Art Smith: The Sculptor of Modernist Jewelry
By Editor • August 30, 2026 • 1 min read
Art Smith (1917-1982) transformed jewelry into a form of wearable sculpture, creating pieces that celebrated the body in dynamic, fluid designs. Originally from Cuba, Smith settled in New York City as a child and opened his jewelry store in Greenwich Village in 1946, where he developed a unique aesthetic influenced by jazz, dance, and pan-African culture.
His innovative approach involved pairing semi-precious stones with metals in ways that redefined traditional jewelry roles, considering rings as 'hand decorations' and necklaces as 'neck pieces.' Smith's legacy is chronicled in the new book, Bodyworks: The Jewelry of Art Smith, highlighting his significant impact on modernist jewelry.
Renowned figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Duke Ellington donned his creations, yet it’s only recently that the full scope of his influence on American modernism and the African diasporic artistic narrative has gained recognition. Michelle D. Commander emphasizes that Smith’s work stands as a testament to the contributions of Black artists in shaping the U.S. artistic landscape.
Source: www.wallpaper.com
#African American history #Art Smith #Bodyworks #jewelry design #modernist jewelry
