Elizabeth Berdann: Wonders, Curiosities & Conundrums @ the Contemporary Museum in Hawaii

Artist Elizabeth Berdann aka BLU has been invited in February, to the Contemporary Museum in Hawaii which they will open an exhibition of her work. The show, entitled "Elizabeth Berdann: Wonders, Curiosities & Conundrums" is a 20-year survey of her paintings and installations. Some work has never been shown before; some work has not seen the light of day in 15-20 years; and some work is brand spanking new.

Her newest installation, titled String of Pearls, will debut in the show. It was inspired by an 18th century necklace by Thomas Seir Cummings (in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum) that was created for his wife. His "A Mother's Pearls" includes portrait miniatures of each of their 9 children. Her installation also comprises 9 portrait miniatures and is spread over 25 feet of wall space. The piece also reflects her current interest in 19th century scientific investigation into physiognomy and expression. The size of the painting above is (watercolor on mammoth ivory) and is super tiny at 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches.