived as being typically Swedish. Their jewelry is beautiful, unconventional and always wearable.
All the artists have work in the permanent collection of The National Museum in Stockholm. Bärndal uses traditional goldsmithing techniques on polypropylene, a type of polymer; Knap uses an art jewelry technique closely related to enameling; Lockner works with traditional materials and shapes but stretches their boundaries with precious and non-precious stones; Westermark is a goldsmith who works with found objects; and Suska uses classic metalsmithing techniques on polymer with crushed marble to create an illusion of solid stone.
The exhibition is curated with Swedish collector and scholar Inger Wästberg, who authored “Contemporary Swedish Art Jewelry.” She is a member of The Global Leadership Council at the Museum of Arts and Design and has worked in New York to promote Swedish art and design.
“Breakthrough: Swedish Art Jewelry Today” is on exhibit at the Gallery at Reinstein|Ross through June 25. 212.226.4513 / www.reinsteinross.com/gallery