RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Krull (1983)

 

Amrita Sher-Gil

Art Appreciation

Amrita Sher-Gil, born on January 30, 1913, in Budapest, was a distinguished Hungarian-Indian painter and recognized as one of the foremost avant-garde women artists of the early 20th century.

Although initially from Hungary, her family relocated to Summer Hill, Shimla, India, in 1921. Amrita commenced formal painting lessons at the age of eight. At 11, she accompanied her mother to Florence, Italy, where she attended an art school, immersing herself in the works of Italian masters before returning to India.

In 1926, her uncle, the painter and Indologist Ervin Baktay, recognized her artistic prowess and became a pivotal advocate and supporter. Amrita, at 16, traveled to Paris with her mother to undergo painting training in Europe. She initially studied at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière under Pierre Vaillent and Lucien Simon, later progressing to the École des Beaux-Arts. Drawing inspiration from post-impressionist artists like Cézanne, Gauguin, and Modigliani, she immersed herself in the Bohemian circles of Paris in the early 1930s.

At 19, Amrita gained acclaim for her 1932 oil painting, "Young Girls," earning a gold medal and being elected as an Associate of the Grand Salon in Paris in 1933.

Her paintings seamlessly blended Western and Eastern artistic elements, fusing techniques learned in Europe with traditional Indian art styles and themes. Amrita's diverse body of work included self-portraits, Parisian life scenes, nude studies, still life, and portraits.

Days before the opening of her first major solo exhibition in Lahore, Amrita fell seriously ill, slipping into a coma and passing away on December 5, 1941. Despite her short time in the art world, her legacy persists. She is celebrated as a trailblazer who bridged the gap between Western and Indian art. Today, her paintings are revered for their emotional depth, cultural significance, and timeless beauty, captivating art enthusiasts worldwide.

Self-portrait (1930)

Bride's Toilet (1937)

Young Girls (1932)

Camels (1941)

Sleeping Woman (1933)

Sources:

Wikipedia

www.wikiart.org

Body Art: Natalie Reynolds' Social Experiment

Social media influencer Natalie Reynolds did a social experiment by going to a gym and a high class restaurant wearing a sports gym workout bra and a bathing suit bottom and painted pants. 

After posting the video, backlash piled on from gym goers for inappropriateness. Natalie followed up with an apology, " I’ve made a severe and continuous lapse in my judgment..."

via Nat Live (private)

via World Affairs

Sources:

https://nypost.com/2023/12/28/lifestyle/streamer-ripped-for-wearing-body-paint-at-gym-while-nude/

https://www.boredpanda.com/natalie-reynolds-body-paint-gym-pants-controversy-apology/

Dance: Maty Noyes - London

Choreography: K chan

via 1MILLION Dance Studio 

Cosplay is an Art: Silvia Hound - Addicted (Fan-Made)

via Ember Wolf 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Giorgio Armani Privé Spring Summer 2024

Fashion designer: Giorgio Armani

via Armani

My Choices for AVN Fan Awards

In my annual tradition, I utilize the tournament bracket method to determine my picks for the AVN Fan Awards, just like in previous years. The Porn Madness bracket pits individuals against each other randomly, challenging me to choose who excites me more – a task that's both figuratively and literally harder than you might think.

While the bracket format has its flaws, forcing me to pick someone other than a personal favorite early on, it adds an element of unpredictability. Take Natasha Noel and Emily Bloom, for instance; although I'm a fan of both, I found Amber Hallibell's cosplay creativity more compelling. Similarly, despite my admiration for Alex Coal and Jessie Rogers' asses, Blake Blossom's stood out when they went head-to-head.

One notable advantage of the bracket format is the opportunity for deeper research on each contender. This was especially beneficial when selecting my favorite adult newcomer. In a close matchup, 23-year-old, 5'7" Mary Popiense narrowly edged out 5'5" Athena Fleurs. Despite my preference for Athena's next-door-girl look, it was Mary's performance that ultimately won me over.

