Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Monday, October 30, 2023
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Friday, October 27, 2023
Album Cover: Taylor Swift - 1989
Album Cover
Album: Taylor Swift - 1989
Released: October 27, 2014
Model: Taylor Swift
Photographers: Sarah Barlow and Stephen Schofield
Design and Illustration: Austin Hale and Amy Fucci
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Guillermo Kahlo
Photography Appreciation
Born on October 26, 1871, in Pforzheim, Germany, Carl Wilhelm Kahlo, later known as Guillermo Kahlo, was a prominent Mexican photographer who captured the essence of Mexican culture, society, and history through his lens.
In 1891, Kahlo arrived in Mexico as an immigrant, and a few years later he became a Mexican citizen. His passion for photography developed during his time in the vibrant and culturally rich nation, and established himself as a successful portrait photographer. He is also recognized for capturing the construction of Mexico's modern quarter and industrial facilities.
In 1894, Guillermo Kahlo married Matilde Calderón y González, who was a Mexican of Spanish and indigenous descent. Their daughter, Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, known as Frida Kahlo, would go on to become an iconic artist in her own right. Guillermo's influence on Frida's artistic sensibilities and her eventual career as a painter is undeniable, as he introduced her to art, literature, and photography from a young age.
Tragically, Guillermo Kahlo suffered from epilepsy, a condition that would affect his daughter Frida's life as well. He passed away on April 14, 1941 in Coyoacán, Mexico City.
Fundidora Monterrey “Convertidor Bessemer, soplando” (c. 1910)
Funerals of Mr. M. C. Cano Gutiérrez at the facilities of
La Tabacalera Mexicana, S. A., Mexico City, (1922)
Matilde Calderón y González (1897)
Sources:
Wikipedia
http://www.revistaimagenes.esteticas.unam.mx/con_especialidad_en_arquitectura
Huhle, Rainer. "More than Frida's Father, Guillermo Kahlo as a Pioneer of Industrial and Architectural Photography in Mexico." PDF
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Claude Cahun
Photography Appreciation
Claude Cahun, a prominent figure in photography and Surrealism during the 20th century, made a lasting impact on the art world by passionately exploring gender and sexual identity. Their influence extended significantly after their passing, resonating within the LGBTQ+ community, art historians, and feminists.
Originally named Lucy Schwob, Claude Cahun was born on October 25, 1894, in Nantes, France. Challenging gender norms, they adopted the name Claude Cahun in 1919.
Growing up in an intellectually and artistically stimulating environment, Claude Cahun was exposed to a diverse range of ideas from an early age. They attended the University of Paris, Sorbonne, where, at the age of 18, they began creating photographic self-portraits.
During the early 1920s, Claude Cahun settled with their lifelong partner, Suzanne Malherbe, who took on the pseudonym Marcel Moore. They became step-sisters in 1917 when Cahun's father and Moore's mother married. This partnership led to numerous collaborative works throughout their lives.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Claude Cahun delved into photography and aligned themselves with the Surrealist movement. Their photography often explored the subconscious, pushing the boundaries of reality to unveil hidden truths. Notably, Cahun's work delved into a radical exploration of gender and identity. Through self-portraits, they played with androgyny, defying traditional gender roles and presenting a fluid, multifaceted understanding of the self.
In 1932, Cahun joined the Association des Écrivains et Artistes Révolutionnaires, where they met André Breton and René Crevel. Subsequently, Cahun began associating with the surrealist group and participated in several surrealist exhibitions, including the London International Surrealist Exhibition (New Burlington Gallery) and Exposition surréaliste d'Objets (Charles Ratton Gallery, Paris).
Moore and Cahun's artistic pursuits were deeply intertwined with political activism, including creating and distributing anti-Nazi propaganda. Their unwavering resistance during World War II in German-occupied Jersey, in the English Channel, led to their imprisonment and near execution in 1945. Unfortunately, Cahun's health never fully recovered from their mistreatment in jail, and they passed away in 1954.
