Venyx interprets Man Ray’s sensual symbols into surrealist jewelry

Man Ray’s affect endures, together with his offbeat silhouettes and surreal references inspiring designers all through the world and his work nonetheless honoured in exhibitions (see the latest present of Man Ray sculptures in New York). Eugenie Niarchos, founder and inventive director of jewelry model Venyx, is the newest designer to fall beneath his spell, creating a set centred across the artist’s sensual and surrealist symbols.

Venxy X Man Ray jewelry

‘Man Ray is the last word multimedia artist,’ says Niarchos. ‘I used to be given the selection to work with three of his works and I made a decision to make use of a sculpture, a portray, and {a photograph} with the intention to deal with his self-discipline as a lot as potential. Surrealism transpires all through his work, and I attempted to make new and attention-grabbing jewelry varieties whereas utilizing historical fashions as properly. All three works have one thing to do with the human physique: lips, eyes and the feminine torso. It was attention-grabbing for me to give you designs that properly symbolize his work, and on the identical time look engaging on the wearer. There’s a dreamlike and poetic side to the entire items.’

9 restricted editions draw from works The Lovers (1936), Glass Tears (1932) and The Venus Restored (1936), casting Man Ray’s distinctive design codes into jewelled motifs in enamel, rock crystal, mother-of-pearl and pavéd diamonds.

‘A few of the technical features, particularly in creating the Glass Tears items, have been fairly difficult as they required advanced manufacturing expertise,’ Niarchos provides. ‘Glass Tears is initially {a photograph} of a crying eye, so I appreciated the problem of getting to translate that into one thing that you just put on. I used cut-out mother-of-pearl mixed with enamel and diamonds to recreate an eye fixed and provides the flat floor a sense of depth. The plaque format for the necklaces in Glass Tears and Observatory Time is a Venyx staple. I really like to make use of inlaid stones in my work, which you’ll be able to see within the assortment in addition to mini enamel work. I additionally love creating collar necklaces; we now have created two showpieces on this assortment that relaxation on the clavicle elegantly. Whereas designing, I had in thoughts to create items that might be interesting to males too. The Venus restored pendants are an ideal instance of this.’