Navigating the small male talent pool, I've previously chosen James Deen, Damion Dayski, and Dante Colle. This year, my top pick is Ryan Driller, a seasoned veteran in the adult entertainment industry.

When it comes to adult podcasts, I opted for Holly Randall Unfiltered. Her podcasts feature some of the industry's top performers, and my favorite interviews from the past year include Abella Danger, Jessie Rogers, Madison Morgan, Elsa Jean, and Demi Sutra. It's a podcast worth following.

Make sure to show your support for your favorite adult entertainment performer by following their social media accounts and purchasing their work.

Below are my selections for fan favorites.

FAVORITE ADULT PODCAST

1. Holly Randall Unfiltered

2. Girls on Porn

3. And Now We Drink

FAVORITE COSPLAYER

1. Sweetie Fox

2. Amber Hallibell

3. Zirael Rem

4. Zia Fox

SEXIEST MILF

1. Natasha Nice

2. Pristine Edge

3. Sophia Locke

4. Jessica Ryan

MOST SPECTACULAR BOOBS

1. Octavia Red

2. Blake Blossom

3. Keisha Grey

4. Valentina Nappi

MOST AMAZING ASS

1. Gia Derza

2. Jada Stevens

3. Blake Blossom

4. McKinzie Valdez

HOTTEST ADULT NEWCOMER

1. Mary Popiense

2. Athena Fleurs

3. Kelsey Kane

4. Rissa May

FAVORITE MALE PORN STAR

1. Ryan Driller

2. Mick Blue

3. Codey Steele

4. Max Fills

FAVORITE FEMALE PORN STAR

1. Vanna Bardot

2. Melissa Stratton

3. Scarlett Jones

4. Braylin Bailey

Previous years:

2023

2022

2019

Source: AVN

Lana Parker

Acting Appreciation

Unexpectedly encountering Lana Parker, a striking blonde standing at 5'8", was quite a revelation. 

Born on January 23, 1993, in Weymouth, Dorset, England, Parker started on her modeling journey in 2013 with a bold debut in a topless shoot for Zoo magazine. Her trajectory continued as she ventured into nude modeling for Pinup Files in 2018.

Beyond her current role as a content creator, producing videos for her official website and social media platforms, Lana Parker is also a photographer.

Sources:

lanaparker.co.uk

instagram.com/larrnarr

twitter.com/larrnarr

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12068454/

Boobpedia.com

Freeones.com

Babepedia.com

girlsmanagementuk.com

thenude.com

Body Art: Roustan - @Kapila_808

Artist: Roustan

Mode: @Kapila_808

via Roustan

Angie White

Acting Appreciation

Achieving success in the adult entertainment industry is an exceptional feat, marked by numerous challenges. Those embarking on a career in this field confront societal bias, criticism, potential exploitation, privacy concerns, financial instability, substance misuse, emotional and mental health obstacles, as well as threats to their overall well-being and safety.

One individual who seemed poised for stardom in the adult industry, Angie White, faced the formidable pressures associated with it. Born on January 21, 1993, in Toledo, Brazil, the 5'6" brunette entered the adult entertainment scene in Barcelona at the age of 24. She quickly gained recognition, modeling and performing for renowned production companies such as RealityKings.com, Mofos, Teamskeet, and Evil Angel.

Tragically, on December 5, 2018, Angie White passed away. According to information circulating online, she took her own life by hanging, underscoring the harsh realities and mental health challenges prevalent in the adult entertainment industry.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

Sources:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8973939/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

pornstardeaths.com/angie-white/

babepedia.com

indexxx.com

iafd.com

virtualtaboo.com

lagacetauncut.com 

Cosplay is an Art: MCM LONDON 2023

via MaxCorp Entertainment

Daniela Federici

Photography Appreciation

Australia-born Daniela Federici is known for her extended career in photography and film. While completing her degree from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), she was started working for Vogue, Mode, Cleo, Australian Style, and more. She was also commissioned to do album covers and direct movies for artist such as Kylie Minogue, and Inxs. 

