Cosplay is an Art: Fan Expo Cleveland 2023

via Kodachi 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Valentino - Fall Winter 2023

Creative Director: Pierpaolo Piccioli 

via FF Channel

Gertrude Käsebier

Photography Appreciation

Born on May 18, 1852 in Fort Des Moines (now Des Moines, Iowa), Gertrude Käsebier was an American photographer known for portraits of Native Americans, and images of motherhood. She is considered a pioneer as an influential photographer who redefined the possibilities of portraiture and help shape the direction of modern photography. 

From a young age, Gertrude had a fascination towards pictures. As written by Lori Oden for International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, she mentioned how her mother wished Gertrude would take up piano but saw no avail, "she would often see Gertrude on one knee on the floor viewing the painting through her small hands, telescope-like, talking to herself meanwhile, asking herself if it would ever be possible for her to make such a picture... Gertrude would even attempt to draw with water that had been spilled on the floor."

It wasn't until 1874 when she met Eduard Käsebier, an importer from an aristocratic German family, when she was able to pursue her career in the arts. Originally, she wanted to be a portrait painter and enrolled in the Pratt Institute from 1889 to 1893. By 1894, Käsebier was heavily involved with photography in addition to her painting and drawing.

Beverly W. Brannan, a curator described that Gertrude wanted to be associated with fine art and the upper class, but enjoyed the relatively déclassé technical art of photography. She points out that Gertrude wanted to make a living, something that received criticism, especially from fine arts photographer Alfred Stieglitz for "sacrificing art to commerce." 

From about 1898 until 1912, Gertrude, like Stieglitz, embraced the principals of the Pictorialist movement, which aimed to elevate photography to the level of fine art. Although Stieglitz praised Gertrude for her portrait photography, he made it clear to "draw a distinct line between artistic pictures and every other form of photography." 

As a female photographer in a predominantly male-dominated field, Gertrude faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her career. However, she never allowed societal expectations to limit her creative expression. Her legacy as an artist and educator lives on through the profound influence she had on those she taught and inspired.

Chief Iron Tall, 1898

The Picture Book, 1899

Miss N (Portrait of Evelyn Nesbit), 1903

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://iphf.org/inductees/gertrude-kasebier/

https://www.museoreinasofia.es/en/collection/artwork/picture-book

https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/coll/womphotoj/kasebieressay.html

A bad time to have "Old Milwaukee" theme in the head

 

Buck Brown, PLAYBOY (August 1994)

Travel + Leisure: Caroline

If you have time to look through some amazing nature photography, check out Caroline Foster's Instagram (@wilderness_addict). 

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Prince - Raspberry Beret

Music Appreciation

As if directed by Prince over the radio, I eagerly waited for the ready queue after his countdown "one, two, one, two, three, four," to sing along "I was working part time in a five-and-dime..." This is a memory of mine driving with my mom in her red Toyota Corolla listening to Raspberry Beret.

Released on May 15, 1985, Raspberry Beret was a single by Prince and The Revolution from the seventh studio album Around the World in a Day. It stands as one of Prince's most beloved and iconic songs, that has an infectious melody, clever lyrics, and unforgettable hook. 

The song, which was originally recorded in 1982, was re-recorded to include a more international sound, incorporating stringed instruments, Middle Eastern finger cymbals, and a harmonica. The song is a whimsical tale of young love and summer romance. The lyrics transport us to a small town where the protagonist encounters a girl who captures his heart with her vibrant personality and unique choice of headwear. Supposedly, the song was inspired by a deleted scene from Purple Rain where The Kid and Apollonia made love in a barn. 

"Raspberry Beret" remains one of Prince's most enduring and beloved songs. Its catchy melody, clever lyrics, and vibrant energy continue to resonate with audiences of all generations. The music video, with its imaginative visuals and captivating storytelling, further enhances the song's impact and legacy.

via Prince

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Beret

Dance: Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana

Choreography: Michael Dameski

Dancers: Jade Chynoweth, Jasmine Mason, Ashley Gonzalez, Koko Iwasaki, Jessica Toatoa, Haley Jonae, Renee Ritchie, Macy Swaim, and Jazz Smith  

via Michael Dameski