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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Krull (1983)

Supposedly, JJ Abrams is working on a reboot of this cult classic. 


 

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Harriet Backer

Art Appreciation

Harriet Backer, born on January 21, 1845, in Holmestrand, Norway, was raised in a culturally rich environment that nurtured her artistic inclinations. Her family's move to Christiania (now Oslo) in 1857 provided her with greater exposure to the arts. 

Accompanying her musically gifted sister, Agathe Backer Grøndahl, on study trips abroad, Harriet visited numerous art museums, deepening her appreciation for painting. Despite her early interest, she embarked on formal art studies relatively late, moving to Munich in 1874 at the age of 29 to receive private tuition, as art academies were then reserved for men. In 1878, she continued her studies in Paris, immersing herself in the vibrant art scene. 

Backer's career flourished as she became a prominent figure in Norwegian art, renowned for her detailed interior scenes that captured the interplay of light and shadow. Her painting "Blue Interior" (1883) exemplifies her ability to convey the tranquil atmosphere of domestic life through rich colors and meticulous attention to light. Similarly, "By Lamplight" (1890) showcases her skill in depicting intimate indoor settings, with a focus on the subtle effects of lamplight illuminating a solitary figure. 

Throughout her 50-year career, Backer not only created a significant body of work but also inspired a new generation of artists. She became a mentor to many younger painters, both men and women, emphasizing the importance of independence and creative integrity. Her dedication to capturing the nuances of everyday life and her role in advancing women's rights in the arts have solidified her legacy as a pioneer among female artists in the Nordic countries and Europe. 


Blue Interior, 1883

Chez Moi, 1887

By Lamp Light, 1890

Italian Woman, 1864

The Farewell, 1878


Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Harriet-Backer/DE7F3BBBA18FD116

https://www.kalligone.com/harriet-backer-biography-and-paintings/

https://www.nationalmuseum.se/en/harriet-backer 

https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/collection/object/nmk.dep.2018.0032.012

https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/stories/explore-the-collection/harriet-backer-at-175/

https://www.wikiart.org/en/harriet-backer/all-works#!#filterName:all-paintings-chronologically,resultType:masonry

https://theartbog.com/biography-harriet-backer/#google_vignette 

https://mydailyartdisplay.uk/2019/04/07/harriet-backer-part-1-the-early-years/

https://www.artnet.com/artists/harriet-backer/

https://awarewomenartists.com/en/series_animees/lhistoire-de-harriet-backer/

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/whats-on/exhibitions/harriet-backer-1845-1932-music-colors

https://www.artchive.com/artists-by-art-movement/female-impressionist-painters/

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Caitlin McSwain

Modeling Appreciation

Born on January 19, 1995 in Dallas, Texas, Caitlin McSwain made quite an impression with her slim 5'4" frame, stunning auburn hair, and striking green eyes. 

The captivating model is known for her natural beauty and confidence. She first made waves in the modeling world when she posed for Playboy Plus at the age of 19. By January 2015, her irresistible charm earned her the prestigious title of Playboy CyberGirl of the Month. Caitlin's ability to bring authenticity and fun to her photoshoots helped her stand out, and she embraced the opportunity to pose for one of the most iconic brands with high standards she truly admired.

Raised in Texarkana, Caitlin is a proud Southern girl who enjoys bar hopping and a wide variety of music—Lil' Wayne being her celebrity crush. She’s a firm believer in showing off her body and takes pride in her natural figure, especially her "small, round, natural, and perky" 34C breasts. A true Texan at heart, Caitlin isn’t afraid to speak her mind and knows what she wants, both in life and love. 

Although she retired from modeling in 2021, her playful personality and photogenic talent continue to leave a lasting impression on fans worldwide.







Sources:

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Caitlin_McSwain

https://www.babeimpact.com/galleries/caitin-mcswain/

https://www.sexy-models.net/c/caitlin-mcswain/amateur-%D1%81utie-caitlin-mcswain.html

https://www.pornhoard.com/models/caitlin-mcswain

https://www.eroticbeauties.net/

https://www.erocurves.com/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8564742/bio/

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Francesco Scavullo

Photography Appreciation

Born on January 16, 1921, in Staten Island, New York, Francesco Scavullo's fascination with photography began early. He would transform his sisters into Hollywood starlets using makeup and hairstyles, capturing their images with his father's camera. This passion led him to establish a makeshift studio and darkroom in his home, laying the foundation for his future career. 

Scavullo's professional journey took off when he started working for a fashion catalog studio, eventually moving to Vogue magazine. Under the mentorship of photographer Horst P. Horst, he refined his craft. 

In 1948, he created a cover for Seventeen magazine, which secured him a contract and propelled him into the fashion photography scene. He later opened his own studio in Manhattan, becoming a sought-after photographer for major publications. 

Throughout his career, Scavullo captured iconic images of numerous celebrities and models. He was instrumental in launching the careers of models like Gia Carangi and Brooke Shields, and his work graced the covers of magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, and Rolling Stone. 


Sting, 1984

Andy Warhol and Jed Johnson, 1982

Samuel Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe, 1974

Susan Sarandon, 1989

Gia Carangi, May 1980

Diana Ross, 1979

Janis Joplin, 1969


Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.mgross.com/books/focus/bonus-chapters/francesco-scavullo/

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/scavullo-francesco

https://chisholmgallery.com/francesco-scavullo/ 

https://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/photographers/francesco-scavullo/

https://lucies.org/jury/francesco-scavullo/

https://www.motionpicturegroup.com/retrospective

https://www.bygonely.com/francesco-scavullo-fashion-photography/#google_vignette

https://www.artnet.com/artists/francesco-scavullo/

https://biographs.org/francesco-scavullo

https://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2005-Pu-Z/Scavullo-Francesco.html#google_vignette

https://giacarangilivedhere.org/photographers/francesco-scavullo/

https://www.artsy.net/article/sotheby-s-francesco-scavullo-no-end-to-beauty

https://www.vintag.es/2017/02/extraordinary-vintage-celebrity-photos.html

https://photofocus.com/inspiration/on-phorography-francesco-scavullo-1921-2004/