Podcast Summary: "SOLID GOLD, RECORD HIGH: A STORY OF HUMAN OBSESSION"

If Jewels Could Talk with Carol Woolton
Host: Carol Woolton
Guest: Matthew Jakubowski, Senior Curator of Fashion and Material Culture at Brooklyn Museum
Release Date: April 24, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "SOLID GOLD, RECORD HIGH: A STORY OF HUMAN OBSESSION," Carol Woolton delves into the multifaceted allure of gold, exploring its historical significance, cultural symbolism, and contemporary relevance. With gold prices soaring above $3,200 per ounce, the discussion underscores gold's enduring role as a safe haven for investors and its deeper roots in human civilization.

Symbolism and Human Obsession with Gold

Carol Woolton opens the conversation by highlighting gold's timeless appeal. Matthew Jakubowski shares his insights on humanity's enduring fascination with gold, tracing its symbolic connections to the sun and immortality.

Matthew Jakubowski [00:06]: "I think people like gold because it's stable. It's not going to go away... We want to represent figures of our world in gold. We want to immortalize them in gold."

This attachment dates back over 6,000 years, where gold was often associated with divine elements like sunlight and water. Jakubowski explains how these ancient beliefs persist in modern artifacts such as crowns and halos, symbolizing power, spirituality, and eternal beauty.

Jakubowski [02:34]: "Our human attachment and relationship between gold and the sun continued... different emotions are evoked by seeing gold."

The Solid Gold Exhibition at Brooklyn Museum

The centerpiece of the discussion is the "Solid Gold" exhibition curated by Matthew Jakubowski at the Brooklyn Museum. Celebrating the museum's 200th anniversary, the exhibition showcases the pervasive presence of gold across 18 departments, intertwining historical artifacts with contemporary fashion and design.

Carol Woolton [02:12]: "Matthew is the lead curator of the new exhibition called Solid Gold... It's quite extraordinary spectacle."

Jakubowski emphasizes the exhibition's goal to create dialogues between the past and present, featuring over 4,000 works that incorporate gold, including ancient artifacts, modern jewelry, and fashion pieces.

History of Gold Mining

A significant portion of the podcast addresses the evolution and environmental impact of gold mining. Jakubowski provides a comprehensive overview of historical mining techniques, from ancient hydraulic mining used by the Romans to modern practices and their ecological consequences.

Jakubowski [07:55]: "Gold mining has been a long evolution... hydraulic mining pounded the earth, releasing the gold."

He discusses the detrimental effects of mercury amalgamation in regions like Serrapalada, Brazil, highlighting the environmental and social ramifications of gold extraction.

The Brooklyn Hoard

A highlight of the exhibition is the Brooklyn Hoard, a collection of 180 gold pieces from the Hellenistic period discovered in southern Turkey. Jakubowski narrates the hoard's discovery and its significance, showcasing intricate items such as gold acorns, cicadas, and flowers that reflect the artistry and cultural practices of their time.

Jakubowski [12:56]: "Our hoard was found in southern Turkey... includes beautiful things like gold acorns... clear that the elements... were all buried together."

Gold in Contemporary Fashion

The episode transitions to gold's vibrant presence in modern fashion. Jakubowski discusses various fashion pieces in the exhibition, including:

• Gilded Feathers: Inspired by Aya Nakamura's gold feathered dress, meticulously crafted with gilded rooster feathers by Lesage.

  Jakubowski [24:30]: "They're gilded rooster feathers... pretty extraordinary what they do."

• Balenciaga's Gold Bead Gown: A striking gown made from thousands of gold-tinted Tyler beads, weighing an impressive 45 pounds.

  Jakubowski [24:59]: "That particular dress weighs 45 pounds. It is a workout in a dress, but, you know, anything for fashion."

• Alexander Calder’s Jewelry: Showcasing the intersection of modern sculpture and jewelry design, reflecting Calder's artistic legacy.

Jakubowski also touches on the revival of ancient motifs in contemporary designs, such as John Galliano's collection inspired by King Tut's mask.