Their avant-garde self-portraits challenged androgyny, defying traditional gender norms, and presented a fluid and multifaceted understanding of self. These rebellious self-portraits were a visual form of protest, aiming to disrupt established norms and provoke thought.
Claude Cahun (1927)
Self-portrait (1927)
“Claude Cahun in Le Mystère d’Adam” (1929)
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/jan/08/gillian-wearing-claude-cahun-mask-national-portrait-gallery
https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/7358/claude-cahun-a-very-curious-spirit
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/19/obituaries/claude-cahun-overlooked.html
https://www.artforum.com/events/claude-cahun-2-190686/
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
INXS - Need You Tonight / Mediate
Music Appreciation
Released on October 24, 1987, INXS' Need You Tonight solidified the band's place as one of the biggest of the 1980s.
Written by Tim Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the song, which is included in the band's sixth studio album Kick, combines an irresistible beat, catchy chorus, and Hutchence's seductive vocals.
The music video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, combines live action and animation. It features Hutchence in a series of dream-like sequence, which makes it probably one of the most iconic music videos of the 1980s.
And the song and it's music video can't stand alone, without Mediate, an homage to Bob Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues.
"Try not to hate. Love your mate."
Sources:
Wikipedia
whf c. ai (60%)
Monday, October 23, 2023
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Album Cover: Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
Album Cover
Album: Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
Released: October 22, 1993
Photography: Kharen Hill
Artwork: Sarah McLachlan
Models: Sarah McLachlan
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.discogs.com/master/141705-Sarah-McLachlan-Fumbling-Towards-Ecstasy
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Friday, October 20, 2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Umberto Boccioni
Art Appreciation
Umberto Boccioni, born on October 19, 1882, in Reggio di Calabria, Italy, played a pioneering role in the Italian Futurist movement, leaving an indelible mark on modern art and sculpture in the early 20th century. He received his art education at the Scuola Libera del Nudo of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma, studying under Giovanni Mataloni and Giacomo Balla. It was under Balla's guidance that he delved into Neo-Impressionist techniques, particularly Divisionism.
In 1907, Boccioni moved to Milan, where he continued his artistic education and was profoundly influenced by the burgeoning Futurist movement. His artistic journey within Futurism reached a significant milestone on February 11, 1910, when he and fellow Futurist painters signed the Manifesto of Futurist painters, rejecting traditional norms and championing change, originality, and innovation in both culture and society. The manifesto also called for the dismantling of cultural institutions like museums and libraries.
Boccioni emerged as a central figure within the Futurist movement, adapting his artistic style to align with Futurist ideology. He emphasized portraying movement, speed, and the dynamic nature of a rapidly changing world. In 1912, after visiting studios in Paris, he decided to explore sculpture. One of his most iconic sculptural works, "Unique Forms of Continuity in Space," exemplifies Futurist ideals by depicting a figure in motion, symbolizing the fusion of human and machine, representing the progressive momentum of the modern age.
In May 1916, Boccioni was drafted into the Italian Army and was assigned to an artillery regiment at Sorte of Chievo, near Verona. On August 16, 1916, during a cavalry training exercise, he was thrown from his horse and fatally trampled, passing away the following day at the young age of 33.
Despite his untimely death, Boccioni's artistic vision and contributions endure, showcased in major art institutions globally. His works persist in perpetuating the essence and ideas of Futurism well into the 21st century.
Self-portrait (1905)
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Three Women (1909-1910)
Unique Forms of Continuity in Space (1913)
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/umberto-boccioni-771
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Freida Pinto
Acting Appreciation
Freida Selena Pinto, an Indian actress born on October 18, 1984, in Bombay (now Mumbai), has primarily made her mark in American and British cinema.
