Microsculpture Exhibit Proves that in the World of Art, Size Does Not Matter

Written by James V.

(2001)



     The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA) has organized yet another brilliant exhibition. Microsculptures: Idols of the Stone Age to the Helix of Contemporary Genetics is a splendid display of the works of Greece’s master goldsmith and jeweler Ilias Lalaounis. Although the exhibit is small in size, it possesses great value and significance. The dazzling microsculptures displayed are, in the words of the Foundation’s President Mr.Stelio Papadimitriou, “beauty in its purest, but by no means, simplest form.”

     Ilias Lalaounis, renowned jeweler and goldsmith, has been producing jewelry and microsculptures since the 1940’s. His innovative designs and creations, famous for their inspiration, craftsmanship and elegance have won him international acclaim and honors- most notably his membership to the Institut de France, Academie des Beaux Arts in 1990, when he became the only jeweler ever elected as a member. Lalaounis’ groundbreaking designs are based on the achievements of modern technology, astronomy, nature, and medicine.

     The exhibition was divided into several parts. One of my favorite was the collection of owls. Lalaounis meticulously designed these miniature owls with enthusiasm, sophistication, and humor. Most were made of silver or gold with semi-precious stones including rose quartz, sodalite, obsidian, aventurine, rock crystal and amethyst. These crystals were used to display the iridescent plumage of these wise birds. One piece in particular caught my attention: Getting More and More Curious. This was a depiction of a branch of owls, one peering out by the side of the other. Each owl was slightly higher than the one that preceded it. It reminded me of eyes peering out of a dark forest. The Ionic Owl, a column in the shape of an owl’s eyes, demonstrates Lalaounis’ interest in ancient and classical Greek art. In the center of the column was a sesame-seed shaped silver nose. Cleverly designed, the ionic column itself was embedded in a sodalite base and the head of the column, which was also silver, was manipulated to look like a pair of eyes. Another masterpiece was The Mathematical Owl. Coming from a school which prides itself on its scientific and mathematical accomplishments, I absolutely loved this piece. The rose quartz base contrasted beautifully with the shining silver of the bird’s head and the large circular sodalite stone in the center which represented the owl’s body. The perfectly designed silver eyes stared back with a critical look, as if to say, “Just test me.” Apparently, there were no wrong answers on this owl’s calculus exam!

     The final part of the tour, the DNA collection, transported me to my biology class at school. The helix designs were so specific and detailed that one would think Lalaounis himself discovered the life producing strands we call DNA. One work that was utterly beautiful was the double helix of DNA (as designed by biologists after studying its structure). Created via a fusion of rock crystal, obsidian, and silver, the contrasting black and silver created a very appealing look, quite similar to that of a Movado watch.

     As the tour came to an end, I found myself awe-struck by the magnificence of all the pieces in the exhibit. From the curious stares of the silver owls, to the critical look of the great mathematician owl, to the DNA designs, I was inspired and fascinated. Lalaounis’ work emanates such beauty and elegance that one begins to realize that in the world of art, size does not matter in the least.