Mourning Lockets
“Hitler Is An Idiot”
In 1937, Marlene Dietrich – at the time a German citizen – was requested by Nazi representatives to star in propaganda films for the Third Reich. Dietrich, who was staunchly anti-Nazi, refused. Two years later, she renounced her German citizenship and applied for U.S. citizenship – and the Nazis branded her as a traitor. In British wartime radio broadcasts sent over German airwaves, Dietrich spoke directly to her former countrymen: “Hitler is an idiot.” She is a true American icon.
Fused, cameo engraved, 24kt. gold
12” x 9” x .25”
Photo Credit: Deborah Adler
“I Don’t Care What You Think About Me, I Don’t Think About You At All”
This is a cameo portrait of the late, iconic, brilliant, and devastatingly controversial COCO CHANEL. Often revered as a style icon and liberator of women’s fashion she also was a Nazi sympathizer. She broke the constraints of the corseted silhouette and created the sporty chic look for the modern woman; while being an openly racist antisemite. This is inspired by the Jassperware portraits as well as the Mourning Lockets from the Victorian Period.
Blown glass, 23kt. gold
12” x 9” x 1.5”
Photo Courtesy of Traver Gallery
Strazza (Mastercopy)
The Strazza Mastercopy is displayed in the installation Born Of Our Culture, American Excess as a reference to the Pietà sculpture.
Blown glass, 23kt. gold
12” x 9” x 1.5”
Photo by Russell Johnson