No. 45: Jean Prounis
A 68 Mustang named Fern, The Greek and Roman Study Collection at The Met, the view from the sky, Té and a collection of rocks, shells, and wood.
Jean Prounis is a New York City-based goldsmith and true lover of all things old & gold. Her jewelry draws inspiration from her Greek heritage and the visual language of the Versailles — her great-grandparents’ New York 1940s nightclub across from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Jean’s pieces are handcrafted from recycled 22-karat gold and finished with sustainably and responsibly sourced gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and corals. With time, Prounis objects are adorned in life’s knicks and imprints, becoming a part of the wearer’s own legacy. From Jean –
I. a hoard of rocks, shells, and wood
I’m always collecting rocks, wood, shells, and bits of things when I travel. My apartment is full of earthly specimens ranging from Big Sur driftwood, pebbles from Deer Isle, chunks of (what I thought was) clay from Mallorca (just rocks though), and rugged ruby souvenirs from the Tucson Gem show. I guess I’m going for a Sir John Soane’s look at my apartment, but I can't really afford major alabaster antiquities, so these bits of wood will do.
II. a visit to The Greek and Roman Study Collection at The Met
I’m ready to move into this study collection at The Met! I’ve spent many hours studying the various objects of Mediterranean antiquity there, many of which have informed my jewels. It’s tucked away at the Museum on a mezzanine level so you can really have a quiet moment there away from any crowds.
III. a ride in Fern
Fern is my beloved 68 Mustang who mostly traverses between upstate New York and Long Island. She has taught me to take my time, be alert, take rests when needed, and enjoy the ride. She‘s become the mascot of Prounis - we even have a playlist inspired by her routes you can enjoy.
IV. a spot for tea
I love the little tea shop, Té, just around the corner from me in the West Village. It’s just above the jazz club, Mezzrow (two for one recommendation here). Anywho at Té, they have hands down the best iced oolong I’ve had the pleasure of drinking, along with delicious mooncakes. There is something particular about their approach to service that is a bit distant yet refined, I love it when a place makes me question my understanding of a product, keeps me on my toes.
V. a view from the plane
I’ve been traveling between NY and LA more than ever. We host private appointments with the collection from different spaces throughout LA a few times per year (sign up for our newsletter to find out when we’re back West!). One of my favorite moments while en route is looking out the window from the plane, the best in-flight entertainment in my eyes! I’d be lost in an aisle seat! But when the clouds roll through, I have a couple movies downloaded for back up, my go to’s are L’Avventura, Rear Window, How to Steal Million, LOTR, and Farewell My Concubine to name a few!
~ bulletin ~
los angeles
On view: March Avery’s Quiet Inside and Peter Shear’s Reality Show opens Saturday at Blum. Emily Lebowe’s debut art show New Painter opens tomorrow at 3100 Gallery. Alicja Kwade and Agnes Martin’s Space Between the Lines at Pace Gallery. Sabrina Piersol’s The Blue of It at Sow & Taylor. Group show Water & Flower opens at Wilding Cran. David Zwirner’s 30th anniversary show. Angel Otero’s The First Rain in May and the late Winfred Rembert’s Hard Times at Hauser & Wirth. Camille Claudel sculptures at the Getty Museum. Ed Ruscha’s Now Then at LACMA.
new york
On view: Demetrius Wilson’s Bam! at Half Gallery. Vivian Maier: Unseen Work at Fotografiska. Emma Scully Gallery’s new location opened - email for a visit. Matinee: Dike Blair at the Edward Hopper House. Group show Out of Sync featuring Cecile B. Evans, Cyprien Gaillard, Anri Sala, and Carolee Schneemann at American Standard Co. for Art & Design’s window vitrine (35 Allen). Group show Dog Days of Summer at Timothy Taylor. Travis Fish’s That Dog In Me at Jupiter Gallery. Derrick Alexis Coard’s I Am That I Am at Salon94. Maja Ruznic’s The World Doesn’t End at Karma. Group show Coetir (Of The Woods) featuring 24 artists’ works at TIWA Gallery. Group show Social Practice including works from Paul Cooley, Dan Flanigan, Cristina de Miguel and more at Amanita. Amanda Wall’s Sky Got Dark at Almine Rech. Christopher Wool’s See Stop Run at 101 Greenwich St. Jenny Holzer’s Light Line at Guggenheim. Dan Flanagan’s Nora at Harper’s Chelsea. Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion at the Met.
Affection Archives is a weekly look into the archives of yours truly (Arielle Eshel) and people I admire. If you’d like to add an event to the bulletin, DM on Instagram or reply to this email.