Her passion for acting ignited at the age of five, when she would frequently dress up and imitate actors. It was Sushmita Sen's triumph in the 1994 Miss Universe competition that fueled her desire to pursue a career in entertainment.
Freida's educational journey took her to Carmel of St. Joseph School in Malad, North Mumbai, and later to St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, in Fort, South Mumbai. At St. Xavier's, she majored in English literature with minors in psychology and economics, also engaging in amateur plays during her time there.
Post-graduation, she briefly explored modeling and television presentation. In 2005, she initiated her modeling journey by joining Elite Model Management India, featuring in numerous television and print advertisements for renowned brands.
Freida began auditioning for films and television shows, and was eventually chosen to host Full Circle, an international travel show aired on Zee International Asia Pacific. In 2007, she got her big break when director Danny Boyle picked her out in the audition process to play the female lead, Latika, in Slumdog Millionaire (2008). She was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Following the success of "Slumdog Millionaire," Freida ventured into art house productions, notably Woody Allen's "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" (2010) and Julian Schnabel's "Miral" (2010). However, her major commercial success came with "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011) and Michael Winterbottom's "Trishna" (2011), propelling her to widespread acclaim.
In 2018, Freida's performance in the Indian drama "Love Sonia" garnered a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Indian Film Festival in Melbourne. Despite being credited with breaking stereotypes for Indian women in foreign films, she has remained a relatively lesser-known figure in Indian cinema, predominantly focusing on humanitarian causes and women's empowerment.
Freida actively advocates for women's rights, engaging in various initiatives. From participating in Gucci's "Chime for Change" campaign to joining the "Girls' rights summit" in London, she consistently champions progress and change for women, underscoring her commitment to empowering females. In 2016, she announced her involvement with the nonprofit organization "We Do It Together," aiming to finance feature films, documentaries, and television shows dedicated to women's empowerment.
by Albert L Ortega 2011
in Armani Exchange by Michael Buckner
By Dusan Reljin, Styled by Samira Nasr (ELLE, November 2011)
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2951768/bio/?ref_=nm_ql_1
https://wwd.com/eye/people/gallery/eye-freida-pinto-10377651/88th-academy-awards-backstage-28-feb-2016/
https://www.elle.com/culture/news/a34550/freida-pinto-interview/
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Monday, October 16, 2023
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Jade Nile
Acting Appreciation
Born in Mesa, Arizona on October 15, 1992, Jade Nile is a stunning and gorgeous adult entertainment actress whose bubbly personality and sense of humor is just as equally attractive.
After graduating high school with an associates in business, Jade worked in various industries, including customer service. While working as a delivery driver, she started off as a cam girl to make extra cash.
An agent saw her on cam and reached out to her. Soon after, in 2014, the 5'5" brunette would star in her first porn films.
Prior to getting into the porn industry, Jade was not into watching porn as she stated in an RateXLife interview, "Not at all, actually. I was really into like doing it... I still would rather have sex than watch sex."
Jade's performances are known for their intensity and authenticity. She brings a sense of passion and raw energy to each scene.
Sources:
https://babesrater.com/articles/a-hot-hippie-by-the-name-of-jade-nile/
https://youtu.be/3w-ZHo2-Qp8
kink.com/model/57942/Jade-Nile?
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Album Cover: Tove Lo - Dirt Femme
Album Cover
Album: Tove Lo - Dirt Femme
Released: October 14, 2022
Photographer: Moni Haworth
Model: Tove Lo
Art Direction / Design: Samuel Burgess-Johnson
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/samuel-burgess-johnson-mn0003311484
https://www.popmatters.com/tove-lo-dirt-femme-review
https://genius.com/albums/Tove-lo/Dirt-femme
Friday, October 13, 2023
Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2024 Show
Creative Director: Nicolas Ghesquière
via Louis VuittonThursday, October 12, 2023
Lena Paul
Acting Appreciation
Born on October 12, 1993 in DeLand, Florida, Lena Paul is an adult entertainer best known for her natural DDD cup size breasts. The 5'4" brunette began her adult entertainment career as a webcam model, then transitioned to explicit shoots at the age of 22.
