From the Village to Vogue: The Modernist Jewelry of Art Smith features 26 pieces including silver and gold jewelry created by African American artist, Art Smith, as well as select pieces by his contemporaries. Inspired by surrealism, biomorphism, and primitivism, Smith was one of the leading modernist jewelers of the mid-twentieth century. His work is dynamic in both size and form. The exhibition, organized by the Brooklyn Museum of Art, is enriched by archival materials from the artist’s estate, including sketches, tools, and model photos. Smith was an active supporter of black and gay civil rights, an avid jazz enthusiast, and a supporter of early black modern dance groups.
During the month of August, explore the life and work of jewelry artist Art Smith with a month of special programming. View the full Jazz and Jewelry: Celebrating Art Smith in August schedule of events.
Admission to the exhibition is FREE
From the Village to Vogue: The Modernist Jewelry of Art Smith is organized by the Brooklyn Museum. Air transportation provided by American Airlines.
Images: Art Smith, "Modern Cuff" Bracelet, designed circa 1948, silver, Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles L. Russell, 2007.61.15; Peter Basch, Model Wearing Art Smith's "Modern Cuff" Bracelet, circa 1948, black-and-white photograph, Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum; Art Smith, “Cluster Knuckles” Ring, circa 1968, New York, silver alloy, rhodochrosite, jade (?), turquoise (?), zoisite (?), Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles L. Russell, 2007.61.17; Art Smith, Ellington Necklace, circa 1962, silver, turquoise, amethyst, prase, rhodonite, Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles L. Russell, 2007.61.4; Art Smith, Sketch of Three-Piece Abstract Necklace with Semiprecious Stones, mid-20th Century, pencil on paper, Brooklyn Museum; Art Smith, “Last” Necklace, 1979, New York, silver, two hard stones. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles L. Russell, 2007.61.11; Elsa Freund, “Idea” Necklace, 1960–65, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. silver, glazed earthenware, Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the artist, 1991.87.3