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The 1970s were a strange time, the world was going through a dramatic shift. The onset of digital technology was rising, the military had frightening power, and people had begun to get over the horror of the two world wars. A new breed of artist emerged from the roots laid down by the previous establishment. This new art had vibrancy and abstraction, it conjured mental images we could relate to yet discovered new ways of showing them. What society had become was defined in the subjects the era's painting depicted. A bright new future where power was real and money was made seemed on the doorstep. Exciting and dangerous, those at the forefront needed to project absolute confidence. This transposed into art, as the works of Philip Guston demonstrate.
The magical use of bright and bold upon plain untouched sections brings home a sense of absoluteness and focus. Even though the subjects are not associated with these things, a mindset portrayed by the headlines will no-doubt filter into the more mundane. When painters like Guston make the big-time, it reminds us that illustration doesn't have to be realistic. The depictions can be awkward and suggestive, provided they still immediately point to the reality of what they are. Perhaps the specific difference in abstract and impressionist is in this fundamental point. The abstract-impressionist chair is still a chair. The online exhibition of Philip Guston at Hauser and Wirth exposes work of his career from the 1970s, in which a definitive style emerged. This became a guideline for many other artists to draw upon, who went on to make their own iconic and famous images.
The world remembers in horror the devastating explosion in a Lebanon port earlier in 2020. A difficult year of disease and social re-alignment made even more challenging with tragic results, it's hard to know how to move forward. One artist has amalgamated blast rubble from the obliteration to form a beautiful unnamed woman. She stands at the seashore, arm outstretched, feeling the gust of power that still resonates in the location.
Lebanon artist Hayat Nazer accumulated the twisted metal and shattered windows with fragments of wall and roof from the left-over destruction after the ammonium-nitrate exploded in one of the warehouses. It took her just two months to build the masterpiece which now stands proudly where it belongs. The blast was felt in neighbouring countries and within the radius nearly 200 people lost their lives. Thousands received injuries and many lost their homes. A famous song by Majida El Roumi called Beirut, Lady Of The World contains a lyric “Rise from under the rubble”. This poignant image is what inspired today's sculptor to form this one of a kind images from such a meaningful material. Hopefully the forlorn and memorable statue of this woman can serve as a reminder to those charged with keeping everyone safe. The New York based artist Sculptor (Mel) Hantz is gathering his laurels at a phenomenal pace with his beautiful and highly desirable knot sculptures. Not only is his work appearing in collection all over the United States, Parks in New York and Florida have also acquired something from his hands for their regular and visiting walkers. Sculptor Hantz is said to know exactly what his knot is going to look like before he creates it. Putting an idea in a vision into reality requires a huge amount of skill and ability to decipher the often abstract images created by our internal eye. The entire process makes use of casting, welding, and brute forcing before a delicate and heartfelt finish is applied. The manipulation and formation of heavy-duty metal requires not only a lot of strength but also a desire to craft something human from such a strong and tensile material. Symbolic of the processes of life, often we have to put in huge efforts in order to get our worlds in a way we like them. Manifesting our mental reality into the physical one often takes huge strength and many tools, these man-sized knots seem to recognise this principle.
The creations use recycled materials including iron, bronze, aluminium, and copper. These materials have different uses in the world yet for Mel they work together to bring out complimentary metallic art. It's been a long way for Sculptor Hantz, learning to utilise his hands and his imagination has taken a lot of learning. Each piece culminates his years of experience and passion. “Works by Sculptor Hantz have been exhibited at the University of Alaska, Pratt Institute, Herzl Institute, Sotheby’s Special Exhibition, Margo Feiden Gallery, R.K. Parker Gallery, Jack Alonzo Gallery, and other venues across the United States. They are in permanent collections of the Cooper Union and Vorpal Gallery and many private collections worldwide. ” PRUnderground
As reported in The Washington Post, President Barack Obama gave us all a piece of his mind. If we want to know a person well then understand the books they have read. We can't say for sure if these books are the whole picture on the big man but if they were the first that sprang to mind or the ones that made it past his ferocious mental filter, then we can be sure they are relevant.
