RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Annielights_ as Esdeath (Akame ga Kill!)

Model: Annie

Photographer: Adrian (@turbopotion)

Source: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHmYi_gROQR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

Edward Hopper

Art Appreciation

Edward Hopper was born on July 22, 1882 in Nyack, New York. His parents encouraged his early interest in art, providing him with materials and instruction books. By age ten, Hopper was signing and dating his drawings, which often explored light and shadow—elements that would become central to his mature work. His childhood home, now the Edward Hopper House Museum, preserves his early sketches and offers insight into the formative years of this influential American artist. 

After graduating from Nyack High School in 1899, Hopper pursued art studies at the Correspondence School of Illustrating in New York City. He later enrolled at the New York School of Art, studying under prominent artists like William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. In 1905, Hopper began working part-time at an advertising agency, creating cover designs for trade magazines. Though he found illustration work unfulfilling, he continued in the field for nearly two decades due to financial necessity. 

Hopper's artistic breakthrough came in the 1920s when he gained recognition for his etchings and watercolors. His first major success was the sale of his painting "Sailing" at the 1913 Armory Show. Throughout his career, Hopper focused on depicting modern American life, often portraying urban and rural scenes imbued with themes of solitude and introspection. His work resonated with audiences, and he became one of America's most renowned realist painters. 

Hopper's technique was meticulous; he often created numerous preparatory sketches before executing a painting. His compositions are characterized by precise geometry, dramatic use of light and shadow, and a subdued color palette. He frequently depicted commonplace settings—gas stations, theaters, diners—imbued with a sense of stillness and isolation. Hopper's wife, Josephine Nivison Hopper, played a significant role in his work, often serving as his model and managing the business aspects of his career. 

Among Hopper's most famous paintings is "Nighthawks" (1942), which portrays individuals in a brightly lit diner at night, encapsulating themes of urban isolation. Another notable work, "Gas" (1940), depicts a solitary gas station attendant at dusk, highlighting the intersection of nature and modernity. These paintings exemplify Hopper's ability to capture the quiet, often melancholic aspects of American life. 

Nighthawks, 1942

Gas, 1940

Sailing, 1911

Automat, 1927

Haskell's House, 1925

New York Movie, 1939

A Woman in the Sun, 1961

Sources:

Wikipedia 

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/edward-hopper-biography-and-career-timeline/30443/

https://nyacknewsandviews.com/blog/2024/07/step-into-hoppers-world-walk-sketch-paint-on-july-13-14/

https://blog.artsper.com/en/a-closer-look/edward-hopper-paintings/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edward-Hopper

https://artisticjunkie.com/edward-hopper-paintings/

https://whitney.org/artists/621

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/edward-hopper-carnegie-museum-of-art

https://fountainhousegallery.org/post/6279-chasing-art---the-loneliness-of-edward-hopper

https://www.wikiart.org/en/edward-hopper/sailing-1911

Body Art: Mathieu Degrotte - A3 By Aurore Ilone

Models: Jaimie Moon, Elodie Villa, Oceane Baptiste

via Mathieu Degrotte 

Dance: ROSALÍA - Si Tú Supieras Compañero

Choreography: Ivana Borsje

 via Ivana Borsje

Romee Strijd

Modeling Appreciation

Romee Strijd was born on July 19, 1995, in Zoetermeer, South Holland. She was first spotted by a modeling scout in Amsterdam when she was just 13, an opportunity she declined at the time. Two years later, at 15, she embraced modeling, signing with DNA Model Agency in 2011. Although she paused her education to pursue modeling, she recognized its importance and, at 17, returned to the Netherlands to finish school. Upon graduation, she relocated to New York City to launch her career, bringing her striking features—5'11" stature, long legs, blue eyes, and long blonde hair—to the international fashion stage.

Romee’s early career gained momentum as she walked for numerous high-profile brands and graced the pages of leading fashion magazines. Her distinctive look and elegant frame attracted attention from designers and photographers, further solidifying her position in the industry. Her presence on the runway became notable for her confident stride and statuesque figure.

In 2014, Romee achieved a significant milestone when she was selected to join the Victoria’s Secret roster—a coveted recognition in modeling. Since then, she has appeared in their annual fashion shows and catalogues, becoming a familiar face among fans. Beyond Victoria’s Secret, Romee has continued to work with top-tier brands, collaborate on creative campaigns, and cultivate a powerful social media presence that enhances her career trajectory.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.instagram.com/romeestrijd

https://www.youtube.com/@romeestrijd

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

https://babesrater.com/infinite-scroll/29561/romee-strijd

https://hotnessrater.com/picture/1275260/romee-strijd

MODELING: Silvia Baggetto

Model: Silvia Baggetto (@baggetto_silvia)

via JMC Audiovisual 

Inside the Hyatt Regency Skywalk Collapse

The Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in Kansas City, Missouri, remains one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history. On July 17, 1981, two suspended walkways inside the hotel’s atrium gave way during a crowded dance event, killing 114 people and injuring over 200. 

The disaster was traced to a flawed design change during construction that doubled the load on a critical connection point, which was never properly reviewed or tested. 

The collapse not only led to widespread legal and professional consequences but also reshaped structural engineering standards, underscoring the importance of oversight and accountability in construction. 

via Stewart Hicks