Small, Precious Things

A sampling of work from As Small As It Gets opening tonight at Art Since The Summer of '69.
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Dwelling in New York City definitely gives you an appreciation for the smaller things in life, and with everyone's everything shrinking, small is the big new thing. After staging ephemeral art shows in unexpected spaces across the nation, like a make-up artist's studio and an existing retail store, gallery Art Since the Summer of '69 is christening their new permanent space on Chrystie Street with a show called As Small As It Gets. Size queens (and kings) will have to reconsider their priorities, as all of the works in the exhibit are smaller than 15".

A Ligia Dias piece inspired by the work of Robert Morris. Click image for source.

One of the featured artists in the show is jewelery maker Ligia Dias. Dias' industrial materials (rope, metal washers, chains) are mixed with a sculptor's finesse and pretty, precious things to create Robert Morris-inspired pieces. Alber Elbaz liked her work so much that he invited Ligia to join his staff at Lanvin where they collaborated to create the house's jewels for three successful years. Rei Kawakubo is also a huge fan, and Dias' noose and pearl necklaces added heaps of edgy cool to Phillip Lim's Spring/Summer '08 collection. Digas' work is part of the small offering from As Small As It Gets and can be seen at the exhibit, which runs through July 15th.