Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes created a suspended sculpture titled "Aquarium" in collaboration with Cartier's Artist meets Artisan project, using unused precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, Akoya pearls, and black jade. The work, first realized in 2010, translates her signature colorful, rhythmic painting motifs into a three-dimensional mobile that shimmers like a school of fish. It will be installed at Cartier's Boston boutique on Newbury Street on March 25. The article includes an interview with Milhazes discussing the inception, materiality, and evolution of her sculptural practice.
This collaboration matters because it bridges fine art and luxury craftsmanship, highlighting how contemporary artists like Milhazes expand their visual language beyond canvas into new mediums. Milhazes, a celebrated figure who has shown at the Venice Biennale and the Guggenheim, represents a growing trend of artists partnering with heritage brands to create unique, collectible works that reach broader audiences. The piece also underscores the enduring influence of applied arts and jewelry design on Milhazes's painting practice.