FOREWORDCindy M. Petersen, EdMExecutive DirectorThe first time I laid eyes upon Mindy Lam’swork, I knew that I would someday be writingthis foreword because, like most who view hercreations, I was immediately captivated not onlyby her talents, but also by the compelling mannerin which her creations beckoned me in anotherworldly sort of way. It was not until I laterhad the pleasure of spending time with Mindy inperson that I understood why her pieces mademe feel that way. Mindy Lam is from anotherworld. It’s a world of fantasy wrapped in beautyand creativity that is both delicate and powerful.Featuring semi-precious stones, as well asprecious metals, her pieces are unquestionablyof the physical world. But once these elementsare in her nimble hands, the physical world isquickly left behind as she entwines delicaterepresentations of the celestial reverie andmystical musings that she sees in the everydayworld.Realizing how truly powerful Mindy’s gift ofinterpretation was, we challenged her to createpieces inspired by the stories she might seein various works on view here at the TaubmanMuseum of Art. The result is Opulence andFantasy: Couture Gowns and Jewelry of MindyLam, an exhibition that weaves its way throughour galleries, pairing Mindy’s creations with theworks to which her creations pay homage.In the Fralin Center for American Art, forexample, we see intricate works from Mindyinspired by our permanent collection: EmilCarlsen’s The Leeds Jug, Johann Hamza’s TheCuriosity Shop, and Lawrence Beck’s Sterling ForestWater Lily I, all among my favorites, as well as ourmuch adored and ever popular Portrait of NorahGribble by the esteemed John Singer Sargent.Rubin Singer couture ensemble, courtesy of Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo, featuring Mindy Lam accessories, including Sterling Garden: Neck Piece,Metal Lace Cuff, Cuff and Brooch, courtesy of the artist. In the background: John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925), Portrait of Norah Gribble,1888, oil on canvas, acquired with funds provided by the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust7
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