Helena Johansson Lindell
The first solo exhibition of jewelry objects by the Swedish artist in the United States.
November 4 – December 6, 2015
Artist’s Reception: Friday, November 6, 6-8pm
Velvet da Vinci is pleased to present the first US solo exhibition of jewelry objects by Helena Johansson Lindell. The exhibition will run from November 4 through December 6, 2015. An opening reception with the artist will take place on Friday, November 6, from 6-8pm.
Born in Huskvarna, Sweden, Lindell creates one-of-a-kind wearable works, utilizing material substances such as wood and plastic from found objects. Deconstructed, altered, and then reassembled, everyday cooking tools and children’s toys are transformed from their initial incarnation into playful but modernist adornments for the body. Minimal in aesthetic and configuration, each piece is turned on a lathe, rendering smooth, sensual, and brightly colored forms. On her most recent body of work, the artist has stated:
“With a lowbrow attitude, a predilection for things kitschy, I make jewelry. I struggle with the hierarchical structures that we are collectively immersed in: the ideas that some things, some ways, and some people are better or worth more than others. In my work I try to embrace the materials, the methods and personal qualities that, from a societal perspective, are considered low class, low status, or bad taste. To own and be those things is my way to try and repeal the prejudice that is a result of those hierarchies
I pick up materials from flea markets and second-hand shops, plastics mostly and occasionally wood – toys and kitchenware. I cut them up and build new shapes from them using a saw, glue, and a file. I enjoy simple and repetitive techniques, as they create space for my intuition. And I enjoy the intimacy that comes from the use of hand tools. The inspiration I find in the material itself.”
Lindell studied Jewelry at the Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts & Design in Stockholm, Sweden and earned a BA in Visual Art from Oslo National Academy of the Arts in Norway. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions exhibited throughout Europe; in France, Holland, Norway, Germany, Finland, Austria, Belgium, and the UK. She is the recipient of numerous grant and awards, including the 2014 Swedish Arts Grant (international cultural exchange). The artist presently lives and works in Stockholm, Sweden.
Helena Johansson Lindell in the studio
Helena Johansson Lindell, Hot Pink/White Necklaces, Plastic, wood, textile
Helena Johansson Lindell, Yellow/tan/purple/wood necklaces, Plastic, wood, textile, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Purple/yellow necklace with teal cord, Plastic, textile, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Red/green/teal necklaces, plastic, aluminum, textile, wood
Helena Johansson Lindell, Juniper & Cherry + friend necklaces (Pink/red/wood), Plastic, wood, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Red/teal bead necklace (detail shot), Plastic, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Pearings, Plastic, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Orange/yellow or wood necklace, Found floats, copper, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Purple/red/wood necklace, plastic, wood, copper, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Black/red/wood necklaces, Plastic, wood, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Pink/yellow/wood necklace, Plastic, wood, aluminum
Helena Johansson Lindell, Blue necklaces, plastic, aluminum, wood