Her path into adult entertainment was driven by financial need for her startup, which was dedicated to finding a cure for a plant fungus in Central America. As she explained in Holly Randall's Unfiltered podcast, "[The] startup time is lean and everybody's having to pitch in, so I being enterprising and realizing I can't really have a job to pay the bills, I started webcamming from my hotel rooms at night."
Lena has an incredible personality that adds to her unique and unaltered appearance. She emphasizes authenticity within the industry, challenging stereotypes, promotes self-expression, while also advocating for the right of sex workers. She also uses her platform to raise awareness about mental health and has partnered with the August Ames Project, which aimed to encourage major studios to provide access to adequate mental health care and resources for performers.
Source:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8370707/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
https://www.iafd.com/person.rme/perfid=lenapaul/gender=f
https://www.busty-legends.com
http://www.lanasbigboobs.com
https://babesdirectory.online
https://www.babepedia.com
https://www.boobieblog.com
https://www.indexxx.com
https://www.pornhub.com
https://pics-x.com
https://www.thenude.com
https://boo.world/
https://youtu.be/ZQHg4Wt7LtM
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Giving Back: Kurt Geiger X KIDS: Our Volunteering Week
If you're a follower of my blog, you're well aware of my passion for fashion—an art form that deeply influences our daily lives.
Among the many talented designers, Kurt Geiger stands out as a personal favorite. Their daring approach to fashion design resonates with me. Moreover, I appreciate how their creations complement my girlfriend's style and how she admires Kurt Geiger's work.
Recently, while browsing YouTube, I came across an inspiring video showcasing Kurt Geiger's remarkable community partnership with X Kids—an organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities in the UK.
via Kurt GeigerTuesday, October 10, 2023
Travel + Leisure: Snowy Owl by Jerry Adamo
One thing I enjoy doing is looking through Travel + Leisure magazine for its wonderful stories and photographies. Their instagram (@travelandleisure) provides a great collection of photos taken by not only their photojournalists but also those submitted by readers.
Reader Jerry Adamo explains that he enjoys driving to Nickerson Beach, Long Island, New York for the various birds. One such bird is the snowy owl.
Source: Travel + Leisure. April 2023.
Monday, October 9, 2023
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Friday, October 6, 2023
Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Elie Saab Haute Couture Autumn Winter 2023-24
Designer: Elie Saab
via ELIE SAAB
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Rachael Leigh Cook
Acting Appreciation
During my college years, I vividly recall stumbling upon a television public service announcement featuring a relatively unknown actress named Rachael Leigh Cook. This PSA tackled the profound impact of drug abuse on individuals and their surroundings, and Cook delivered a powerful message by symbolically smashing an egg with a frying pan.
Born on October 4, 1979, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rachael Leigh Cook embarked on her journey in the entertainment industry at an incredibly young age. Her initial foray into the spotlight occurred at the age of seven when she appeared in a foster care PSA. By the time she reached ten, she had already entered the world of modeling, even gracing the packaging of Milk-Bone dog biscuits.
At fourteen, Cook began auditioning for acting roles and made her screen debut in 1995 with a role in "The Baby-Sitters Club." That same year, she ventured into the world of adventure in the film "Tom and Huck."
However, it was in 1995 that Cook achieved her breakthrough moment. She starred in the iconic "This Is Your Brain on Drugs" public service announcement, a pivotal moment that marked the inception of her acting career.
In 1996, her modeling agency sent her to take the lead in the short film "26 Summer Street." Shortly thereafter, she portrayed a 15-year-old rape victim in the film "Country Justice."
