via vaniBorn
This blog appreciates all forms of art. Content on this blog may not be suitable for all readers. Most entries are for 18+ audience and some post are NSFW.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Album Cover: Beck - Odelay
Album Cover
Album: Beck - Odelay
Release: June 18, 1996
Art Direction / Design: Beck Hansen, Robert Fisher
Artwork: Al Hansen, Zarim Osborn, Manuel Ocampo
Photographer: Ludwig
Source:
https://www.discogs.com/release/155855-Beck-Odelay
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Isaac Pelayo
Art Appreciation
Isaac Pelayo is a Los Angeles–based painter known for intimate, emotionally grounded portraits that often center women of color. Pelayo was raised in Southern California, where his early exposure to both street culture and classical art shaped his visual language.
He studied at the ArtCenter College of Design, an institution known for blending fine art with commercial design. That training is evident in his disciplined draftsmanship and his ability to balance realism with stylized, contemporary sensibilities.
Pelayo’s career has steadily grown through gallery exhibitions, commissions, and a strong presence among collectors drawn to figurative work. His paintings often feature elongated forms, soft yet deliberate color palettes, and subjects depicted in quiet, reflective poses.
There’s a clear nod to classical portraiture—particularly in composition and lighting—but filtered through a modern lens that reflects identity, beauty, and representation. His work resonates because it avoids spectacle; instead, it invites a slower, more personal engagement with the subject.
More recently, Pelayo presented a solo exhibition at Gallery 818, further cementing his place in the contemporary art scene. The show highlighted his evolving technique, including tighter compositions and a refined use of texture and negative space.
Sources:
https://www.artcenter.edu
https://www.gallery818.com
https://www.mobyarts.com/products/b-i-g
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/isaac-pelayo-so-i-drink-these-broken-dreams-and-hide-in-despair
Monday, June 15, 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Tereza Kostková
Acting Appreciation
Tereza Kostková was born on June 14, 1976, in Prague, Czech Republic, into a family deeply rooted in the performing arts—her father, Petr Kostka, is a well-known stage and screen actor.
Growing up in that environment shaped her early interest in acting and storytelling. She went on to study at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU), one of the country’s most respected institutions for dramatic arts.
Kostková’s classic features—standing about 5'7" with dark hair and striking green eyes—have complemented her stage presence and contributed to her appeal on screen.
Kostková built her career steadily in Czech theatre before gaining broader recognition in television and film. She has appeared in numerous Czech productions, balancing dramatic roles with lighter, character-driven performances.
Many audiences know her as the longtime host of StarDance, the Czech version of “Dancing with the Stars,” where her warmth and professionalism made her a familiar presence in households across the country. Beyond hosting, she remains active in theatre, often returning to stage work that emphasizes strong dialogue and emotional depth.
Sources:
https://www.csfd.cz
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0467350/
https://www.damu.cz/en/
https://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/10084897100-stardance/
https://www.instagram.com/terakost
https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Tereza_Kostkova
Serebro - Mi Mi Mi
Music Appreciation
Russian girl group Serebro released “Mi Mi Mi” on June 14, 2013, as a digital single tied to their third studio album, Sila tryokh. Written by producer Maxim Fadeev and vocalist Olga Seryabkina, the track blends dance-pop, electro swing, eurodance, and house influences into a highly energetic song built around a memorable saxophone riff.
Critics and listeners often compared its catchy hook to the style of Alexandra Stan’s “Mr. Saxobeat.” Although “Mi Mi Mi” did not become a major chart success in Russia, it slowly developed an international following because of its carefree summer mood and club appeal. The song reached No. 11 on Italian charts and later appeared on charts in the Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
What helped transform “Mi Mi Mi” into a long-lasting internet-era pop curiosity was its persistence in global pop culture. The song appeared in the film Spy, the movie Jem and the Holograms, and the rhythm game Just Dance 2019. In South Korea, repeated use on variety programs reportedly contributed to the song remaining recognizable years after release.
