Analyzing relationships with the inanimate

Twist on a theme: Gerd Rothman’s “Four Finger Bangle” bracelet is on view in “The Thinking Body” at the San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design. (Courtesy Photo)

SAN FRANCISCO — To think of a bracelet not as an adornment, but as a hole you put your arm through, is to understand the premise of “The Thinking Body” exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design.

“The Thinking Body,” which opens Friday, showcases metal works by international artists who explore objects of the material world and consider their deeper relationship to the human body.

For example, in the gold “Four Finger Bangle,” which is “decorated” with human fingerprints, German artist Gerd Rothman takes the standard formula “jewelry beautifies people” and turns it on its head.

In Janine Antoni’s “Umbilical,” a silver spoon connects the imprint of the artist’s mouth with the negative space of her mother’s hand, thus translating a common act between mother and child into a literal bridge, made of sterling silver.

The metal works in the exhibit present an expanded view of our relationship with objects that’s not based on value or use, but on a physical interaction instead.

Despite its intellectual premise, “The Thinking Body” is simply too small to be a self-contained exhibition; it is aided by the wonderful accompanying installations on display.

“Jewelry Cycle,” which showcases jewelry pieces made from recycled circuit boards fashioned by the members of the Metal Arts Critique Collective, a dedicated group of local metalsmiths, is an especially delightful addition.

“Jewelry Cycle” is not only highly appropriate for a city teeming with geek talent, but also demonstrates the extraordinary elegance hidden within technology.

“My First Royal Jewels” by Emiko Oye is another unusual discovery that may appeal to both sexes. The San Francisco artist has created intricate necklaces based on historical Cartier pieces from reused LEGO.

Last, but certainly not least, is “The Enlightenment Room” by Bay Area installation artist Nick Dong. The windowless room features 15,000 hand-made and sanctified tiles, 600 LED lights, powerful music, and an intense almost spiritual experience one would not soon forget.

While there, visitors may want to stop by the museum store that’s featuring its first juried showing, “Birds + Their Dwellings,” with works for sale ranging from bird-inspired felted purses to hanging nest-like vases to art pieces inspired by the Cosco Busan oil spill. The prices in the showing, which is the museum store’s first, range from $35 to $500.

The combination of several smaller exhibits may seem eclectic, but each reveals ingenuity and craft. Together, they make it worth a visit to one of The City’s most unique museums.

IF YOU GO
The Thinking Body

Where: San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design, 550 Sutter St.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; show runs Friday through Jan. 4
Tickets: Free
Contact: (415) 773 -0303 or www.sfmcd.org