Dec 17 2024

Irving Petlin: Coloring the World with Pastel

“Joseph and His Houses” (1981) | Irving Petlin

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 yet intense images has earned him a distinct place in the realm of contemporary art.

Petlin’s use of pastel is particularly notable. Unlike many artists who use pastel as a secondary medium, Petlin has refined it as his primary tool. He has developed innovative techniques to manipulate it to create textures and effects often seen in oil paintings, which is a testament to his exceptional skill and creativity. However, it’s not just pastel that defines Petlin’s work; his innovative use of oil paint on unprimed linen is another significant aspect that sets him apart.

In the late 1950s, Petlin became associated with the Chicago Imagist group, a collective of artists known for their vivid and often grotesque imagery drawn from popular culture. As a Chicago Imagist, Petlin’s work is noted for its narrative quality and surreal undertones. Unlike many of his contemporaries, however, Petlin’s narratives are often politically charged and reflect his lifelong commitment to social activism.

While his approach to pastel and oil paint may seem unconventional to some, Irving Petlin’s bold experimentation has contributed significantly to his distinctive style. His ability to make thoughtful statements with his art using these mediums on unprimed linen truly sets him apart. Whether through the lens of the Chicago Imagist movement or in his singular exploration of pastel and oil paint, Petlin’s oeuvre remains a testament to the power of artistic innovation and expression.

Curated by Jennifer

Dec 15 2024

Chihiro Iwasaki: A Tribute to Japan’s Beloved Illustrator

Illustration by Chihiro Iwasaki

Chihiro Iwasaki, born on December 15, 1918, is celebrated as one of Japan’s most beloved and influential illustrators. Her artistic prowess and unique ability to depict the innocence and joy of childhood have made her work instantly recognizable and cherished by many generations. This piece serves as a tribute to her remarkable contributions to the world of illustration.

Iwasaki’s art is characterized by a delicate touch and a warm color palette, often featuring children and flowers. Her subjects are rendered with an extraordinary sense of tenderness and empathy, capturing the fleeting moments of childhood with a profound sensitivity. The skillful way in which she portrayed the nuanced expressions of children echoes her deep understanding of their world.

Ocean | Chihiro Iwasaki

Throughout her career, Chihiro Iwasaki has produced a vast array of artwork, including over 8,000 illustrations, numerous picture books, and a multitude of murals. She illustrated her first picture book, Hitori de Dekiru yo (I Can Do it All by Myself), in 1956, which marked the beginning of her illustrious career. She continued to create even amidst the hardships of World War II, using her art as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Beyond her artistic output, Iwasaki’s legacy lives on through the Chihiro Art Museum in Tokyo and Azumino. These institutions not only display her original works but also support budding artists and promote peace through children’s art globally.

Illustration by Chihiro Iwasaki

Chihiro Iwasaki passed away at age 55 in 1974. Yet, her influence continues to ripple across time and geography. Her art, imbued with an unwavering commitment to peace and the celebration of life’s simple joys, continues to touch hearts worldwide. Indeed, Chihiro Iwasaki’s work serves as a testament to the power of art in bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding. This tribute acknowledges her creative spirit and enduring impact in the realm of children’s illustration.

Curated by Jennifer

Dec 14 2024

Jane Birkin: A Legacy in Music, Film, and Fashion

Jane Birkin

Born in London on this day December 14, 1946, Jane Birkin embarked on a journey that would see her evolve from a young actress into a global icon. Her career is characterized by a unique blend of talent and charisma, coupled with a distinctive sense of style that continues to resonate in contemporary culture.

In the world of music, Jane Birkin is perhaps best known for her collaborations with French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. Their provocative duet “Je t’aime… moi non plus” catapulted Birkin to international stardom. The song, controversial for its explicit lyrics and sounds, showcased Birkin’s sultry vocals and daring persona. Beyond this infamous duet, Birkin’s music career spans over four decades, with albums that blend elements of pop, chanson and yé-yé.

Birkin’s film legacy is equally noteworthy. She made her cinematic debut in the 1966 film Blow-Up and went on to star in numerous French and British films. Her performances were universally praised for their authenticity and emotional depth, establishing Birkin as a formidable actress within the international film community.

Jane Birkin’s impact extends into the world of fashion as well. She was known for her effortless style and natural beauty, leading her to become a muse for many designers. Perhaps most famous is the Hermès “Birkin” bag, named after Jane when she casually mentioned to the brand’s chief executive that she was struggling to find a functional yet stylish leather bag.