Shortly before her 25th birthday, she was then picked up by Paul Marciano, owner and art director for the Guess? Jeans campaign. They collaborated on shoots that included Anna Nicole Smith and later Laetitia Casta.  

Her ability to capture the beauty of her subject led her to be in high demand. She was called to shoot Mariah Carey's Music Box album cover. She was then signed to Visages Models, which included a roster of other famous celebrity photographers such as Herb Ritz and Mathew Rolston. 

Her work has appeared in various magazines such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Elle, and GQ. And she has worked with a variety of celebrities such as Prince, Lenny Kravitz, and Debby Harry. 

Working on a documentary at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India, she and her crew survived a terrorist attack in 2008. The attack lasted 60 hours with a death toll of more than 160 casualties. 

Anna Nicole Smith Winking on Malibu Beach, LA for PLAYBOY (1992)

Prince (c. 1997)

Laetitia Casta for Guess? (Summer 1999)

Kim Kardashian (2008)

Sources:

https://danielafederici.com/

https://www.instagram.com/danielafederici/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6802497/Mumbai-terror-attack-survivor-Daniela-Federici-recalls-terrifying-episode.html

https://untitled-space.art/products/daniela-federici-anna-nicole-smith-winking-on-malibu-beach-la

Ashleigh Murray

Actress Appreciation

If you're a dedicated Riverdale fan like me, you'll likely recognize Ashleigh Murray, the talented actress portraying the beautiful and ambitious musician Josie McCoy.

Ashleigh, born on January 18, 1988, in Kansas City, Missouri, displayed her passion for acting and performing from a young age. Upon graduating from high school, she made the move to New York City, where she honed her skills at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.

Her breakthrough came with the role of Josie McCoy in the CW's teen drama Riverdale, which debuted in 2017. Throughout the series, Ashleigh showcased her musical talent in scenes featuring Josie and the Pussycats.

Beyond Riverdale, Ashleigh has graced other TV series, TV movies, and films, including notable works such as Deidra & Laney Rob a Train (2017), Christmas in Harmony (2021), Tom Swift (2022), The Way Out (2022), and The Other Black Girl (2023).

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.tvinsider.com/people/ashleigh-murray/

https://blackgirlnerds.com/cws-riverdale-and-katy-keene-actor-ashleigh-murray-stars-in-the-1980s-remake-valley-girl/

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

 

Dance: BEYONCÉ - MY HOUSE

Choreography: Ana Vodisek

via Bolero Dance Center

Cosplay is an Art: LA ComicCon 2023

via Justin Cosplay 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: GIVENCHY | Spring Summer 2024 Womenswear Show

Creative Director: Matthew M. Williams

via GIVENCHY

Nicole Neal

Modeling Appreciation

In the October 2012 issue of FHM Magazine, the pictorial proudly proclaimed, "Gents, we combed the globe to uncover the hottest woman you've yet to discover. And there she is! Feast your eyes on the stunning newcomer, Nicole Neal!"

Nicole, a striking bombshell blonde standing at 5'6" with captivating blue eyes and natural 30E-25-36 measurements, was born on January 11, 1992, in Bournemouth, England. Her journey into modeling commenced after graduating from the Bournemouth School for Girls.

Her rise to fame accelerated when she graced the pages of Page 3, a feature in a British tabloid renowned for showcasing emerging models, often topless. In a 2015 interview with The Sun, Nicole showcased her wit and charm, revealing her criteria for an attractive man: "They have to be really funny, loving, caring, and kind." At one point, her romantic interest turned towards Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, following his split with Russian model Irina Shayk.

Beyond Page 3, Nicole's allure extended to other notable publications such as Glamour, Zoo, Nuts, and Loaded.

Sources:

hotnessrater.com

boobpedia.com

en.girlstop.info

babepedia.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006687676905

https://www.facebook.com/Nicolenealfanpage

https://www.elfarandi.com/2015/02/02/nicole-neal-la-rubia-hot-que-muere-por-consolar-a-cr7-fotos/

Heinrich Zille

Art Appreciation

Renowned for his impact on the art scene, Rudolf Heinrich Zille, a distinguished German illustrator, caricaturist, lithographer, and photographer, is celebrated for his humorous yet unabashed depictions of people. 

