Brooklyn: The “Solid Gold” exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum examines gold’s vast cultural impact through 500 works, spanning from ancient artefacts to contemporary fashion, while also addressing the environmental and human costs of gold extraction.
Gold has consistently symbolised beauty, wealth, and spirituality throughout history, and a new exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum is set to explore its profound significance. Titled “Solid Gold,” the exhibition officially opened in November to coincide with the museum’s 200th anniversary and will remain on display through July.
Curated by Matthew Yokobosky, Catherine Futter, and Lisa Small, “Solid Gold” offers an extensive survey of the role this precious metal has played across art, fashion, and design, drawing from both the museum’s extensive collection and international loans. In a statement, Yokobosky shared his vision for the exhibit: “Solid Gold will transport visitors through the many worlds of gold, its joyful, though at times heartbreaking, histories, and its innumerable luminous expressions across cultures past and present.” This aim to bridge art and people is central to the museum’s mission, offering visitors inspiration and insights into gold’s beauty.
The exhibit encompasses an impressive total of 500 works, illustrating gold’s influence on a myriad of cultural facets from ancient rituals to contemporary fashion. Key sections examine how gold has ignited creativity, presenting a diverse array of objects including coins, clothing, and ritual items, all attesting to its global legacy.
Among the standout features of the exhibition are rare ancient artifacts, including a large sarcophagus lid from ancient Egypt, which is being publicly displayed for the first time in over a century. Additionally, the exhibit showcases over 180 pieces of ancient gold jewellery originating from both Egypt and the Mediterranean region.
“Solid Gold” also engages with the challenging histories associated with gold extraction, including human and environmental costs. This theme is particularly evident in William Kentridge’s 1991 film, Mine, which critically examines the mining process and its repercussions.
Fashion from the 1970s is highlighted as a pivotal moment in gold’s cultural narrative, with designers such as Halston and Yves Saint Laurent making extravagant gold designs mainstream. Visitors can view clips from “The Wiz” (1974) alongside archival photos of performances by Grace Jones at Studio 54, capturing the era’s golden charm. The exhibition also nods to contemporary culture with a tribute to Missy Elliott’s gold-themed performance at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Modern interpretations of gold are explored through the phenomenon of gold grills, featuring both ancient facial jewellery from Panama and contemporary gold teeth, illustrating its continued societal significance. Included in the collection are works from various influential designers, such as a Cleopatra-inspired fly necklace created for Elizabeth Taylor in 1963, alongside couture gowns from renowned names like Christian Dior and Azzedine Alaïa.
As the exhibition progresses into the 1980s and 1990s, visitors can admire designs by Pierre Cardin, Givenchy, and Gianfranco Ferré, culminating in more recent innovative pieces by designers like Demna and Walter van Bierendonck. The final section of “Solid Gold” serves to reaffirm gold’s enduring status as a universal symbol of achievement, featuring a Greek gold laurel wreath from the 3rd-2nd century B.C.E. alongside modern gold crowns and medals, including a tiara worn by singer Aya Nakamura.
“Solid Gold” not only highlights the rich history and cultural significance of gold but also engages in a discourse about its environmental ramifications. The exhibition allows visitors to experience a unique combination of history, art, and societal influences surrounding one of humanity’s most coveted materials.
As part of the engagement with visitors, the Brooklyn Museum is implementing ticketed exhibition access with timed entries offered every 15 minutes. It is advisable for patrons to secure their tickets in advance, as there are only a limited number available for same-day purchase. Additionally, attendees can participate in a treasure hunt throughout the gallery, earning a discount on select merchandise upon completion.
This exhibition, organised by a knowledgeable team from the museum, includes various design contributions aimed at enriching the visitor experience. With a commitment to fostering connections through art, the Brooklyn Museum continues to provide a space for community engagement and cultural reflection.
Source: Noah Wire Services