Jane Birkin’s contributions to music, film, and fashion have solidified her status as an enduring icon. Her artistic output has not only been influential but has also challenged societal norms and expectations. Even today, Birkin continues to inspire through her timeless style and bold artistic choices.

Curated by Jennifer

Dec 13 2024

Emily Carr: Visionary of Western Canada’s Indigenous Culture

Totem Walk at Sitka (1907) | Watercolor on Paper | Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

Born on this day December 13, 1871, Emily Carr, a renowned Canadian artist, was a pioneering figure who transcended traditional boundaries of art in the early 20th century. Her profound understanding of the indigenous culture of Western Canada, coupled with her unique artistic style, positioned her as one of the foremost interpreters of the Pacific Northwest’s native heritage. Carr was deeply influenced by the people, landscapes, and cultural traditions of British Columbia, elements that were vividly portrayed in her dynamic works.

Carr’s artistic journey was marked by a deep-rooted passion for exploring the intricate relationship between man and nature. Her arresting landscapes and haunting portrayals of totem poles not only captured the spirit of indigenous communities but also underscored the profound respect she held for their cultural traditions. Her work evoked a sense of mysticism and spirituality that was reflective of the indigenous worldview.

A visionary in her own right, Emily Carr used her canvas to voice the silent narratives of indigenous cultures that were marginalized during her time. She spent years traveling through remote villages, immersing herself in indigenous traditions and rituals to gain an authentic understanding of their way of life. This experience significantly influenced her artistic style, leading to a fusion of modernist techniques with indigenous motifs, creating a visual language that was uniquely her own.

Emily Carr’s legacy extends beyond her contributions to Canadian art. She is celebrated as a cultural mediator who bridged the gap between Western art practices and indigenous aesthetic expressions. Her empathetic portrayal of indigenous cultures countered prevailing stereotypes and offered an alternative perspective that was rooted in respect and understanding. Through her art, Carr ensured that the rich tapestry of Western Canada’s indigenous culture was celebrated and preserved for future generations.

Curated by Jennifer

Dec 12 2024

The Enchanting Music and Generous Spirit of Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou | Emahoy Tsege Mariam Music Foundation

Born Yewubdar Gebru on December 12, 1923, Ethiopian pianist, composer, and nun Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou is known for her free-spirited piano playing of compositions where notes flit with ease up and down pentatonic (five-note) scales. Her playing is heartfelt and instinctive, skillfully moving around the keyboard without a hitch. The scales heard in much of her music are representative of her Ethiopian culture which hails four pentatonic scales, the Ambassel, Tezita, Anchihoye and Bati scales, developed in Ethiopia and used in jazz and church music from the region. These scales often help create a sentimental tone in music, like the Tezita scale, a name which literally means “nostalgia” or “longing,” a sense felt in many of Guèbrou’s compositions, including “The Song of the Sea.”

Music was always a part of Guèbrou’s life, beginning in her youth when she was sent to a Swiss boarding school to study the violin at the age of six, where she received a classical music education. Her life was upended, though, in 1936 during Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia when three members of her family were killed. During this time Guèbrou and her family were sent to an Italian prison camp on the island of Asinara. Afterwards, Guèbrou found her way to Cairo to study the violin under the tutelage of Polish violinist Alexander Kontorowicz and she eventually returned to Ethiopia with Kontorowicz.

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, age 23

Back in her home country, Guèbrou became a singer for and civil servant to Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, also making her the first female Ethiopian civil servant. Selassie even helped Guèbrou release her first piano record in 1967.

Guèbrou was offered a scholarship to The Royal Academy of Music in London, however was barred from entering for reasons that are unclear. Devastated, she fasted for two weeks and was even given her last rites before Guèbrou decided to change course and become a nun. She lived quietly and barefoot in a remote monastery in Ethiopia for ten years before playing music again.

Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou spoke at least seven languages and until her death on March 26, 2023, continued playing piano in a small room in an Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem. Since her first piano release in 1967, Guèbrou donated all of her proceeds from it and subsequent records to a local orphanage. You can find her piano pieces on the Ethiopiques label.

Here is “Mother’s Love” from the album Éthiopiques 21: Piano Solo by Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou.

