Cosplay is an Art: Otakufest 2023

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U2 - One

Music Appreciation

I remember going to Wal-Mart and buying the cassette single of U2's One. I wore out that tape quickly as I played it on repeat. 

Released on February 24, 1992, One is a song by the Irish rock band U2 from their 1991 album Achtung Baby. The song was written by lead singer Bono as a plea for unity and understanding; in particular, conflict between the band members. After the success of The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum, they were at a crossroad and drifting apart. 

During an improvisation, in a Berlin studio, as the Edge played the chord progression, Bono first lines came out, "Is it getting better or do you feel the same? Is it any easier on you now that you've got someone to blame?" The song would become considered one of U2's most popular and beloved tracks.

The band filmed several music videos for the song. To appeal to a broader audience, they got Rattle and Hum director Phil Joanou to film the third and final video. 

The music video starts with Bono sitting at a table smoking a cheroot and drinking beer at Nell's, a nightclub in downtown Manhattan. Closeup footage of the band performing in concert intersperse throughout the music video.  

via U2

Source:

Wikipedia

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20211117-why-u2s-one-is-the-ultimate-anthem

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Robert Maxwell

Photography Appreciation

A former surfer from La Jolla, California, contemporary photographer Robert Maxwell is known for his deeply expressive portraits, stills, and nudes. He uses a wet-plate technique known as ambrotype, known as the "black art" of photography.  

In an article by Russell Hart for American Photo, he explained the required patience from the celebrities he photographs, "I have to set up the pose before I go into the darkroom. Then when I come back with the plate, I fine-tune it -- move your leg here, do that, and so on -- double-check the focus, then pop off the ground glass and attach the wet-plate holder."

His first monograph Robert Maxwell: Photographs was published in 2000. 

Leonardo DiCaprio (2013)

Gabourey Sidibe (2009)

Maryke on Chaire (2001)

Sources: 

https://robertmaxwellphoto.com/

https://www.annenbergphotospace.org/person/robert-maxwell/

https://www.instagram.com/robertmaxwellphoto/?hl=en

https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/books-media/robert-maxwell-portrait-photographer/

Hart, Russell. Wet-Plate Revival. American Photo. September / October 1999, Special Issue. p.31. 

https://weisskatz.gallery/products/maryke-on-chair

Bon Boullogne

Art Appreciation

Bon Boullogne was a French Baroque painter who known for his portraits and ornate compositions that included religious and mythological scenes. 

Baptized February 22, 1649, Boullogne was particularly skilled in capturing the movement and energy of the human form.  His works are notable for their dramatic compositions, masterful use of light and color, and their ability to capture the movement and energy of the human form.

He was highly sought after by the French aristocracy and members of the royal court. He was appointed court painter to Louis XIV and was also commissioned to create works for several of the king's palaces, including the Palace of Versailles.

Birth of Venus

Tobias and Tobit (c. 1705)

Hippomenes and Atalanta (1699)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.allpainter.com/bon-boullogne/nature-receiving-gifts-from-the-four-elements-handmade-oil-painting-reproduction-192260.html

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Ted Cruz Fighting for Texas "Each and Every day!" But What About Snowflake

Pardon the Interruption

Recently, Senator Ted Cruz posted a video tweet with text that read, "It is the honor of my life to fight for Texas each and every day!" Of course, I was quick to remember how he left Texas during the Texas Snowmageddon in 2021. In fact, he left Snowflake, the family pet dog, behind during the whole ordeal. 

Barry Britt, The New Yorker, February 24, 2021

Body Paint: Craig Tracy - Al Fresco French Quarter

Artist: Craig Tracy

Model: Zap 

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Dance: Saweetie - P.U.S.S.Y. (Powerful, Utopia, Supreme, Sacred, Yummy)

Choreography: Adison Briana

via Floorplay by Adison Briana