An Exhibition to Appreciate Cartier's Innovations and the Secrets of its Beauty in the World of Jewelry

Cartier's works have been introduced in Japan through exhibitions in 1995, 2004, and 2009. These exhibitions focused on historical pieces from the so-called "Cartier Collection." However, the "Cartier, Crystallization of Time" exhibition at The National Art Center, Tokyo, in 2019 focuses on contemporary works from the 1970s onwards. It is the first exhibition of its kind globally to explore the Maison's creative history, examining the innovation, modernity, and uniqueness of its artistic endeavors.

The theme of this exhibition is "Crystallization of Time." Structured around the concept of "time," it is divided into three chapters: "Color and Material," "Form and Design," and "Universal Curiosity," delving into Cartier's world of design, filled with innovation. Cartier's jewelry, born from the profound geological time and miraculously discovered gemstones, combined with designs inspired by global cultures and natural forms, realized through exceptional craftsmanship, represents a microcosm of the world and a timeless dialogue with the Earth and civilization.

This exhibition reveals the secrets of Cartier's imaginative beauty, which, while honoring tradition, continuously brings a fresh perspective to the world of jewelry through its exploration of the potential hidden within materials, influencing color, line, and form. The exhibition space itself has been designed by the New Material Research Laboratory, founded by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto and architect Tomohiko Sakamoto. With a philosophy that "old materials are the newest," they have created an exhibition space that evokes a sense of time by fusing traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques and contemporary details. This approach encourages a new viewing experience for the audience.

Cartier, Crystallization of Time

Dates | Wednesday, October 2, 2019 – Monday, December 16, 2019
Venue | The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition 2E
Address | 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Organizers | The National Art Center, Tokyo, The Nikkei
Special Cooperation | Cartier
Support | Embassy of France in Japan / Institut Français du Japon
Cooperation | Kawashima Textile School
Exhibition Design | New Material Research Laboratory