The Emahoy Tsege Mariam Music Foundation was created to provide music education for children in underserved communities. On the foundation’s website, Guèbrou is quoted saying “After I asked God for His will, I determined to publish and use the money to fund children and young people for their education.” On the Emahoy Tsege Mariam Music Foundation site you can also stay updated on the progress of her life’s documentary, Labyrinth of Belonging.

Dec 11 2024

Soviet Film Wednesday: The Night Before Christmas (1961)

The Night Before Christmas (1961)

In the vast landscape of cinema history, there are few films that encapsulate the bizarreness of a festivity like the 1961 film, The Night Before Christmas. Directed by the filmmaker Aleksandr Rou and inspired by Nikolai Gogol’s story “Christmas Eve”, this fantasy film is a unique blend of magic, love, and tradition.

The Night Before Christmas is a fantastical tale set in the quaint village of Dikanka. The storyline is filled with carol singing, love pursuits, and a humorous encounter with the Devil on the eve of Christmas. A testament to its time, the film manages to transport its audience to a winter wonderland filled with eccentric characters and intriguing plot twists.

The Night Before Christmas (1961)

The narrative unfolds with the village blacksmith, Vakula, who is hopelessly in love with the beautiful Oksana. In his quest to win Oksana’s heart, Vakula finds himself striking a deal with the Devil. The journey takes him to Sankt-Petersburg, where he aims to secure a pair of the Empress’s heels to impress Oksana. The film weaves in elements of mysticism, laughter, and romance, making it an enchanting watch.

The Night Before Christmas stars Alexander Khvylya, Lyudmila Myznikova, Yuri Tavrov, and Lyudmila Khityaeva. The film came to life under the banner of Gorky Film Studio and was released in December 1961. The film was written by Aleksandr Rou, with cinematography by Dmitri Surensky, and music composed by Arkadi Filippenko.

The Night Before Christmas (1961)

The Night Before Christmas is a unique film that paints a vivid picture of a traditional yet fantastical Christmas Eve as envisioned by Nikolai Gogol. Whether you’re a B-movie buff, a Soviet film enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a fun story, The Night Before Christmas is a film that deserves a spot on your watchlist.

Dec 11 2024

McCoy Tyner: Elevating Jazz through Soul-Stirring Piano Compositions and Improvisations

Alfred McCoy Tyner (1970) | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

McCoy Tyner, the legendary American jazz pianist, is celebrated for his soul-stirring compositions and improvisations that have elevated the genre to new heights. Born as Alfred McCoy Tyner on this day December 11, 1938 in Philadelphia, his journey in music began at a tender age of 13 when he started exploring the world of piano. His prodigious talent quickly caught the eye of industry bigwigs and by his early twenties, he had already made a significant mark on the jazz landscape. His association with the John Coltrane Quartet further cemented his reputation as a virtuoso pianist and an innovative composer.

Tyner’s approach to composition and improvisation was unique, drawing upon a rich tapestry of musical influences ranging from African rhythms to European classical music. His technique was characterized by a powerful left-hand chord voicing and an intricate use of pentatonic scales. But it was his ability to infuse emotion into every note, every chord that truly set him apart. His performances were not merely exhibitions of technical proficiency, but profound expressions of human emotion.

McCoy Tyner’s music is often described as soul-stirring for its ability to evoke deep emotions and take the listener on an introspective journey. His compositions are complex yet accessible, layered yet melodic. He could make the piano sing, cry, shout and whisper, creating an immersive soundscape that was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

In elevating jazz through his compositions and improvisations, McCoy Tyner has made a lasting impression on the genre. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians who seek to push the boundaries of jazz and create music that not only entertains but also moves the soul. The echoes of Tyner’s powerful chords continue to resonate in jazz clubs around the world, reminding us of a maestro who dared to dream and dared to create.

Curated by Jennifer

Dec 10 2024

How Paul Hardcastle Redefined Contemporary Jazz and Electronic Music

Paul Hardcastle

Born on this day December 10, 1957, Paul Hardcastle, an English composer and musician, has been a transformative figure in the music industry, particularly in the realms of contemporary jazz and electronic music. He burst onto the scene in the mid-80s with his groundbreaking hit, “19,” a socio-political commentary set to an innovative fusion of electronic beats and jazz infusions. The track’s unique blend of synthesized rhythms and haunting vocals not only topped charts worldwide but also heralded a new era of music that broke from traditional genre constraints.

