Jack Tworkov

Art Appreciation 

Jack Tworkov, originally Yakov Tworkovsky, was born on August 15, 1900, in the border town of Biała Podlaska on the Poland/Russia border. In 1913, he immigrated to the United States along with his mother and sister to reunite with their father, who had arrived earlier.

Initially, Tworkov's interests leaned away from painting, leading him to enroll at Columbia University with aspirations of becoming a writer. It was his sister's encouragement that redirected him toward art, prompting him to attend classes at the Art Students League of New York.

However, it was during his time at Columbia University that Tworkov's path intersected with modernist ideals, eventually molding his unique artistic style. His creative journey was profoundly shaped by his interactions with notable artists and intellectuals of the era, including luminaries like Willem de Kooning, Hans Hofmann, and John Dewey. These encounters ignited his exploration of abstraction, propelling him into experiments that intertwined form and color.

Tworkov and de Koonig, in the company of fellow abstract painters such as Arshile Gorky, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollock, were instrumental in founding the New York School, a pivotal collective within the abstract expressionist movement.

Throughout his life, Tworkov assumed teaching roles in numerous institutions, leaving his mark at places like American University, Black Mountain College, Queens College, Pratt Institute, University of Minnesota, Columbia University, and Yale University, where he served as the Art Department's chairman from 1963 to 1969.

Jack Tworkov's influence on American Abstract Expressionism remains steadfast. His art bridged the gap between abstract concepts and intellectual depth, infusing each canvas with narratives that transcended mere visuals. He adeptly navigated the delicate equilibrium between structure and spontaneity, establishing a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge contemporary artists.

Red Robe (1947)

Pink Mississippi (1954)

Untitled (1954)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.wikiart.org/en/jack-tworkov/pink-mississippi-1954

https://jacktworkov.org/

https://www.vandorenwaxter.com/artists/jack-tworkov-estate

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: The Evolution of The Joker

http://imgur.com/t/infographic/aJ5vwpt

Three's a Crowd, Especially at Bedtime

I came across this interesting article interview in The New Yorker about a polyamorous throuple. As implied in the article, living in a polyamorous throuple comes with its unique bedtime challenges. 

Sharing a king-sized bed with two other people and an eight-pound dachshund can get a bit crowded, especially when navigating different sleeping preferences and negotiating mattress firmness. 

While polyamory sounds enticing, squeezing into bed with multiple partners and a pet often turns into a nightly game of "bedtime Tetris."

John Mayer - Bigger Than My Body

Music Appreciation

Written by John Mayer, "Bigger Than My Body" marked the debut single released on August 11, 2003, from his second album, Heavier Things. The song's inspiration struck after Mayer attended a Coldplay concert, and his frustration of being unable to share music beyond his own physical being.

Directed by Nigel Dick, the accompanying music video showcases John Mayer strumming an electric guitar on a sidewalk while passersby hurry past him, captivated by a wall of speakers. A young Michelle Borth is momentarily entranced by Mayer but is drawn away by her friend. Undeterred, Mayer immerses himself in the crowd, steadily advancing to the front while continuing his musical performance.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.discogs.com/release/2742504-John-Mayer-Bigger-Than-My-Body

https://imvdb.com/video/john-mayer/bigger-than-my-body

Annie Lennox - Walking on Broken Glass

Music Appreciation

In the early 1990s, I found myself drawn to films that featured Regency era fashion, such as those adaptations of Jane Austen's literatures. So, it comes as no surprise that I was captivated by the music video for Annie Lennox's "Walking on Broken Glass." 

Released on August 10, 1992, the song was written and performed by Scottish singer Annie Lennox and was included in her debut solo studio album, Diva. The song is a powerful ballad that combines Lennox's soulful voice with a catchy pop melody. It was an instant hit, reaching the top ten in several countries and earning Lennox a Grammy nomination.

The lyrics of "Walking on Broken Glass" tell the story of a woman who is in love with a man who is emotionally distant and keeps her at arm's length. Despite his rejection, she keeps coming back for more, likening the experience to the painful imagery of walking on broken glass. This poignant metaphor, coupled with Lennox's emotive performance, resonates deeply with listeners. The song's blend of melancholy and hope, wrapped in an infectious melody, made it a standout track of the early '90s.

The music video adds an extra layer of allure with its Regency-era setting, featuring prominent actors such as John Malkovich and Hugh Laurie. Set in the opulent Prince Regent's Carlton House, Lennox plays the protagonist, dressed in royal red, lamenting over a breakup and overcome with jealousy when she sees her love interest with his new bride. The video’s lavish costumes and dramatic storyline perfectly complement the song's themes of love, loss, and longing, making it a memorable and visually stunning piece that has stood the test of time.

Source:

Wikipedia 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Marc Cain Fashion Show Spring/Summer 2025

 via Marc Cain

Source: https://www.designscene.net/2024/07/marc-cain-spring-summer-2025.html

Zebra Crossing (Abbey Road) in London by Iain Macmillan

Photography Appreciation

On a warm August morning in 1969, Iain Macmillan captured what would become one of the most iconic images in music history: the Abbey Road zebra crossing. 

With a casual stroll across the street, the Beatles transformed a simple pedestrian crossing into a symbol of an era. Dressed in their distinct styles, John, Paul, George, and Ringo walked in perfect rhythm, forever etching their legacy into the urban landscape. 

This spontaneous yet orchestrated snapshot not only graced the cover of the last album the group recorded but also immortalized the crossing, drawing fans from around the world to recreate their own steps in the footsteps of legends.

Source:

https://www.snapgalleries.com/portfolio-items/iain-macmillan/