Mary Curtis

Explore the relationships between function and decoration in the works of Mary Curtis with relation to her work processes and presentation in the exhibition.

Mary Curtis's exhibition at Objectspace in Ponsonby was quite interesting I thought. I really have no experience in jewelry making or wearing for that matter so I feel I have a bit of an outsiders view. The pieces were small and interesting, ranging from necklaces to brooches. They used a very wide variety of materials and really projected an invitation to touch. She used so many different types of materials, it seemed that most of them were very untraditional/contemporary. The piece I liked the most was defiantly the Green Blanket Necklace. This utilized different sections of a green tartan type blanket. With these pieces she is taking functional everyday objects and turning them into something decorative. Their purpose is completely turned around.

One thing I thought was funny is that she paralleled this technique with how the objects were displayed. Curtis used big glass cabinets to display individual pieces. Like the materials that the pieces use, the cabinets had their full functions revoked, which is a little sad I thought. The Jewelry was put on small spindly pedestals in these cases. The cases themselves were quite old and dull, almost antique looking. This contrasted greatly with the small contemporary jewels. There was almost something funny about peering into this massive dull old cabinet to look at a very small bright and pretty brooch or ring ect.

Curtis said she spent a lot of time in Europe and that this exhibit was a "Direct result of playing in Germany and following my travels around Europe". Whilst in Europe she spent time with fellow jeweler Helen Britton. The inspiration in the two artists work is very clear. It takes a little while but in Britton's work you start to recognize everyday items, you get the same sensation while looking at Curtis's pieces. The above picture is a Britton piece. I really feel the need to touch, just like I did at Objectspace.

Curtis I think is very aware of the function of objects, and how she can manipulate this to create her art. While talking to us she said, "She always considers the back of the object as importantly as the front." This says to me she is also very aware of how important presentation is to the object. Not only does this object have to improve and decorate a person, it has to stand on its own and be a work of art. Curtis has definitely achieved this, and all though I’m not exactly sure how the massive cabinets were supposed to make me feel, I do feel that they displayed the jewelry well. Maybe the focus was more on not taking away from the jewels rather then adding to them.

Just a note.. “Big glass cabinets” are called Vitrines. Must have missed that on the handout.