Suzanne Syz Art Jewels presents Alex Israel

In her search of innovation and whimsical approach, Suzanne Syz redefines the codes of the high-end jewelry industry. Beginning in 2016, she has invited contemporary artists to reenvision the jewelry box as a sculptural proposition. Following John Armleder, Syz is proud to announce her second project in this ongoing series with the American artist Alex Israel.

Syz and Israel share a love for sugar, sweets, and all things Pop. Frozen yogurt has been an important part of Israel’s life since his childhood, when his father opened a neighborhood frozen yogurt store in Los Angeles. Through conversation with Syz, it became clear to Israel that a jewelry box is not only a place to store jewels, but also a vessel for storage of great memories. Their collaboration was inspired by The Bigg Chill (2012–13), a marble and Styrofoam sculpture of frozen yogurt named after Israel’s father’s shop.

The collaboration consists of five one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces by Syz, each contained within a jewelry box sculpture by Israel made of painted ceramic and hand-blown glass in an edition of five. Israel also designed a wallpaper that represents glass bricks and an overall concept for Syz’s booth, including a frozen yogurt machine and vintage furniture.

An art collector, Syz started to create one-of-akind jewelry fifteen years ago with the wish of making unconventional pieces for women of the twenty-first century. Her concept of jewelry is fresh and innovative. She brings classic into contemporary by the use of materials such as titanium or aluminum, mixing them with unusual gems and minerals along with the best craftsmanship: Swiss made.