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Graphite Pendulum-Pendant

Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery

Object Details

Artist
Joan Parcher, born Pittsburgh, PA 1956
Exhibition Label
Parcher's neckpiece invites us to reconsider the relationship between jewelry and the body we often take for granted. The minimalist pendant features a single piece of lathe-turned graphite, rather than precious stones. Its understated elegance masks the artist's subversive intent. When worn, the wearer's movements cause the graphite to swing gently, leaving its mark.
Connections: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery, 2019
Luce Center Label
In Graphite Pendulum-Pendant, Joan Parcher reminds the viewer that one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Instead of traditional gemstones or precious metals, the artist uses materials gathered from a dump. Her works challenge the notion of preciousness and the tradition of jewelry as ornament. The pendant sways on the wearer’s body, smearing a dark stain across the chest and making the wearer a part of the artwork. The piece continually disintegrates as the material scrapes the surface of the clothing, shattering our idea of jewelry as a precious heirloom.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Renwick Acquisitions Fund
1994
Object number
1995.12
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Crafts
Medium
graphite, sterling silver, and stainless steel
Dimensions
13 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (34.3 x 21.6 x 3.8 cm.)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Renwick Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Dress\accessory\jewelry
Record ID
saam_1995.12
Metadata Usage (text)
Not determined
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk7332083b3-c26e-4fb4-881b-3888dfbc932a
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

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