Of course, for those who want to know more about him, we can read A Promised Land, which Barack Obama has just released. However to get a real sense of the network of thinking that goes into the making of such a person, we can go behind the curtain. These five essential reads clearly touch every base before building a global picture. Let's have a look at the titles and what they could mean. “Song of Solomon,” by Toni Morrison This American classic from 1977 probably came into Obama's life as a young man. It talks about the complex family dynamic within an inherently racist America. The story perhaps builds a picture of the problem, showing the future President an image of his generation's job. When feeling the energy of a story that mirrors the energy of the society of the day it can help reinforce our perceptions of self and place in the world. The struggles talked about in this book perhaps gave Barack Obama the confidence and initiative to face his own generation's strife head on. “The Fire Next Time,” by James Baldwin Another gem of justice and struggle, The Fire Next Time began life as a letter. This impassioned plea for action on so many levels as yet unreached sets a tone of focus and determination. The influential piece helps to define the consciousness of the equal rights movement as a whole including the plight of African Americans. “On the Road,” by Jack Kerouac This book about freedom in the wide open expanse of America offers another view. Sure, the same social structure is present and all the problems that go with it, but the story invites the reader to travel the country with the story as the hero finds work and opportunity. A fresh-out-of-jail nobody builds his own adventure with a mix of bravery, tomfoolery, and seized opportunity. The draws of old ways present alongside new thinking which gives the impetus to travel an extra dimension. “Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth,” by Mohandas K. Gandhi Like anyone Gandhi had to come of age. There was a time in his life when his ideas were not formed and the direction of his life so far unchosen. This autobiography of the great leader and quiet revolutionary no-doubt helped Obama to dissect his own reality for himself. This framework of truth discovery in a world of injustice and bias that we are brought up to exist within helps us to identify our own journey and what changes we feel magnetised to bring about. Shakespeare’s Tragedies This classic needs little introduction. The collected works of Shakespeare are of course a must have addition. What can we learn from this type of book? Shakespeare seems to know how the metaphysical elements of life that exist within our subconscious play a directing role in the physical and actual reality. The tragedies in particular draw attention to the frailty of the human heart and mind with a serious flawed nature that can bring about ruin. These books provide a warning perhaps, admitting that we as people are prone to horrible events and outcomes. When considering risk, we have to consider catastrophe. Luckily, for Barack Obama, things turned out okay. Have you read any of these books? Let us know what you thought of them. What other books would you recommend for any potential presidents out there? Super-Generous Donation Preserves Future Of London Symphony Orchestra | Alternative Fruit13/11/2020 The Covid pandemic has been brutal for many entertainment venues and providers. With live shows banned in most countries and rehearsals also out of the question without some kind of social bubble, the future of live performance is in the balance. Government support of course has been vital for individuals and institutions alike however it's only been enough to keep heads above water. Life preservers can stop you from drowning but you need a lifeboat to pull you to shore. That's where the considerate and caring public make themselves invaluable.
Sir Simon Rattle, leader of the London Symphony Orchestra, has been blessed with a huge donation worth £1.5m. This phenomenal amount of cash is set to enable the world-renowned classical music institution to rebuild for the future. Paying the bills and funding the artists has been impossible with doors closed and selective 80% grants when bills have remained at 100%. The Arts Recovery Fund set up by the government has provided just over £800k, which has meant the total support reaches over £2m. It was feared that the London Symphonic would have to close its doors for good after the recent recession in their balance. This super-helpful injection of cash is like a shot-in-the-arm for the orchestra and its administration. A target of £5m has been planned for next summer, meaning that in order to fully ensure the long-term future of the LSO they still need at least another £2.5m. Just like Alternative Fruit, relying on generosity to provide the world with art and entertainment is nothing new. Many arts and media creators are finding the bite of Covid times hard to manage. It shows the best of humanity when the benefits of culture are protected by munificence and care. Via The Press and Journal
Have we lost touch with the majesty of sharing life with the entire kingdom? By this kingdom we mean of course nature. The natural world is inseparable from us, we are completely part of it. Our human-centred world-view often leaves little space for the other beings we share the gift of life with. So they might not be able to have a conversation with us, they can communicate feelings and their presence can be a symbol for so much more. Animals have been a focus of art since the beginning of history, with their shapes taking clear form in works laid down long before any writing.
Back in those early days when possibly language-free humans with very little technology depicted animals, it was because they were large aspects of their lives. Either a source of food or a source of fear, these beings became part of the image-based culture we know appeared. Today though, the connection we have with the natural world is hidden behind electric lights and refrigerated food. Our oneness with nature and our shared connection of energy, nutrients, and space-time is occulted by television sets and loud music. So to find an artist who is passionate about keeping this primordial fire burning, we have found a modern treasure. We have to remember that our psychological images of animals are brought to us by iconic symbols in books and on packaging. We see a few works of art and some beautifully taken photos and we mentally know what we are talking about. These dry and one-dimensional representations often fail to bring to life the true soul of the unique creature we are looking at. Jan Harrison's work is different. Recently exhibited at 11 Jane Street Studio, New York, the wonderful and colourful impressionistic designs capture something much more than the animals biological structure and behaviour. We see that these beings are experiencing the world at their own level and with their own unique perspective. As we gaze into the eyes and faces of Jan's Jungian animals, we see that the ethereal quality of the work seems to nudge at something intuitive and sub-conscious. The aura like lighting and parliamentarisation of each image brings about the sense of connectivity and systemic dynamism that we know from our own lives. Yesterday, Wednesday 7th October, saw the announcement from the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields of a new permanent exhibition. The Lume Indianapolis is set to open in June 21, with setbacks expected if Covid security isn't tight enough. The 137 year old exhibition centre will use projectors to illuminate every space. With curated placements of projection screens and light flooding the entire room, a space the size of 30,000 sq. feet will be illuminated with works from Vincent Van Gogh.
