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Joyce Scott creates imaginative jewelry that is provocative, personal, and challenging for both the wearer and the viewer. Her jewelry is always a conversation starter. Since the 1980s, Scott’s work has never shied away from challenging subjects, like racism and sexism. This early tour-de-force necklace is made sculptural through Scott’s expert use of the peyote stitch, an improvisational weaving technique, and forces an examination of Adam and Eve, the biblical creation story. The artist depicts Eve at the moment she tastes the forbidden fruit, tangled in a chaotic web of vines and grotesque faces, challenging the viewer to consider the burden of gender stereotypes born from Eve's temptation.
Adam and Eve
Joyce J. Scott (American, born in 1948)
American
1985
Object Place: Baltimore, Maryland
Medium/Technique
Glass beads, wire, nylon
Dimensions
Overall: 31.8 x 24.1 x 3.8 cm (12 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 1 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
The Daphne Farago Collection
Accession Number2013.1721
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Contemporary Art, Americas
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Necklaces and neck bands
Joyce Scott creates imaginative jewelry that is provocative, personal, and challenging for both the wearer and the viewer. Her jewelry is always a conversation starter. Since the 1980s, Scott’s work has never shied away from challenging subjects, like racism and sexism. This early tour-de-force necklace is made sculptural through Scott’s expert use of the peyote stitch, an improvisational weaving technique, and forces an examination of Adam and Eve, the biblical creation story. The artist depicts Eve at the moment she tastes the forbidden fruit, tangled in a chaotic web of vines and grotesque faces, challenging the viewer to consider the burden of gender stereotypes born from Eve's temptation.
DescriptionThree dimensional, multi-colored beaded necklace with human figures and faces.
ProvenanceMarch 9, 1993, sold by Donna Schneier Fine Arts to Daphne Farago; 2013, gift of Daphne Farago to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 18, 2013)
CopyrightReproduced with permission.