The Cartier in America Show has been reviewed with a million superlatives. What interested me most was the promise of images of the people wearing their jewels in their real life contexts. I was looking forward to some visual history including Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and The Duchess of Windsor (of abdication fame).
The jewels were sparkly and well presented. We had rented the head sets with the guided tour, which annoyed me after a few paragraphs by jumping around from one voice to another. My friend studiously followed each numbered talking point and listened to every word. I kept looking around for the promised human aspect of the exhibit. In the last room, next to Grace Kelly's engagement ring and a golden, ruby, emerald, diamond crocodile necklace made for a Mexican movie star there were two flat screen TVs showing continuous loops of some brief film clips of bejewelled stars. I thought it was tacky and I could have done a lot better myself. I am of half a mind to contact the curator and speak of the fact that you can't fool all of the people all of the time.
I did come away very impressed to learn that Elizabeth Taylor auctioned off her 69 carat Burton/Cartier/Taylor diamond (original pear shaped cut by Harry Winston) to fund construction of a hospital in Botswana.
Botswana? For the love of god, what was she drinking on that particular day?
ReplyDeleteBummer. I would have liked to see the jewels being worn as well. That would be an interesting part of the story.
ReplyDeleteSomehow all the glitter doesn't shine quite so beautifully in a display case.
Still you were out in the sunshine with all the lovely buds and blossoms you so graciously described on my blog...so WHAT ARE YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT?? *LOL* We are under another foot of snow here. Send me some of your good weather for a change....our storms seem to have originated in the Pacific. Thanks. *G*
Is that a pendant in the picture? What in the world would you wear that with, I wonder?
You have a lot to show for a half day off work I would say. I would have loved to have seen the exhibit. Elizabeth Taylor has done much for the AIDS work and for her particular interests. I was always a fan of Grace Kelly. I always felt like such a dreary klutz looking at her serene and genteel person.
ReplyDeleteEven with the tacky video thing, it was still a nice way to spend an afternoon off methinks. My respect for Ms Taylor has increased somewhat after hearing about the Botswana hospital.
ReplyDeleteJimmy, That was an irresistible throw away line, was it not?
ReplyDeleteJean, sorry about the weather. We had wind and rain today if that makes you feel better. In answer to your question about the pendant: would it really matter what you wore, or didn't wear, with it?
TechnoBabe and Argent, hidden depths where least expected and done discreetly, without tooting her own horn too. Hats off to Miz Liz.
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ReplyDeleteSorry, something strange happened with the post I deleted. Here is the official comment:
ReplyDeleteNow I'm worried. If you had wind and rain, that means it's coming this way again!
It's official. I am going to blame California for all our snow. *vbwg*
Actually, along with global warming's effect on the ocean temperatures and salinity; the erratic flow of the jet stream; and El Nino; California itself probably ranks 4th in
Throwaway being the operative word hen.
ReplyDeleteMy heart did a little leap of glee seeing there was a new post from you. I depend on this space for my laughs, and occasional snorts.
ReplyDeleteIsn't there a 'truth in advertising' law there? I would have been disappointed too - these lovely things look much more interesting on a real person. Maybe your suggestions to the curator could include a try-on option for next time.
I must admit jewellery does little for me so the human element to this exhibition would have been the biggest draw for me... I'd have been very disappointed with just a few movie clips on continuous loop. Very lazy.
ReplyDeleteJean, my shoulders are broad. I can carry the blame for climate change. No Worries:)
ReplyDeleteJimmy, a good soul can still manifest a flip sense of humor. I know where you were going and I know where you come from. Context is important, isn't it?
Deborah, thanks for the compliment. I have not had much time to attend to my blog life lately. My peeve with the show was that someone clearly sent out misleading press releases and it really would not have taken much effort to find some still photos (try google for starters) and have them on the walls. I like your try-on option:)
ReplyDeleteSteve, I agree. It is the "back-story" that interests me most.
I'm not really a jewellry person, but I'd imagine the exhibition could have been quite interesting as I understand the cultural impact on society of glittery things. It's a shame there were aspects of it that were dodgy, there's nothing more annoying than looking forward to something and then it letting you down.. I try not to expect much, then I'm normally impressed :-)... but then.. I rarely go anywhere, so the occasion is enough!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, so were you sizing a few of them up to dream about how you might look like wearing them ???
ReplyDeleteWatercats, I was expecting the exhibit to have some culturally enlightening meat on its bones (as advertised) but it did not.
ReplyDeleteOwen, Think "silk purse from sows ear" if I ever try for the bejewelled look. I am proud peasant stock; short neck, stubby (strong) fingers. I can't do earrings and necklace at the same time, they get tangled together. No swans here! I did see a watch I liked with a diagonal face and numbers I could read.
attagirl, you tell 'em how to do it.
ReplyDeletebunking off work? where's that work ethic I keep hearing about this side of the pond? Right, yeah, the other side of the pond.
I hope you enjoyed your afternoon in spite of the exhibition's shortcomings. I love jewelry, wish I could afford some.
That Liz is a jewel, n'est-ce pas?
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