Rachael Leigh Cook's acting career soared in the late 1990s, with her standout role as Laney Boggs in the 1999 film "She's All That." This teen classic catapulted her to overnight stardom. The following year, she starred alongside Elijah Wood in "The Bumblebee Flies Away." In 2001, she assumed the lead role in "Josie and the Pussycats," a film based on the Saturday-morning cartoon of the same name.
Beyond the silver screen, Cook has graced television screens with her talent. Her recurring role on the series "Psych" from 2008 to 2014, as well as her starring role in the short-lived series "Perception" in 2012, showcased her versatility.
In recent years, Cook has continued to make her mark in the entertainment world, appearing in shows like "A Million Little Things" and "Love, Guaranteed." She even made a memorable appearance in the semi-remake of "She's All That," titled "He's All That," where she portrayed the mom.
Rachael Leigh Cook's journey from a young performer in PSAs to a celebrated actress in film and television is a testament to her enduring talent and versatility. Her contributions to both the big and small screens have solidified her status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
FHM 2000
FHM 2000
Bikini Magazine 2001
via Robot433i
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.flavourmag.co.uk/rachael-leigh-cook-where-have-you-seen-her-before/
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/rachael-leigh-cook-interview-shes-all-that-b1908406.html
https://www.fanpop.com/clubs/rachael-leigh-cook/images/38625918/title/rachael-leigh-cook-bikini-magazine-photoshoot-2001-photo
https://www.tvinsider.com/people/rachael-leigh-cook/
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Pierre Bonnard
Art Appreciation
Pierre Bonnard, a notable figure in the art world, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the evolution of modern painting, particularly for his distinctive approach to color and light.
Born on October 3, 1867, in Fontenay-aux-Roses, France, Bonnard displayed early artistic talent in drawing and watercolors. Despite his inclination towards art, he pursued a law license to satisfy his father. However, he didn't pass the examination to become an officially registered lawyer.
His true passion was art. While studying law, he attended art classes at the Académie Julian in Paris, forging enduring friendships with fellow artists like Paul Sérusier, Maurice Denis, Gabriel Ibels, and Paul Ranson. Together, they formed Les Nabis, a group of avant-garde painters inspired by Post-Impressionism and Symbolism.
Afterwards, Bonnard enrolled in the influential École des Beaux-Arts and achieved his first commercial art sale to France-Champagne. In 1891, he met the French painter Toulouse-Lautrec, exhibited his work at the annual Société des Artistes Indépendants exhibition, and showcased alongside fellow Les Nabis artists at Le Barc de Boutteville.
A significant muse for Bonnard's art was Marthe de Méligny, whom he married in 1925. His renowned works often featured Marthe in various stages of undress or bathing, revealing a sensual and voyeuristic quality while exploring the interplay of color and light. The inclusion of mirrors and reflections added depth to the compositions, underscoring the fleeting nature of beauty and the passage of time.
Bonnard's artistic style was greatly influenced by a major exposition of works by Utamaro and Hiroshige, Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print artists, at the Durand-Ruel Gallery. This experience shaped his evolving style, transitioning from bold, flat colors and simplified forms to a focus on color as a primary mode of expression during the early 20th century.
Despite his talent and significant contributions, Bonnard remained somewhat overshadowed by contemporaries like Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Nevertheless, his work began to receive well-deserved recognition in his later years. In 1938, he was honored with the prestigious Carnegie Prize, and in 1948, a major retrospective of his work was featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
The legacy of Pierre Bonnard endures and holds profound significance. His pioneering use of color and light has made a lasting impression on the art world, inspiring countless painters and influencing movements such as Fauvism and aspects of American Abstract Expressionism.
Self-portrait (1889)
Poster for France-Champagne by Pierre Bonnard (1891)
Nu à contre-jour (1908)
Nu accroupi dans une baignoire (1912)
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/may/17/new-evidence-rescues-tarnished-reputation-of-pierre-bonnard-sickly-wife-marthe
Monday, October 2, 2023
Sunday, October 1, 2023
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