MAD About Jewelry 2020: Pioneering Virtual Frontiers in Contemporary Wearable Art
In a year defined by unprecedented change, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York, NY, proudly presented MAD About Jewelry 2020, a dynamic and innovative virtual exhibition and sale that reimagined the celebration of artist-made jewelry. Launched in October 2020, this seminal event brought together more than 40 of the world’s most visionary contemporary jewelry artists, offering art enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge wearable art from the comfort of their homes. MAD About Jewelry 2020 underscored MAD’s enduring commitment to showcasing the global intersection of craft, jewelry, and fine art, adapting brilliantly to a new digital landscape while maintaining its hallmark of excellence and innovation.
A Seamless Digital Experience: Engaging with Global Talent
Responding to the evolving global environment, MAD About Jewelry 2020 transitioned from its traditional in-person format to a sophisticated virtual platform, making exquisite artist-made jewelry more accessible than ever before. This digital pivot allowed for an expansive reach, inviting a worldwide audience to explore the intricate details and profound narratives embedded within each unique piece. The exhibition was meticulously structured to provide an engaging and evolving experience: small groups of featured artists unveiled their latest creations on the museum’s dedicated website, with a fresh rotation of talent introduced every two weeks. This staggered approach kept the online presentation vibrant and continuously exciting, culminating in mid-November with a grand showcase of work from all participating 2020 artists. This comprehensive presentation, including newly debuted pieces, remained accessible online through the end of the year, offering ample time for appreciation and acquisition.
Beyond static displays, MAD About Jewelry 2020 fostered genuine connection through a series of lively, interactive conversations. Curated and hosted by Bryna Pomp, the esteemed curator of MAD About Jewelry, these virtual sessions provided invaluable insights directly from the artists themselves. Viewers had the unique chance to meet the creators, hear about their design philosophies, understand their artistic practices, and delve into the inspirations behind their extraordinary pieces. These conversations, which commenced on October 23rd with the introduction of new artists and continued through a special holiday trunk show on December 1st, enriched the visitor experience, transforming a mere viewing into an immersive educational journey. All proceeds generated from these sales directly supported the participating artists, offering crucial sustenance in challenging times, and contributed significantly to the Museum’s vital educational programs, reinforcing MAD’s role as a pillar of arts education and patronage.
The Global Tapestry of Contemporary Jewelry: Innovation in Every Thread
MAD About Jewelry 2020 stood as a testament to the boundless creativity and innovative spirit prevalent in the contemporary jewelry world. The event proudly celebrated makers from an impressive 17 countries, representing a truly global intersection of diverse cultural perspectives and artistic traditions. This international mosaic brought forth an astonishing array of materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what jewelry can be. Far from being confined to traditional precious metals and stones, the exhibited works incorporated a fascinating spectrum of mediums. Visitors encountered pieces crafted from cutting-edge 3D-printed nylon, luxurious fine Italian leather, repurposed and sustainable materials, as well as innovative combinations of industrial elements with organic forms. This adventurous exploration of materials not only challenged conventional notions of jewelry but also highlighted the artists’ commitment to sustainability, technological advancement, and a profound respect for craftsmanship. Each piece told a story, reflecting its origin, the artist’s vision, and the evolving narrative of wearable art in the 21st century.
Spotlight on Diverse Artistic Practices
The collection curated for MAD About Jewelry 2020 exemplified the Museum’s mission to champion makers who demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship, innovative material use, and groundbreaking design processes. Artists featured hailed from a wide range of nations, each bringing their unique cultural heritage and artistic voice to the global stage. From the intricate metalwork often seen from European masters to the bold, sculptural forms favored by Latin American designers, and the minimalist yet profound aesthetics emerging from East Asian traditions, the exhibition was a vibrant dialogue of global talent. While a comprehensive list of all participating artists would span many pages, the diversity was represented by visionaries such as Abby Mosseri (United Kingdom), Anna Porcu (Italy), Carmen Tapia (Mexico), Celeste Mogador (France), Chao-Hsien Kuo (Finland), Danielle Gori-Montanelli (United States), Danni Schwaag (Germany), Ela Cindoruk (Turkey), Ezgi Okur (Turkey), Giulia Boccafogli (Italy), Hye Jung Sin (South Korea), Jennifer Mulli (Kenya), Jorge Gil (Cuba), Katrin Zimmermann (United States), Miki Asai (Japan), Paula Giecco (Argentina), and Uli Rapp (The Netherlands), among many other distinguished talents. Each artist, regardless of their origin, contributed to a collective narrative that underscored the power of jewelry as a medium for personal expression, cultural commentary, and aesthetic innovation.
The Museum of Arts and Design: A Beacon for Studio and Art Jewelry
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) stands as a pivotal institution in the global art landscape, uniquely positioned as the only American museum to house a dedicated gallery for both temporary jewelry exhibits and its extensive permanent collection of studio and art jewelry. This singular focus underscores MAD’s long-standing commitment to recognizing and elevating jewelry as a significant art form, challenging the traditional hierarchy of the arts. Over its storied history, MAD has presented more than 150 exhibitions specifically featuring art jewelry, each contributing to a deeper understanding of the field’s evolution and its most influential practitioners. Furthermore, its permanent collection boasts an impressive archive of over 950 distinct pieces, meticulously gathered to illustrate the rich history and future trajectories of contemporary jewelry. This unparalleled collection serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, artists, and the public alike, offering a comprehensive narrative of jewelry’s transformation from adornment to profound artistic statement.
Following its reopening on September 17th, MAD continued to champion the concept of art as a wearable medium with its compelling exhibition, “45 Stories in Jewelry 1947 to Now.” This landmark exhibition, currently on view, provides a critical historical context for the bold and often experimental practices of art jewelry’s most compelling artists. It meticulously highlights MAD’s significant contributions to the field’s advancements, tracing key historical moments and showcasing how artists have continually pushed boundaries in design, material, and concept. From mid-20th-century pioneers to contemporary innovators, “45 Stories” explores the evolution of artistic expression through jewelry, demonstrating its capacity to reflect societal changes, technological progress, and individual artistic vision. The exhibition reinforces MAD’s role not just as a display space, but as an active participant in shaping the discourse around craft, art, and design, solidifying its reputation as an essential destination for anyone passionate about the intricate world of wearable art.
Join the Movement: Support Art, Innovation, and Education
MAD About Jewelry 2020 was more than just an exhibition; it was a vibrant affirmation of resilience, creativity, and community. By participating in this virtual event, whether by exploring the online galleries, engaging in artist conversations, or acquiring a unique piece of wearable art, individuals played a direct role in supporting the livelihoods of exceptional artists from around the world. Every purchase made contributed not only to the continuation of these artists’ invaluable work but also to the Museum of Arts and Design’s broader mission of fostering education and appreciation for craft and design. MAD’s educational programs are instrumental in nurturing future generations of makers, critics, and enthusiasts, ensuring that the legacy of innovative artistry continues to thrive. We invite you to continue exploring the world of contemporary jewelry through MAD’s various initiatives and to become a part of a community that values ingenuity, skill, and the transformative power of art. Your engagement helps solidify the future of art jewelry, allowing MAD to continue its vital work in advocacy, exhibition, and education for years to come.