Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter Jewel, an icon of the 1990s whose debut album has to achieved 12 times platinum since its release, is expanding her artistry to the visual medium as she embarks on a special project with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Crystal Bridges Museum's 'The Portal: An Art Experience by Jewel '
The show is set to be open for the public by Spring this year and will focus on themes regarding music, mental health, technology, and art, according to a press release by Shore Fire Media, the artist's representative.
"The Portal" experience will also premiere never-before-seen artworks made by the singer-songwriter, a portrait of her son and a thematically "gripping" sculpture, which will be exhibited across the entire run of the project from May 4 through July 28.
Alongside the visual installations, the experience will include an introspective art walk comprising curated works from the Arkansas museum's own collection, which features acclaimed contemporary artists like Ruth Asawa, Fred Eversley, Julie Mehretu, Mickalene Thomas, and Sam Gilliam.
"I began my creative journey studying sculpture - marble-carving and clay, before moving into drawing and painting," shared Jewel, as quoted in the release. "These disciplines taught me about crafting melodic structure in the songs I wrote in subsequent years."
"'The Portal' combines the three disciplines that are my life's work - visual art, music, and behavioral health - and explores my personal philosophy of the Three Spheres," she continued."It's such an honor to debut my work with Crystal Bridges. They value innovation, experimentation, and inclusiveness - an ethos I am deeply aligned with."
In addition, the experience will also utilize cutting-edge technology in its headlining installations and attractions, including a Proto Hologram of Jewel and a choreographed 200-piece drone light show.
The latter will be performed over the museum's pond area by Nova Sky Stories pilots to the tune of an original song by Jewel, which will be available as vinyl for would-be gift shop buyers. The unspecified track is going to feature a sleeve depicting one of the artist's paintings.
"We believe in creating welcoming, transformative new experiences that disrupt and expand art conventions while enhancing wellbeing," said Rod Bigelow, Executive Director and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the institution.
"Jewel's creative vision does just that, and we're thrilled to work with her to bring it to life," he added. "Nestled within 120 acres of Ozark forest in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature, Crystal Bridges is uniquely positioned to provide the space for this work."
For more information regarding ticket pricing and specific dates, visit crystalbridges.org.
