Jewelry with a narrative
Louisville Courier-Journal, KY
By Diane Heilenman
dheilenman@courier-journal.com
Courier-Journal visual arts critic
Mortality and fashion don’t often mix, but Julia Comer, noted for her roster of innovative, international, high-end contemporary jewelry at her Objects of Desire gallery, is sweeping aside fashion for feeling. She has organized an uncharacteristic and touching exhibition of narrative jewelry in “Memento Mori” (remember you are mortal).
Comer said she realizes “Memento Mori” is a bit out of sync with her usual flair for art to wear, but, she said, “This project has great relevance to me personally and has, I feel, resonance in political, environmental and historical terms. I have wanted to implement it for a long time but postponed it because I wanted to research … jewelry artists whose work references issues of life, death, decay, regeneration, memory, love and loss.” A selection of Victorian mourning jewelry is also on view.
“Memento Mori” continues through Nov. 15 at the gallery, 1503 Bardstown Road. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. A 5 p.m. reception is Friday.
