The BODY in FRAGMENTS

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In one way or another, we know the world through our bodies. They are complex machines–contained chaos, if you will–and infinitely fascinating. It is no surprise to me that artists, philosophers and sociologists (among many) return to the body as a site of investigation and exploration. The artists below offer an especially intriguing framework for considering the human body–they offer up adornment that fragments it and turns it into an object to be worn. A represented body could refer to someone specific or no one in particular–either way, when it is turned into jewelry and worn by someone it becomes a part of that body, the wearer’s body, and a cycle of meaning is created that consistently refers one to the other.

 

Jessica Calderwood, Blink (enamel, copper and sterling silver)

 

  

Heather White, Chrysanthemums (brooches, 2004, sterling silver and cast resin teeth)

 

Julia Harrison, A Dozen Rose Buds (brooches of wood, lacquer, gouache, epoxy + more)

 

Margaux Lange, The Kiss (sterling silver, plastic and epoxy resin)

 

Sarah J.G. Wauzynski, Small Demands (brooch in sterling silver, egg tempera pigment and 18kt gold)

 

Ineke Heerkens, Ring (leather)

 

Stacy Rodgers, Breasts

 

Melanie Bilenker, Feet (2007; brooch of gold, sterling silver, ebony, resin, pigment and hair, 1 x 7/8 x 3/8 in.)

 

 

 

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