Comet Atomic
Author's posts
Dec 25 2024
Soviet Film Wednesday: Carnival Night
The year 1956 marked a turning point in the history of Soviet cinema. It was a time of significant cultural and political shifts, and the burgeoning film industry played a vital role in reflecting these changes. The 1956 film, Carnival Night, was at the forefront of this cinematic revolution, providing a fresh perspective on Soviet …
Dec 25 2024
Christmas Jazz Delight: Celebrating the Holiday Season with Oscar Peterson
As the holiday season unfolds, there’s no better way to indulge in its merriment than by immersing oneself in the melodic charm of jazz, particularly the timeless tunes of Oscar Peterson. His soulful renditions of classic Christmas songs resonate with warmth, evoking nostalgic memories of past holiday seasons while creating new ones. One cannot talk …
Dec 24 2024
The History of Aluminum Christmas Trees: From Space Age to Nostalgia
The aluminum Christmas tree is a unique cultural artifact that embodies a certain era of American history. Born out of the Space Age fascination with new materials and technologies, the aluminum Christmas tree was a symbol of modernity and progress. Its journey from a novelty item to a piece of nostalgia is a fascinating story …
Dec 23 2024
Discovering Dorothy Dehner: The Influential Abstract Expressionist
Dorothy Dehner, a pioneer in the field of abstract expressionism, created a body of work that spans several decades and includes sculpture, painting, and drawing. Born on this day December 23, 1901, Dehner’s life was marked by a pursuit of artistic expression and innovation. Her works, characterized by their abstract forms and expressive lines, were …
Dec 22 2024
A Fusion of Sweetness: Duke Ellington’s ‘Sugar Rum Cherry’
“Sugar Rum Cherry,” a reimagined rendition of “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy” released in 1960 and arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, is one of Duke Ellington’s most celebrated compositions. Known for his innovative and transformative approach to music, Ellington effectively recasts Tchaikovsky’s classic piece from The Nutcracker Suite, imbuing it with his distinct jazz …
Dec 21 2024
Achille Vianelli: Master of Italian Landscapes
Born in the picturesque coastal town of Porto Maurizio, Italy, on this day December 21, 1803, Achille Vianelli (also known as Vianelly) would grow to become one of the most captivating landscape painters of his time. His journey as an artist began with a childhood move to Otranto, where the stunning vistas of southern Italy …
Dec 19 2024
The Power and Glory of Phil Ochs
In the tumultuous landscape of 1960s America, one voice rose above the cacophony of social unrest and political upheaval – that of Phil Ochs. A troubadour of truth, a poet of protest, and a harbinger of hope, Ochs influenced the folk music scene and the activist movement that continues to resonate today. The Birth of …
Dec 18 2024
From Retro Futurism to Cultural Monument: The LAX Theme Building
The LAX Theme Building, an iconic structure in the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), has undergone a remarkable transformation from a symbol of retro futurism to a cultural icon, eventually gaining the status of a Historic-Cultural Monument. With its distinctive spaceship-like appearance, the Theme Building has been an integral part of LAX since its construction …
Dec 18 2024
Soviet Film Wednesday: Jack Frost
Jack Frost, or Morozko as it is known in its original language, is a seminal 1964 film from the Soviet Union. Directed by the acclaimed Alexander Rou, the film stands as a testament to the rich history of Soviet cinema, replete with elements of fantasy and folklore. The film’s narrative revolves around the character of …
Dec 17 2024
Irving Petlin: Coloring the World with Pastel
Born on this day December 17, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, Petlin is known for his vivid and detailed pastel drawings that have a dreamy, almost ethereal quality. His work is characterized by a delicate balance between abstraction and representation, often featuring fragmented figures and landscapes. His unique style of blending pastel colors to create soft …