The music video premiered four days before the single, on June 10, 2013, and was directed by Maxim Fadeev, who also directed several of the group’s earlier videos. Set around an upscale seaside resort and swimming pool, the video leans heavily into playful glamour: fur hats, swimsuits, high heels, floating thrones, and exaggerated flirtation with the camera. Rather than following a storyline, it sells attitude and visual excess. Over time, the video accumulated more than 100 million views — a significant milestone for a Russian pop act during the early YouTube era — helping cement “Mi Mi Mi” as one of Serebro’s most internationally recognized songs.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026
MODELING: Bikini Photo Shoot
Models: Sabrina Lynn, Mazzie (@mazelynt), Amy (@bamyy_), and Pani (@pani)
Photographer: Atlas Elison (@atlaselison)
via Emily Bloom
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Rush Hour, Bare Essentials
I’ve recently learned that a text shared with a friend isn’t always as private as you think. That lesson came at 8:45 a.m., while I was racing to make a 9:00 meeting. Waze was telling me to stay on the freeway, but I ignored it—confident in my usual “shortcut” that never fails. This time, it failed spectacularly.
Traffic came to a crawl for no obvious reason. Then I saw it—or rather, him. A very tall, completely naked man briskly walking down the cross street. Naturally, every driver slowed down, because no one wants to miss that on a Wednesday morning commute. So there I sat, late and stuck, thanks to an unexpected—and unforgettable—traffic influencer.
I texted a coworker: “Running late. There’s a man completely naked walking along the street.” The reply came quickly: “No way. Take a photo or it didn’t happen.” By then, the man had moved out of frame, sparing both my camera roll and my dignity. As traffic crept forward, my mind filled in the blanks. Bad breakup? Dramatic escape? Mugging gone sideways? It was like writing a mystery novel in real time.
I arrived at the meeting fifteen minutes late. As I sat down, my boss asked, “So… was he naked?” I glanced at my coworker, suddenly aware my “private” text had gone public. “Yes,” I said. “He was naked. And no, I didn’t get photos.” The room collectively sighed in disappointment.
Afterward, I told my coworker, “That message was meant for you only.” She shrugged and said, “I didn’t know that.”
Lesson learned: next time, I trust Waze—and maybe keep the play-by-play to myself.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Badly Drawn Boy - Something to Talk About
Music Appreciation
“Something to Talk About” was written and performed by Damon Gough under his stage name Badly Drawn Boy and released on June 10, 2002, as part of the soundtrack to the film About a Boy. The soundtrack album, also titled About a Boy, served as a companion piece to the adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel.
Gough composed the majority of the score, shaping the emotional tone of the film with a blend of folk-pop intimacy and melodic warmth. The song was issued as a single in the UK and helped solidify his reputation following his Mercury Prize win for The Hour of Bewilderbeast in 2000.
Lyrically, “Something to Talk About” captures themes of vulnerability, self-awareness, and the awkward search for connection. The narrator seems caught between cynicism and hope, offering small gestures of honesty as a way to bridge emotional distance.
Musically, the track leans on gentle acoustic guitar, layered harmonies, and understated percussion. The melody is direct and memorable, reflecting Gough’s talent for pairing melancholy with understated optimism. The arrangement mirrors the film’s tone—quietly reflective yet tinged with humor and humanity.
A promotional music video accompanied the single, featuring clips from About a Boy and appearances by stars Hugh Grant and Nicholas Hoult. The video intercuts performance footage with scenes that highlight the evolving relationship between Grant’s detached bachelor and Hoult’s earnest young character. The visuals reinforce the song’s emotional arc, underscoring themes of growth, unlikely friendship, and the value of simple, sincere conversation.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.officialcharts.com
https://www.allmusic.com
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0276751/
https://www.discogs.com
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Wham! - The Edge of Heaven
Music Appreciation
Released on June 9, 1986, "The Edge of Heaven" stands as Wham!'s spirited farewell single, both written and produced by George Michael. As the duo prepared to part ways, Michael crafted this upbeat track, infusing it with deliberately overt sexual lyrics, especially in the first verse. He later remarked that he believed no one would notice the provocative content because "no one listens to a Wham! lyric. It had got to that stage." The song features a lively melody complemented by Elton John's contribution on piano, adding to its vibrant energy.
The accompanying music video, directed by Andy Morahan, was filmed in black and white at Stage 1, Twickenham Film Studios, on June 5, 1986. It showcases a dynamic live performance with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley exuding their characteristic charisma.
Upon release, "The Edge of Heaven" was met with enthusiasm, becoming Wham!'s fourth number one hit on the UK Singles Chart and securing a spot in the top ten of the US charts. The song's energetic composition and engaging lyrics resonated with fans, ensuring that Wham!'s final musical offering left a lasting impression.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://superdeluxeedition.com/reviews/wham-documentary-sde-review/
Monday, June 8, 2026
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026
Thursday, June 4, 2026
P!NK - Whatever You Want
Music Appreciation
"Whatever You Want" by P!NK is a track from her seventh studio album Beautiful Trauma. The song was co-written by Pink alongside producers Max Martin and Shellback, two of the most consistent hitmakers in modern pop.