Born on January 10, 1858, in Radeburg, Germany, Zille commenced his artistic journey with drawing lessons during his early years. While pursuing education in Berlin, his talent led him to the path of lithography, apprenticing under the guidance of draughtsman Fritz Hecht in 1872.

Zille gained prominence for his witty and stereotypical portrayals of Berliners, notably capturing the challenging social realities within the city's tenement barracks. His illustrations delved into the lives of prostitutes, beggars, and impoverished families, becoming a notable feature in the German satirical publication Simplicissimus.

In 1903, Zille's artwork gained recognition through exhibitions. Facing a job loss as a lithographer in 1910, he sustained himself by selling his drawings. The Alte Nationalgalerie acquired some of his works in 1921, and in 1924, the Academy of Arts in Berlin bestowed upon Zille the honor of a professorship.

Beyond his artistic contributions, Zille left an indelible mark on the cultural and social discourse of his era. Remembered as a trailblazer in social realism, his legacy endures for its ability to encapsulate the human experience and illuminate the less glamorous facets of early 20th-century urban life in Germany.

Beach Life in Berlin (1901)

As the outdoor public swimming pool appeared (1919)

'Der Frühlingsmaler', from Simplicissimus #10, 1922. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.lambiek.net/artists/z/zille_heinrich.htm

https://www.museumsportal-berlin.de/en/museums/zille-museum/ 

https://www.artnet.com/artists/heinrich-zille/biography

Fernando Lamas

Acting Appreciation

Born on January 9, 1915, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fernando Álvaro Lamas y de Santos carved a niche for himself as a charismatic and versatile actor, gaining fame for his portrayal of "Latin Lover" roles. 

Despite initially being captivated by acting in his youth and studying drama, Lamas shifted his focus to athletics. He excelled in fencing and boxing, earning trophies, and even represented Argentina in the 1936 Summer Olympics, competing in the 100-meter freestyle.

Returning to his first love, Lamas dove back into acting, initially on stage and then on radio. At the age of 24, he made his cinematic debut in "En el último piso" (1942). With his suave demeanor and undeniable Latin charm, Lamas quickly became a heartthrob. His illustrious acting career spanned several decades, marked by standout performances in films such as "The Merry Widow" (1952), "The Girl Rush" (1955), and "The Lost World" (1960).

Remembered for his distinctive voice and the famous catchphrase, "It's better to look good than to feel good," Lamas left an enduring legacy. In popular culture, comedian Billy Crystal parodied the image-conscious playboy in a recurring Saturday Night Live sketch titled "Fernando's Hideaway." Additionally, it is said that actor Jonathan Goldsmith drew inspiration from Lamas for Dos Equis' iconic The Most Interesting Man in the World advertising campaign. 

Lamas passed away on October 8, 1982, at the age of 67.

 

Sources: 

Wikipedia

https://facts.net/celebrity/11-intriguing-facts-about-fernando-lamas/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0482881/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

Making Extra Cash Driving Rideshare

Several years back, I came across an article highlighting celebrities taking the wheel for Uber and Lyft. Notably, Deadmau5 found himself behind the wheel of an Uber, while Elwood Edwards, the voice of AOL's iconic "You've Got Mail," also has driven for Uber. Even U.S. Senator Ben Sasse and the legendary Shaq have ventured into the world of rideshare, with Shaq even going undercover as a Lyft driver. Just picture hopping into a car and realizing Shaq is your driver! 

