By Frances Hopes
Contemporary jewellery designer Suzanna Syz has created five one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces, collaborating with US artist Alex Israel who has created unique jewellery boxes in which to present the pieces.
Israel’s Frozen Yogurt jewellery box sculpture is made of painted ceramic and hand-blown glass, also produced in a limited edition of five. Israel has also created tromp l’oeil glass brick wallpaper, and an overall design concept for Syz’s exhibition booths at upcoming design and Art conventions in Monaco, Basel, London and New York.
Syz first began designing jewellery 15 years ago and has always been inspired by the art and artists of her time. Syz’s work is exclusively produced in Geneva by the world’s best craftsmen, and every piece she makes is unique. Expanding upon ideas of jewel display and presentation – while bringing new life to a conservative form – Syz has invited contemporary artists to re-envision the jewellery box as a sculptural proposition. Beginning with John Armleder in 2016, this collaboration with Israel is her second project in this on-going series.
Israel was born in Los Angeles in 1982. Deeply entwined with his hometown, his work explores popular media, Hollywood, and the cult of celebrity, while positing LA as central to an understanding of American culture and the American dream.
Speaking about the project, Israel says: “Suzanne Syz, from the very beginning, has been a great supporter of my work. We share a love of all things pop, and also a love of sugar and sweets. Frozen yogurt has been an important part of my life since childhood, when my father opened a neighbourhood frozen yogurt shop in LA. From my conversations with Suzanne, it became clear that a jewellery box is not only a place to store jewels, but also a vessel for the storage of great memories.”
Syz adds: “Upon discovering Alex’s work in Miami in 2011, I experienced an immediate connection. It brought me back to my first visit to LA, and to the strong attraction to American culture that I’ve always felt. Hollywood, entertainment and the movies are of course a big part of that, but there’s also the products, the packaging, and the candy that’s inspired so much of my work.
“When Alex told me about the importance of frozen yogurt to him, in his life, I knew that we had found the perfect point of overlap. I am thrilled by this project, and honoured to call Alex a collaborator. I’m proud not only of the work we’ve accomplished, but also of my friendship with Alex.”