"Whatever You Want" was released as a promotional single on June 4, 2018, during a period when Pink was leaning into a polished pop-rock sound while still maintaining the emotional directness that defined her earlier work. The track fits within the broader themes of Beautiful Trauma, which explored the tension between independence and vulnerability in long-term relationships.
Lyrically, “Whatever You Want” captures the push and pull of a complicated partnership, where frustration and devotion coexist. Pink delivers lines that suggest exhaustion with conflict, yet a willingness to stay and compromise—an honest portrayal of love that isn’t always neat.
The chorus leans into repetition, reinforcing the emotional concession implied by the title. Musically, the song blends a steady pop beat with layered synths and restrained guitar elements, creating a mid-tempo groove that supports the emotional tone without overpowering it.
The music video for “Whatever You Want” premiered on Apple Music on March 1, 2018, and was directed and edited by Brad Comfort. Rather than a traditional narrative, the video compiles performance footage, including clips from Pink’s appearance at Super Bowl LII and her performance at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/pink-whatever-you-want-listen-8459265/
https://genius.com/Pink-whatever-you-want-lyrics
https://music.apple.com
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-pink-beautiful-trauma-200925/
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Noah Davis
Art Appreciation
American painter and installation artist Noah Davis was born on June 3, 1983, in Seattle. Raised in a creative family, Davis later moved to California and briefly studied at Cooper Union in New York before settling in Los Angeles, where his artistic voice matured.
Although largely self-directed as a painter, he absorbed influences from artists such as James McNeill Whistler, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Thomas Eakins. Davis developed a style that blended realism, abstraction, and dreamlike atmospheres.
His paintings often portrayed everyday Black life with emotional depth, balancing softness and tension through blurred figures, muted palettes, and expressive surfaces. Even early works showed his fascination with memory, mortality, race, and the psychological space between presence and disappearance.
Davis’s career accelerated rapidly after his first solo exhibitions in New York and Los Angeles during the late 2000s. Among his most recognized paintings are 40 Acres and a Unicorn (2007), Isis (2009), The Architect (2011), and the Pueblo del Rio series (2014).
His work transformed ordinary scenes into poetic meditations filled with ambiguity and emotional weight. Paint drips, hazy figures, restrained color palettes, and cinematic compositions became hallmarks of his technique.
In addition to painting, Davis created conceptual projects such as Imitation of Wealth, in which he humorously recreated famous minimalist artworks to critique exclusivity within the art world. Beyond his studio practice, Davis and his wife, sculptor Karon Davis, founded the Underground Museum in Los Angeles in 2012. The museum aimed to bring museum-quality exhibitions and cultural programming to historically underserved Black and Latino communities, helping reshape conversations around accessibility and representation in contemporary art.
Davis died from a rare cancer in 2015 at only thirty-two years old, yet his influence on contemporary American painting has continued to grow. His work has been celebrated in major exhibitions around the world, including retrospectives at the Barbican in London, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, and most recently the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where a major retrospective presented more than sixty works spanning painting, sculpture, collage, and curatorial projects. The exhibition highlighted the emotional and stylistic contrasts that defined his career, including paintings completed only weeks before his death that now read as meditations on impermanence and memory.
Sources:
https://whyy.org/articles/noah-davis-retrospective-philadelphia-art-museum/
https://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/noah-davis
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/03/02/the-haunting-talent-of-noah-davis
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/feb/09/noah-davis-barbican-art-gallery-london-review-he-loved-what-he-was-looking-at-la-artist
https://www.ft.com/content/7b966254-652d-48ce-822b-7f0dfb056a02
https://artreview.com/noah-davis-barbican-london-review-jj-charlesworth/
http://www.papillionart.com/photo-gallery/noah-davis-garden-city/19678605
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Album Cover: Smashing Pumpkins - Adore
Album Cover
Album: Smashing Pumpkins - Adore
Released: June 2, 1998
Art Direction, Design: Billy Corgan, Frank Olinsky, Yelena Yemchuk
Photography: Yelena Yemchuk
Model: Amy Wesson
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.discogs.com/release/367899-The-Smashing-Pumpkins-Adore






