Apr 24 2024
The Ascent, a Soviet film released in 1977, is a remarkable and powerful war drama that stands as a testament to the exceptional talent of its director, Larisa Shepitko. The film, which is an adaptation of the novel Sotnikov by Vasil Bykov, masterfully explores themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the moral complexities of war. Set …
Apr 19 2024
Bas Jan Ader was a Dutch artist whose work was deeply influenced by his fascination with the sea. He is best known for his conceptual art pieces that explored themes of loss, vulnerability, and the human condition. However, Ader’s life was tragically cut short when he disappeared at sea during a solo voyage. Early Life …
Apr 17 2024
Born in Costa Rica on this day April 17, 1919, Chavela Vargas grew up in a conservative Catholic family. She discovered her love for music at a young age and began performing in local cantinas and bars. In the 1940s, she moved to Mexico City and quickly became a fixture in the city’s vibrant music …
Apr 17 2024
Enchanted Desna is a film that gives us insight into the mind of Aleksandr Dovzhenko as a child, growing up by the Desna river. Directed by Yuliya Solntseva, the film is an “autobiographical film story” by her husband, Aleksandr Dovzhenko. Both thought-provoking and beautiful, the film elicits memories and introspection from its viewers. For instance, …
Apr 13 2024
Happy birthday to Australian interior designer Marion Hall Best, whose lavish interiors popped with color and modern forms, and who was was influenced by modernist as well as minimalist designers. Best played an important role in increasing the recognition of interior design as a profession. She was born on this day April 13, 1905. Marion Hall …
Apr 11 2024
Happy birthday to painter, writer, and musician George Blacklock, born on this day April 11, 1952. George Blacklock is a celebrated artist whose work is characterized by its vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. His paintings are a feast for the eyes, with bold brushstrokes and intricate details that draw the viewer in. Join us on a …
Apr 10 2024
Inspired after seeing this on Soviet Visuals and Folklore Film Fest‘s #SovietFilmWednesday, this was the first Soviet film I shared a little over three years ago, and it is still one of my favorites. What can I say, I love rain and cats, and the illustrations are beautiful, so this seemed like the perfect starting place for …
Apr 08 2024
Richard Neutra, an Austrian-American architect, was a significant contributor to the modernist movement in architecture. Born in Vienna on this day April 8, 1892, Neutra moved to the United States during the 1920s where he started building his architectural legacy. His work heavily emphasized the relationship between people and nature, a theme that was largely …
Apr 06 2024
Born on this day April 6, 1917, Leonora Carrington, a renowned British-born Mexican artist, was an instrumental figure in the Surrealist movement. She emerged as a painter during a period when the art world was predominantly dominated by men. With her unique perspective and innovative approach, Carrington brought about a fundamental transformation in the Surrealist …
Apr 04 2024
Born on this day April 4, 1932, Andrei Tarkovsky, one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, has made a lasting impression on the art of visual storytelling. His unique cinematic language and philosophical insights have not only challenged the conventions of filmmaking, but they have also redefined it. Tarkovsky’s films, punctuated …
