From Calder to Koons: in Paris, the artist’s jewelery from the Diane Venet collection. Until 8 July ♦ ︎
What does a woman do with the soul of an artist and wife of a sculptor? He makes a collection of jewels. But of special jewels, created by other artists. So Diane Venet, wife of Bernar Venet, in 30 years has put together a considerable collection, which often goes around the world. Now, however, Paris does great things and from 7 March to 8 July 2018 the Musée des Arts Décoratifs dedicates space to the great collection: De Calder à Koons, bijoux d’artistes. The colletion idéale de Diane Venet.
That is truly vast: 230 pieces, plus another 20 lent by galleries and owners, with jewel-sculptures by famous artists, such as Alexander Calder, Jeff Koons, Max Ernst, Pablo Picasso, Niki de Saint Phalle, Caesar, Takis and Louise Bourgeois, Dalì and, of course, Bernar Venet. In all, there are 150 authors represented in the collection. The materials used are largely traditional: gold, silver, bronze, enamel. The jewels designed by the artists have often been made by goldsmiths.
«My passion for the jewel of art was born the day when Bernar enjoyed wrapping my left ring finger a thin silver wand … This gesture, touching in its spontaneity, had another effect on me , to discover the little known universe of these unique art jewels, precious for their rarity and their symbolic load often at the origin of their creation “, said Diane Venet. Of course, some of these jewels are miniature sculptures, not wearable, but others have been conceived as works of art to put on the finger or around the neck. They are real jewels. But with a twist that reveals the style and creativity of the author. Rudy Serra
De Calder à Koons, bijoux d’artistes. The colletion idéale de Diane Venet
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
107, rue de Rivoli, Paris
Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am-6pm
Tickets from 9 to 13 euros