The American collectors photographed for Art Aurea by Miriam Künzli within the framework of the Who wears my art? art photography initiative during the Munich Jewelry Days play in a league of their own. They are experts, who have been collecting sophisticated art jewelry for decades, and very often know the artists in person. And above all, they wear the most audacious, largest pieces with a kind of passion and proud self-confidence that is rarely seen here in Germany. There are only a few collectors in the Netherlands and Luxembourg who, thanks to the pioneering work by galleries, namely RA in Amsterdam and Marzee in Nijmegen, are on a par with them, at least in terms of the pieces’ quality and size. Marie-José van den Hout of the Marzee gallery invited the collectors to participate in our art photography initiative.
Nancy Olnick with necklace made of titanium and gold by Stefano Marchetti. Marzee gallery, Nijmegen.
Photo Miriam Künzli for Art Aurea.
Nancy Olnick, New York, collector, real estate development
“I started collecting contemporary jewelry with artists from Padua. I also have a collection of Twentieth Century Italian Murano glass, as well as a collection of Italian Arte Povera. I particularly love the work of Stefano because of its architectural quality and the industrial aspects incorporated. I find his work very powerful, yet it feels lightweight and is executed to perfection.”
Susan Cummins with Graue Fische (grey fish) necklace by Dorothea Prühl, titanium, gold and stainless steel. Marzee gallery, Nijmegen.
Photo Miriam Künzli for Art Aurea.
Susan Cummins, Tiburon, USA, Board Chair of AJF
“I love Dorothea’s work and have a lot of her pieces in my collection. I think she is one of the most intelligent and sensitive jewelers in the world. This is a beautiful piece to complement my compilation.”
Deedie Rose with necklace by Levan Jishkariani, wood and acrylic. Marzee gallery, Nijmegen.
Photo Miriam Künzli for Art Aurea.
Deedie Rose, Dallas, Texas, art and jewelry collector
“I bought it because it is very powerful, and I appreciate the way it combines transparent, geometrically designed plastic with naturally weathered wood. I like the huge size even though I’m not a tall person.”
Marion Fulk with necklace by Iris Bodemer, wood, diamonds, plastic, stones, fur. Marzee gallery, Nijmegen.
Photo Miriam Künzli for Art Aurea.
Marion Fulk, Little Rock, Arkansas
“I like the juxtaposition of the precious and the non-precious materials in this piece. The fur came from a coat that belonged to the artist’s grandmother. I bought the piece because it appealed to me, but the artist is also a wonderful person, and it’s nice to have a connection between her, the maker, and me, the collector.”
Susan Beech with Memoria Aperta necklace by Barbara Paganin, 2014, silver, glass, bone, porcelain. Marzee gallery, Nijmegen. Photo Miriam Künzli for Art Aurea.
Susan Beech, Tiburon, California, has been a jewelry collector for 20 years
“I am drawn to the inventive use of materials and forms in art jewelry. Not only do I wear my collection but I display it in my home so the work can always be seen. I have collected Barbara’s jewelry for 15 years and always enjoy wearing her pieces. Her sensitive attention to detail is wonderful.”
Lois Boardman with I earned my wings necklace by Afke Golsteijn, parakeet wings, textile. Marzee gallery, Nijmegen.
Photo Miriam Künzli for Art Aurea.
Lois Boardman, Pasadena, California, jewelry collector
“I thought it is a very liberating thing. As I’m growing older, I want to fly. I have earned my wings. It feels good.”
Text Reinhold Ludwig
Photos Miriam Künzli