By Adam Ellis @adamtots

Sources: 

https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/slideshow/Celebrity-Uber-drivers-163519.php

https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/us/famous-uber-drivers/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/us/famous-uber-drivers/index.html

Dance: Eve - Tambourine

Choreography: Leejung Lee

via 리정 Leejung Lee

Cosplay is an Art: L.A. COMIC CON 2023

via Chong Ahn 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: CHANEL 2023/24 Métiers d'art Show

Creative Director: Virginie Viard 

via CHANEL

Augustus Edwin John

Art Appreciation 

Augustus Edwin John, born on January 4, 1878, in Tenby, Wales, emerged as one of the most celebrated painters in Wales, leaving a mark on the art world during the early to mid-20th century. His artistic journey began with a precocious talent for art displayed alongside his older sister Gwen. At seventeen, he briefly attended the Tenby School of Art before heading to London for further studies at the Slade School of Fine Art at the University College London.

In 1901, John married Ida Nettleship, whom he had met at the Slade, which led him to a teaching post at the University of Liverpool. Relocating to London in 1903, he co-founded Chelsea Art School with Major Sir William Newenham Montague Orpen, solidifying his influence in the art community.

Complications arose in John's personal life when Dorelia McNeill became both his model and mistress, leading to a complex ménage à trois with Ida from 1903 to 1907. Tragedy struck when Ida succumbed to puerperal fever after childbirth while the family was living in Paris with Dorelia.

Around 1910, John, accompanied by his friend James Dickson Innes, painted in the Arenig valley and established an artists' colony at Alderney Manor, where he resided with his family and Dorelia. His fascination with the Romani people prompted him to travel with his family in a caravan, eventually becoming the President of the Gypsy Lore Society from 1937 to 1961.

In 1917, he became the war artist for the Canadian military, creating memorable portraits of Canadian infantrymen. By the 1920s, John rose to prominence as Britain's leading portrait painter, gaining recognition for his portraits of notable figures such as George Bernard Shaw and William Butler Yeats.

Augustus Edwin John's artistic versatility shone through various genres, including portraiture, landscapes, and etchings. His ability to capture the emotional depth of his subjects, coupled with a fascination for the human form and a nuanced exploration of psychological subtleties, contributed to the enduring appeal of his art.

Elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1921 and a full R.A. in 1928, John received the Order of Merit from George VI in 1942. Serving as a trustee of the Tate Gallery from 1933 to 1941 and as President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters from 1948 to 1953, he was honored with the Freedom of the Town of Tenby in 1959.

Augustus Edwin John's dynamic and expressive style, influenced by Post-Impressionism and Fauvism, positioned him as a pioneering force in the British art scene, leaving an enduring legacy.

Portrait of Marchesa Luisa Casati (1919)

Fraternity (1920)

W.B. Yeats (1907)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/fraternity-6589/tagger/add

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/mar/02/augustus-john-william-orpen-peace-conference-1920

Cop a feel

As we come close to adult entertainment award ceremony season, we all should remember to respect our stars. Although they do porn and maybe portray a character that enjoys certain sexual acts, they are private individuals with the same rights that you and I enjoy. So, no cop a feel. 

Marty Murphy, PLAYBOY (November 1995)

Petra Havlasova (aka Kelly Havel)

Modeling Appreciation

I vividly remember getting my hands on the June 1998 edition of Penthouse magazine. It was in those glossy pages that I discovered the enchanting Petra Havlasova, also known as Kelly Havel, Kelly O'Scarlett, Paula, and Victoria. Her allure captivated me, and my infatuation only deepened when I stumbled upon her feature in the same year's edition of Perfect 10 (Vol. 1, Issue 3).

Born on January 2, 1978, this 5'9" Czech brunette shared my passions for traveling, swimming, and indulging in poetry—interests that resonated with me during that period of my life. To my 20-year-old self, she embodied perfection in many ways, especially with her natural, medium-sized breasts and absence of tattoos.

Engaged in the modeling scene from 1997 to 2000, Petra collaborated with renowned photographers such as Earl Miller, Suze Randall, and Sean McCall. Her portfolio includes 41 covers, 35 photosets, and six videos.

Sources:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0369872/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

babepedia.com

indexxx.com

www.eurobabeindex.com

babecenterfolds.com

hotnessrater.com

New Year's Resolution

 

Doug Sneyd, PLAYBOY (January 1996)