Aromas will be set to release on timings as classical music plays in accompaniment to the images on display. Visitors will be able to walk in, around, and through each work and sense the recreated atmosphere that they represent. An impressionism layered with new impressions based on historical knowledge awaits those who would wander these halls. Expect 150 light projectors and almost 3000 known images from the Van Gogh collection to be amplified in extra-dimensional glory. Of course, we want to sit back and relax so the gallery have naturally catered for our needs. Van Gogh inspired food and drink will be available, prepared to order. Created by Grande Experiences, the exhibit is hoped to bring yet more eager visitors to the multi-functional campus. The artistic reasoning behind this immersive idea is to allow visitors to find a true affection for the beauty of Van Gogh and the medium in general. By magnifying each stroke, each colour transition, each dynamic shading, we can witness first-hand the true amount of work that painting so skilfully entails. Via Indie Star Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs chief cultural officer and ex-rock-star Candice Gordon has co-ordinated a photographic exhibition of Irish life in the city of Berlin. She has only been in the embassy for a few weeks and already her presence is being felt. As Berlin is in a post-lock-down state with social distancing still compulsory, the works are spread out over the city. Six photographers have put together a collection of images to be exhibited at various Irish owned businesses in the German capital.
The exhibition is intended to showcase Irish life beyond the familiar icons we may already think of. There's a lot going on in Ireland and most of it exciting, so the artists had a lot of work to do in order to capture the modern national spirit. Visitors can purchase a special pass called a Trail Card which maps out the destinations and entitles the holder to a free drink at each stop. The different photographers have different styles and perspectives on their home. Each set of images shows a unique direction and aesthetic which goes to show the majesty and intrigue within their land. Available in situ until 2nd October, the rest of us can visit the Ireland In Frame website. Via The Irish Times
Nigerian artist Arinze Stanley has been using his talents to promote political messages for his whole career. When you have an incredible skill like his, it seems criminal to not use it to make positive progress. Thankfully, Arinze is receiving the press and attention he deserves for his fantastic work. This newest collection shows surreal portraits of black people which aim to explain how it feels to be a member of the global culture. We all know that black lives matter so these images help to convey the reasons behind why the message is still being repeated. When prejudice and intolerance still raise their heads in society, it is up to us to push the chair legs out from under their podium. If the world has a portion that feels confident to be openly racist then we have failed, where does their confidence arise from? Why are they not continually pressured to reform? Is it because we look to big brother to reform them for us?
Arinze Stanley thinks he has one answer to this multi-faced problem. His work really drives home the humanity behind black coloured skin. By observing these emotional and powerful images, which he made with graphite and charcoal pencils, anyone with a heart and an imagination can truly place themselves in the same emotional situation. No, us white folks will never truly know what it feels like to be black, how could we? We do know how it feels to be mistrusted, subordinated, exploited, and misunderstood, but in a different way, it's on a personal and not an international and historical level. So we can take off our hats then give Arinze Stanley a warm thank you for helping us to understand, for putting the feelings into pictures so we can translate them for ourselves. You can find Arinze Stanley on Instagram. LA residents can go and see the work in person from October 3rd at the Corey Helford Gallery.
We have all been in an underpass and if we are lucky, we've seen a remarkable unofficial mural depicting the community edge. It always seems like a crime when some well-meaning local authority employs a person with our taxes to wipe away the beautiful art. Should have got a permission slip. I'm sure they're not hard to find and if they are, we should change that. The thing is, communal images really help to bring a sense of identity and togetherness for everyone who sees it on their daily routine. If they're of a high enough quality then they can only serve to increase the cultural and economic value of an area.
Dubbed “The Banksy of Stevenage”, Mark Tanti is best known for his artworks decorating the area behind ASDA on Monkswood Way. His marvellous and quirky image depicts themes taken from Disney's The Sword in the Stone and The Land Before Time. In fact, these are not the only images, Tanti is part of an ongoing scheme involving local artists that aims to make Stevenage a great place to cycle and walk. In order to preserve the brilliant designs put down by the professionals, who let's face it are just amateurs who didn't quit, the works are being coated in transparent graffiti-proof paint. Mark has now set up his own graffiti art firm which is set to further normalise and institutionalise the art. So far Mark has been putting in his own time and money to fund the work, which ultimately benefits the whole community. It's not popular to ask residents to pay for things they didn't ask for when their bills are already so high however there has to be a bridge of finance that allows work like this to thrive in all communities. What is the value in community art, if it remains in place for a generation or more? Surely it should be more than one person's uniquely savant passion. Via The Stevenage Comet |
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