Jakubowski [29:00]: "He mashed Egyptian motifs and this H line... creating an illusion of it for us."

Gold’s Role in Wealth and Achievement

The conversation explores gold's representation of wealth and achievement through artifacts like gold coins, Oscars, and golden records. Jakubowski explains how gold coins served as both currency and propaganda in ancient empires, while modern equivalents like gold records symbolize artistic success.

Jakubowski [33:12]: "Gold coins eventually became used as propaganda... idealized on these coins... necklace made from over 100 gold coins of Julius Caesar."

The exhibition features a replica of Elizabeth Taylor's gold fly necklace from Cleopatra and other pieces that embody gold's association with triumph and success.

Gold in Dentistry and Hip-Hop Culture

Jakubowski delves into the historical use of gold in dentistry and its resurgence in hip-hop aesthetics. He explains the functional and stylistic reasons behind gold’s prevalence in dental work and its transformation into a symbol of status and bling in contemporary music culture.

Jakubowski [31:05]: "There's a long history of using gold because it's biocompatible... in hip hop, they like the look of it."

The exhibition draws parallels between ancient gold smile pendants and modern grills, illustrating gold's evolving role in personal adornment.

Future of Gold in the Digital Age

Addressing the rise of digital currencies like Bitcoin, Jakubowski reflects on gold’s enduring stability and intrinsic value. He predicts that despite technological advancements, gold will remain a steadfast symbol of wealth and permanence.

Jakubowski [37:40]: "I think gold is stable. It's not going to go away... once you've bought it, you always have gold."

He compares gold to tangible objects like vinyl records, suggesting that the desire for physical ownership will sustain gold’s relevance in the future.

Favorite Exhibition Highlights

When asked about his favorite piece in the exhibition, Jakubowski highlights Mark Quinn's sculpture of Kate Moss titled Siren, which encapsulates the exhibition's blend of ancient symbolism and modern artistry.

Jakubowski [40:43]: "I think probably in terms of talking about the exhibition, I've probably spoke most about the Mark Quinn sculpture... It references ancient poses, and it references today very much so."

Conclusion

Carol Woolton and Matthew Jakubowski conclude the episode by celebrating the comprehensive and visually stunning "Solid Gold" exhibition. They emphasize gold's unceasing impact on art, culture, and society, affirming its place in both historical and modern contexts.

Carol Woolton [41:07]: "It encapsulates the whole exhibition. It's got elements of everything."

Listeners are encouraged to visit the Brooklyn Museum before July to experience the exhibition firsthand and appreciate the intricate narratives woven through gold's illustrious history.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:06] Matthew Jakubowski: "I think people like gold because it's stable. It's not going to go away... We want to represent figures of our world in gold. We want to immortalize them in gold."

• [02:34] Jakubowski: "Our human attachment and relationship between gold and the sun continued... different emotions are evoked by seeing gold."

• [07:55] Jakubowski: "Gold mining has been a long evolution... hydraulic mining pounded the earth, releasing the gold."

• [12:56] Jakubowski: "Our hoard was found in southern Turkey... includes beautiful things like gold acorns... clear that the elements... were all buried together."

• [24:30] Jakubowski: "They're gilded rooster feathers... pretty extraordinary what they do."

• [29:00] Jakubowski: "He mashed Egyptian motifs and this H line... creating an illusion of it for us."

• [33:12] Jakubowski: "Gold coins eventually became used as propaganda... idealized on these coins... necklace made from over 100 gold coins of Julius Caesar."

• [37:40] Jakubowski: "I think gold is stable. It's not going to go away... once you've bought it, you always have gold."

Final Thoughts:

"Solid Gold, Record High: A Story of Human Obsession" offers a rich exploration of gold's profound influence across different eras and cultures. Through Matthew Jakubowski's expert curation and Carol Woolton's engaging narration, listeners gain a deep appreciation for gold's enduring legacy and its dynamic presence in both historical artifacts and contemporary designs.