Everyone loves a good cultural anniversary. Last year, we saw the 50th anniversary of hip hop, as well as the 100th anniversary of Surrealism.
Now, the Louisa Guinness Gallery in London, best known for showing artist’s jewelry of all kinds, is opening an art exhibition called “Surrealist Jewels 101” on September 26. It marks the 101st year of Surrealism, which, in itself, is a very Surrealist thing to do.
Surrealism, as we know it, was an art movement spawned out of the brilliant mind of French poet, writer and artist Andre Breton in 1924, who wrote the “Surrealist Manifesto,” which he connected to dreams and the subconscious.
The exhibition features jewelry made by Surrealist artists, like Salvador Dali, Man Ray, Max Ernst, Niki de Saint Phalle, Claude Lalanne, and more.
The artist-made jewellery on view blurs the line between sculpture, modern art, fashion and creativity.
Salvador Dali, The Eye of Time, Conceived in 1949 and executed 58-9. Inscribed Dalí (on the dial). Courtesy of Louisa Guinness Gallery and Leo Bieber.
louisa guinness gallery
One highlight on view is Dalí’s 1949 brooch, called “Eye of Time,” which is on view in London for the first time since the 1960s (it will only be on view from September 24 to 26). This brooch is made from platinum, diamond, ruby and enamel and depicts a crying eye set in a clock.
Other highlights include Ernst “Tête aux Seins” pendant from 1961, and Man Ray’s “The Oculist,” a 1971 piece that can be worn as a brooch or a necklace.
The exhibition also features historic works Niki de Saint Phalle, a key female figure in the surrealist movement, who was a sculptor, painter, filmmaker and author who created handmade art books. She was also super stylish and a style icon in her own right. She was married to the artist, Jean Tinguely.
These historic masterpieces are shown alongside contemporary designers, like Hannah Martin, Wenju Tseng, Martina Kocianova, Veronika Fabian, Jiayang He and Roei Palant.
“This isn’t just a jewellery show about surrealism, it’s a surrealist experience,” said Louisa Guinness in a statement. “I have spent years collecting and curating artist-made jewellery, and I know when a piece pushes boundaries.”
Guinness said: “I chose these works because they each capture something surreal, something unforgettable. Whether it’s a master or a new voice, the artists in this show are all speaking surrealism, that’s what matters.”
The exhibition runs until November 7. Visit the gallery website for more information.