Cleveland Museum of Art’s ‘The Jazz Age’ exhibit is ‘the berries’
Following World War I the United States entered into a period of unprecedented wealth that spread clear around the world. As demands for goods suddenly increased, factories popped up all across the country. To start up those factories, the selling of stock became the universal manner of getting quick capital. Nearly overnight “paper millionaires” began being made as the practice of buying stocks “on margin” (putting a small percentage down) drove the stock market right up to the edge of the precipice (there is a famous story about Joe Kennedy selling all of his stock days before the big crash when he got a stock tip from his shoeshine boy).
With this newfound wealth the demand for luxury items such as clothing, furniture, automobiles, artwork, newly designed household items and of course extravagant jewelry hit an all time high. It was the Jazz Age whose music fueled the passions of these neaveau rich as diamonds, mink, silk, platinum, leather and rare woods were combined to entice these “kids let loose in the candy store.”
In recognition of this era of opulence, The Cleveland Museum of Art has opened an exhibit titled “The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s” that truly reflects the conspicuous consumption from that “anything goes” time.
The exhibit features over 400 unique works (many of which are handmade one of a kind items) that reflect the influence that new found wealth had on this country and its citizens during this brief wild ride. Included in the exhibit is a 1925 Rolls-Royce roadster, an owl shaped silver statue (that hid its true purpose as a cocktail shaker during this period of prohibition), numerous examples of exquisite jewelry, a display dedicated to high end perfumes plus the focal point of the exhibit a 1925 French Baccarat Chandelier.
To say the least, this is one of the most ambitious exhibits ever put on by the Cleveland Museum of Art in cooperation with the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Cleveland Museum of Art co-curator Stephen Harrison along with Sarah Coffin of Cooper Hewitt have created an opulent world that mere mortals could only dream of.
One does not merely walk through the rooms of unprecedented artifacts, one floats along in a dream like state of pleasure as each unfolding room treats our eyes to a brief but delicious taste of absolute hedonism. It is as if you are touring one of the grand mansions of the time. Along the way, be sure to pay attention to the jazz music being played in the background (the CD is available for purchase at the gift shop at the end of the tour).
You will see items on rare display that will absolutely captivate you in their intricacy and beauty. Be sure to allow ample time for viewing as this is art that should not be rushed past.
Tickets for “The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s” also includes an audio tour produced by Acoustiguide which offers additional information about the era. Tickets are $15 for Adults, Seniors and College Students: $13, children 6-17 and members guests: $7 with children 5 and under and CMA members Free.
Be sure to stop by the exhibit gift shop where you can buy recreations of some of the jewelry works and artifacts as well as the exhibit book that features hundreds of full color illustrations as well as essays by co-curators Stephen Harrison and Sarah D. Coffin. Also on sale is the Exhibit CD that features a compilation of master recordings from such artists of the time as George Gershwin, Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington and Cab Callaway to name just a few.
While touring the Jazz Age exhibit be sure to also tour the complementary exhibition “From Riches to Rags: American Photography in the Depression” taken from the museums vast holdings of 20th century photography. This free exhibit will be housed in the Mark Schwartz and Bettina Katz Photography Gallery through December 31, 2017.
“The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s” will be open to the general public at the Cleveland Museum of Art from September 30, 2017 through January 14, 2018.