Robert Baines: Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies

This winter MassArt’s Bakalar & Paine Galleries present the first museum solo show in New England of work by Robert Baines, Australia’s leading archaeometallurgist. In an exhibition of over 70 objects, Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies on view January 17 – March 3, 2018 celebrates the beautiful and whimsical works of the jeweler, goldsmith, and scholar. For over 40 years, Baines has made jewelry that draws on the vocabulary of historic European metalworking techniques in unexpected ways. His research on Bronze Age goldsmithing has not only shaped international jewelry scholarship, but also grounded his own practice. Combining precious metals with contemporary materials, he excavates the mythology of present-day culture. Using ancient techniques in playful new ways, Baines creates objects that push the boundaries of what wearable craft can be. This exhibition was organized by Patti Bleicher of Gallery Loupe, New Jersey with support from the Australia Council. Join the conversation on social media with #FabulousFollies.