Art + Design 
21 April 2022
Art + Design 
182

Ibram Lassaw 1913–2003

Untitled (necklace)

c. 1965
gold-plated bronze, nickel silver, phos-copper 5 h × 5 w in (13 × 13 cm)
estimate: $3,000–5,000
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Incised signature to applied studio label on reverse ‘Lassaw’.
provenance: Acquired directly from the artist | Thence by descent

This work will ship from Rago in Lambertville, New Jersey.

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Wearable Sculpture

Russian-American sculptor Ibram Lassaw began experimenting with jewelry in 1951. In a 1987 interview, he elaborated on his approach to what he referred to as his "bosom sculptures": "I prefer to think of them as wearable sculpture. They reflect the general direction of my sculpture, being asymmetrical and irregular. Each piece is developed without making drawings or plans but welded directly in bronze. My primary interest is in the color and texture of the metal and the stones, and not so much in its intrinsic value."

The work is a “happening” somewhat independent of my conscious will. The conscious mind undoubtedly is a participant in the process. The work uses the artist to get itself born.

Ibram Lassaw

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