Your Sign to See Solid Gold

Gold has long been linked to the spiritual realm. The Inca associated gold with Inti, their sun god. The Mexica (Aztec) word for gold was teocuitlatl, or “excrement of the gods.” The ancient peoples of present-day Costa Rica and Panama believed gold mining was a sacred pursuit. The ancient Egyptians believed their gods had skin made of gold. Buddhist sculptures are often gilded to recall the “golden glow” of Siddhartha Gautama himself.

So of course, we had to bring our art-meets-astrology obsession to Solid Gold. Open through July 6, 2025, the exhibition explores and celebrates this color and material—and the ways that it has connected us to higher powers.

Aries

Coclé artist, Plaque with a Crocodile Deity

It’s your season, Aries! You are a born leader, never afraid to go forth with boundless energy and optimism. Many of the bold works in Solid Gold will speak to you, but this one might win out.

For the ancient Coclé people of present-day Panama, embossed gold plaques were symbols of power and status. Sixteenth-century Spanish explorers described how Indigenous leaders wore plaques on their chests when going into battle. By depicting mythical beings, they enhanced the wearer’s power and connected them to the supernatural world. This plaque features the Crocodile Deity, who is associated with strength—just like you.

Taurus

El Anatsui, Black Block

Artist El Anatsui created Black Block using humble materials: aluminum from discarded bottle caps and wire. As a Taurus, you are down-to-earth and practical; you’re able to appreciate the intention of giving these materials new life. As a strong-willed statement-maker yourself, you’ll be taken with the scale of this sculpture. (True to Anatsui’s style, it’s larger than life; he’s made works large enough to cover buildings!) You also tend to gravitate toward tactility and will be blown away by the drape’s twists and turns.

This piece is a “non-fixed form,” meaning it has no set orientation. Black Block is hung differently each time it’s installed. It’s dynamic and full of little surprises, which might be a healthy challenge for the steadfast Taurus.

Gemini

Ears of Wheat

Stand tall, Gemini! These Ears of Wheat are so you. For starters, there are two (twin!) ears. Wheat, as a plant, is also incredibly versatile—just like the adaptable Gemini.

Wheat is often a symbol of fertility and abundance; Geminis often move through the world with an abundance mindset. You’re social and imaginative, always open to other opinions. Geminis also have a tendency to approach the world with curiosity and awe, so this celebration of the humble yet invaluable wheat might resonate with you. You’re also a social creature, and wheat is a staple of socializing—there’s a reason that “breaking bread” is associated with social gatherings. Plus, wheat sprouts up in a flash, echoing your own fast-paced energy.

Cancer

Sano di Pietro, Madonna of Humility

The Madonna of Humility refers to images of the Virgin Mary seated humbly on the ground to emphasize her humanity and motherhood (as opposed to the Madonna Enthroned, which depicts her as the Queen of Heaven). As someone born under the sign of Cancer, you are caring and nurturing to those around you. You’re also generous and loyal, and that grounding sense of connection is dear to your heart; it’s celebrated in Sano di Pietro’s Madonna of Humility.

The Madonna is surrounded by cherubim, or beautiful winged children. As keeper of the hearth, you too are a central figure when it comes to family and home.

Leo

Portable Picnic Set (sagejuu)

Leo, you’re the life of the party! You navigate every situation with generosity. You’re a leader at heart. You’re always prepared. You know what else embodies these traits? This portable picnic set from Edo period Japan. After all, who’s a more hospitable host than the one who supplies the picnic spread—especially when it’s delivered in such a luxurious package?

To create the patterns on this set, gold leaf was applied to the lacquer surface while it was still sticky. The veins of the leaves were painted in lacquer toned with powdered gold. The care that went into creating this gilded design speaks to the incredible warmth that Leos exude: You make everyone feel special.

Virgo

Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis

Books of Hours are Christian prayer books used for daily devotions. They often feature painted biblical scenes with intricate border designs meant to enrich divine contemplation. Everything about this screams Virgo: the hard work and dedication required to produce such an elaborate piece, the careful attention to detail, the perfectionism. Each delicate stroke of watercolor, ink, and gold reveals the artist’s meticulousness—a trait Virgos admire. You also might appreciate the ritual and routine this text facilitated.

Libra

Akan artist, Mrammuo (Gold Weight) in Form of Sankofa Bird

During the 17th century, the Akan kingdoms in modern-day Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire were members of a complex trading network that connected North, East, and West Africa. Merchants used mrammuo (gold weights) as counterbalances for gold dust, the Akan currency—which means this particular artwork was literally part of a system of scales, perfect for the balanced Libra.

The sankofa bird with its head turned backward represents an Akan proverb in Twi: “Sε wo werε fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri,” loosely meaning “return and get it.” This proverb underscores the importance of taking past experiences into consideration. We leave this bit of advice to the always careful (if sometimes indecisive) Libra.

Scorpio

Ebrié or Baule artist, Snake Pendant

Community leaders among the Akan-speaking peoples of southern Côte d’Ivoire would commission their own regalia, such as this pendant. Prominent people would also arrange an “exhibition of gold” to display the depth of their personal wealth and entertain the community.

This symbol of ambition and power will speak to the determined Scorpio. So will the community aspect: Scorpios may be fiercely independent, but real ones know your loyalty to loved ones runs deep.

Then, of course, there’s the snake itself. While snakes and scorpions may not always get along, they share Scorpio’s signature mystique—and just a hint of danger.

Sagittarius

Kawamura Manshu, Cranes (One of Pair)

In Japan, gold has long been a brilliant feature of folding screens and large panels. Possibly introduced to reflect light in dim rooms, gold-ground paintings became hallmarks of elite and luxurious settings. As a Sagittarius, you too know how to light up a room! And the crane, with its expansive wingspan, speaks to your love of freedom and soaring ambition. Like you, these birds may be resting for only a moment—almost ready to take off on their next great adventure.

Capricorn

Antonio Beato, Pyramid at Saqqara (View from southeast of the Step Pyramid)

Is there anything more stable and grounded than the sturdy structure of a pyramid? Its solidity and dependability remind us of the Capricorn. This photograph was taken by Antonio Beato, who was born around 1825. Before the age of electricity and airplanes, Beato traveled the globe to document the world’s wonders. Like the construction of the pyramids themselves, this undertaking required hard work, organization, and unwavering conviction. Sound like any Capricorns you know?

Aquarius

teamLab, Gold Waves

Gold Waves is an homage to humanity’s connection to water—a natural fit for Aquarius, symbolized by the water bearer. While technically an air sign, your energy is fluid and always in motion.

Aquarius, you are a free spirit, impossible to pin down, and an independent thinker. You’ll be drawn into this immersive, flowing work that marries the natural world with innovative digital art. With its panel-like arrangement, Gold Waves also nods to 17th-century Japanese gold-ground folding screens—blending tradition with technology. It’s a unique mix, just like you!

Pisces

Jean Dupas and Jacques-Charles Champigneulle, Panel from the Normandie Ocean Liner

On May 29, 1935, the SS Normandie took her maiden voyage. The ship was widely considered one of the most beautiful passenger ocean liners ever built. This panel was made for the Normandie’s grand salon, a paragon of French Art Deco design. It has quite literally seen the high seas—perfect for the Pisces, a romantic water sign that daydreams of escape.

Ever expressive and creative, the Pisces will appreciate the artisanship behind this lavish artwork. The gold was applied using a costly, labor-intensive method known as verre églomisé. Paint and gold, silver, or palladium are applied to glass in thin, delicate sheets, producing a luminous effect. Don’t you just want to sail away with it?