Hardcastle’s influence extends beyond his individual compositions. He has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of contemporary jazz, introducing elements of electronica to create a genre often referred to as smooth jazz. This genre combines the melodious sophistication of traditional jazz with the rhythmic pulse of electronic music, resulting in a sound that is both engaging and relaxing. Hardcastle’s contributions to this genre, particularly through his Jazzmasters series, have been pivotal in its development and popularization.

The artist’s impact on electronic music is equally significant. Hardcastle was one of the pioneers who embraced technology to transform musical composition and production. His use of synthesizers and drum machines in the 80s was groundbreaking at the time and has since become standard practice in electronic music. Moreover, his innovative use of sampling and looping techniques, notably in his track “Rain Forest”, opened new possibilities in electronic music.

Paul Hardcastle’s contributions to contemporary jazz and electronic music are immeasurable. Through his innovative compositions and pioneering use of technology, Hardcastle has not only redefined these genres but also influenced a generation of musicians who followed in his footsteps. His enduring legacy is a testament to his creativity and vision.

Curated by Jennifer

Dec 09 2024

Beauty in Shadows: The Legacy of Roy DeCarava’s Artistry

“Two Women, Mannequin’s Hand” (1952) | Photograph: © The Estate of Roy DeCarava

The legacy of Roy DeCarava’s artistry is an exploration of beauty in shadows. A celebrated photographer, DeCarava captured the nuances of black life in America with an unparalleled depth and sensitivity. His work, characterized by its use of shadow and light, challenged the prevailing racial stereotypes of his time and provided a unique window into the complex realities of African-American life.

Born on this day December 9, 1919 in Harlem, New York, DeCarava’s artistry was not confined to capturing images; he was also a master of printing technique. His ability to manipulate contrasts and gradients elevated his photography to a form of fine art. He transformed ordinary scenes into extraordinary narratives through the depth of his shadows, demonstrating that beauty is not only found in light but also in the subtleties of darkness.

Despite the limitations imposed by racial segregation and discrimination, DeCarava carved out a distinct space for himself in the world of photography. His works were not just snapshots; they were deeply imbued with emotional resonance and cultural significance, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of his subjects.

DeCarava was not merely a passive observer but an active participant in the lives he documented, immersing himself in the communities he photographed. This intimacy is evident in his work, lending it a visceral authenticity that is both powerful and poignant.

Roy DeCarava’s legacy continues to inspire contemporary photographers and artists. His pioneering use of shadow and light, combined with his profound understanding of the human condition, have shaped the way we perceive and interpret the world around us. DeCarava’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and its capacity to illuminate the beauty hidden within the shadows.

Curated by Jennifer

Dec 08 2024

The Enigmatic Persona and Influence of The Doors’ Frontman, Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison

Born on this day December 8, 1943 in Melbourne, Florida, Jim Morrison, the legendary frontman of The Doors, was a figure of enigma who transformed the landscape of rock music with his distinctive voice and profound lyrics. Known as the “Lizard King,” Morrison’s artistic persona was as iconic as his music, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. His performances were electric, his songwriting was evocative, and his lifestyle was just as notorious. Through all this, he became a symbol of the countercultural movements of the late 1960s.

Morrison’s influence extends far beyond just the realm of music. His unique style and charismatic stage presence redefined the image of a rock star. He was a poet, a performer, and a philosopher whose work continues to inspire artists and musicians today. With The Doors, he produced some of the most memorable hits of the era such as “Light My Fire,” “People Are Strange,” and “Riders on the Storm.” These songs not only topped the charts but also encapsulated the spirit of rebellion and desire for freedom that defined the time.

Yet, Morrison’s life was as tumultuous as it was influential. His struggles with substance abuse and his untimely death at the age of 27 added a layer of tragic mystique to his persona. Despite his personal challenges, Jim Morrison’s artistic legacy remains undiminished. The Doors’ music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, and Morrison’s profound lyrics continue to inspire generations of songwriters.

Jim Morrison’s enigmatic persona and influential role as the frontman of The Doors have left a mark on the world of music and beyond. His life and work continue to fascinate audiences, making him a timeless icon in the annals of rock ‘n’ roll history. Despite his tragic end, Morrison’s influence remains powerful and pervasive, testament to his unique talent and artistic vision.

Curated by Jennifer