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Jewelers’Werk Galerie is pleased to present “Finery,” an exhibition of new work by artist-jeweler and architect Adriana Radulescu. The show opens on Saturday, October 28th, with a reception to meet the artist from 1 – 4 pm, and will remain on view through November 17th.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, finery is “beautiful clothing and jewellery worn on a special occasion.” In this case, the title Finery for this collection of necklaces and rings is intended to be a bit ironic and tongue-in-cheek. Radulescu explains, “I like to have clarity and (deceptive) simplicity in the pieces I make. I am using enamel fired on formed copper to create the illusion of old, worn, maybe loved, body-warmed objects. I want to trick the eye in believing in their distressed preciousness. Wishing that wearing such finery would make one feel a perfect guest at Arnolfini’s wedding.” A favorite of Radulescu, the painting “The Arnolfini Portrait” by Dutch master Jan van Eyck, depicts a 15th century couple of the rising merchant class, possibly on their wedding day. At the time, having your portrait painted wearing luxurious clothing surrounded by pricey furnishings by an established artist was the ultimate status symbol. But restraint had to be heeded—showcasing too much ostentation would have been reserved only for royals and aristocracy. This tension is echoed in Radulescu’s work, as it is simultaneously rugged and fragile, modest and precious—a fitting adornment for Arnolfini’s wedding or any occasion.
Adriana Radulescu has a master’s degree in architecture and urban design from Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest, Romania, and metalsmith training from the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington DC. She has exhibited both nationally and internationally and is represented exclusively by Jewelers’Werk Galerie.
The exhibition is open during gallery hours: Monday through Saturday 11 am – 5 pm or by appointment. Jewelers’Werk Galerie is located at 3319 Cady’s Alley, NW in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC. It is the longest-running and only contemporary art jewelry gallery of its kind in the greater Washington DC area, where owner and industry veteran Ellen Reiben shows precious and non-precious works by international artist-jewelers. For more information, contact the gallery at 202-337-3319, or go to: http://www.jewelerswerk.com
