Art.

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Yenny Cocq

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 09:50:40 GMT

"... Love forms ..."

March 31st, 2021

Y enny Cocq is a Santa Fe-based artist who creates beautiful minimalist sculptures. So far there is no German publisher of Yenny Cocq sculptures, but we hope that soon her sculptures will be available directly in Germany.

Mostly Yenny's figures have no arms and facial features and are reduced to the minimum. What is striking here is that the upper body of the figures is flat and the shape of the body is only hinted at. Miniscule differences can be detected, which help the viewer to classify the sculpture: The upper body of female sculptures is shaped like an hourglass, suggesting the typical "X" of the female body. The male sculpture is adapted to the "Y"-like physique: Proportionally large figures and broad shoulders. Additionally, the feminine head is rounded, oval-shaped, while the masculine appears square.

In fact, many do not recognize masculine and feminine features in Cocq's sculptures.

Yenny's figures can be grouped together and further expanded to form a larger ensemble - the typical goal here is a family. It is important to the artist that one can play with the figures, matching them to your mood. The figures can be placed in such a way that they appear integrative or repellent.

Thus, a family can adapt the sculpture family to their mood in a few simple steps.

The artist also lets us know the age of the figures, through their status in the family. The parents or adults cross their legs, while young adults are almost as tall as the parents but do not cross their legs. The younger the figure, the smaller it appears, allowing the viewer to build their own family: Parents, teenagers, children, babies, pets, and even deceased family members impersonated by angel figures.

Most of the time the base for the figures is chosen by the buyers themselves, but if that's not the case, the artist herself looks for the stones in her home and includes them in the sculptures.

Yenny's work is about love and family unity. Through her art, she expresses the human body reduced to geometric shapes and uses simple body language to express an emotion or idea. Her family and small couple sculptures share a sense of connection, togetherness, and vulnerability, which is why the viewer remembers their own experiences and perceptions with family, friends, and lovers.

Find more information on: https://yennycocqsculpture.com

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Steve Tandy

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:32:51 GMT

„…laughing and smiling…“

February 24th, 2021

S teve Tandy is a British artist who paints animals in different environments. In doing so, he follows the principle that "art should make us laugh or smile" - and strives to achieve both in his artworks.

Although humor plays an important role in Tandy's work, the artist also incorporates current controversies and culture into his work. Since this artist works primarily with animals, he incorporates elements of species extinction, natural habitat change, and climate change in his works. For example, Tandy paints a polar bear on the beach in Miami Beach or a tiger walking in snowy New York. Mainly, the artist displays animals that are threatened by extinction in his paintings: Predatory cats, polar bears, penguins, and pandas.

The key thought hereto: "Maybe one day it will be like this, who knows?"

Presumably, the greatest influence on Steve Tandy is films, music, and icons of all sorts. Often, while painting, he leaves movies or music running in the background. At this point, the movies are usually already so familiar to him that the artist can speak along with the lines - which influences the titles of his work. One example is "Feel the Need", inspired by Tom Cruise's famous line "Feel the need, the need for speed" from 'Top Gun'.

Another painting is based on "The Wild One" with Marlon Brando.

In fact, the animals in Tandy's paintings often imitate famous actors or icons. Nevertheless, it is important to the artist that the animals do not appear too human - even though they may appear to ride a motorcycle, for example, they still do look realistic. This is why Tandy often uses animals that can show facial expressions similar to those of humans: Bears, cats, penguins. That's also why the animals do not wear clothes or accessories.

The animals symbolize the character of the icon - not their appearance.

The artist often embeds animals into well-known settings: 5ft Avenue, Wall Street, Venice, Hollywood, San Francisco, and Rome. In fact, Tandy visited most of these places and was seeking a suitable location to integrate in his paintings. he then takes photos, which are ultimately processed into paintings. Only seldomly does he choose the location before the animal that he embeds in the artwork. The environment and vegetation are chosen at a later stage. The tangible image emerges only during the painting process; further details often only develop during the painting process and are gradually refined through it.

Other works of Tandy were inspired by James Bond movies, for example "Licensed to Chill".

Find more information: http://stevetandyart.com

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Anna Gammans

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 20:33:17 GMT

"... proud of the reflection ..."

A nna Gammans is a British artist who paints beautiful landscapes and cityscapes. Particularly places situated on the Italian coast, such as Amalfi and Santorini, but also famous architectural works are depicted in her paintings.

Gammans visited most of the places which are depicted in her paintings - even the paintings showing a sunset were personally observed by the artist. Her goal is to depict natural phenomena as realistic as possible, and thus more authentic than in photographs. Thereby colors play a special role.

Among other things, colors and color combinations are one of the main sources of inspiration for the artist.

She tries to represent these in her paintings as accurately as possible.

Also, the colors reflect, at least unconsciously, the feelings associated with the moment. Although the artist does not actively try to incorporate these feelings into her works, especially positive and happy feelings seem to shine through the paintings. Gammans wants the viewer to feel happy and relieved when looking at her paintings. The painting itself also contributes to this:
Easily recognizable symbols for each location (for example, the city of Santorini) are meant to evoke the feelings associated with that particular place.

Gammans also puts a high focus on reflection and the reflection of light. These help her make the images more vivid and active. In addition, this detail is better imprinted in the memory of the viewer and is a generally considered "beautiful" symbol.

In Anna Gammans' paintings, the color pink is particularly emphasized.Since pink immediately strikes people and seems to be burned into memory, this color helps to make it easier for the viewer to understand and look at the image.

Of particular interest is the transformation of modern cities, dominated by dark colors, into pink, dazzling streets and bodies of water.In almost every picture there is an abstract part. This the artist creates, like much else, with her hands and does without a brush.The abstract part seems to distract the eye from the bright colors and facilitate the interpretation of the image.

Beautiful are the New York City paintings of this artist.

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Natasha Barnes

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 07:16:34 GMT

"... a LOT of steps."

N atasha Barnes is a South African artist who paints beautiful abstract paintings.

Natasha grew up in South Africa and was influenced by South Africa's landscape, wildlife and vegetation since childhood: she sold her first painting when she was only seven years old. Barnes' mother encouraged her to continue painting - yet the artist initially became a cook.

For years, Natasha considered painting only a hobby, until she finally decided to make a living from it. In fact, the artist often uses kitchen tools to make her paintings. These tools help the artist create certain shapes and lines, and then proceed to paint the picture.

Barnes paints on huge white paper surfaces. These are hung on a wall, on the floor, or placed on a table.Now the painting process begins. In fact, the artist varies her colors and shapes according to client: different countries - different colors.Once the painting appears finished, it is removed from the wall, floor or table.Now it is looked at, and the artist decides "according to feeling" whether the picture is completed.

It often happens that Natasha still makes small changes, or even completely changes the painting again with the help of colors.

According to Natasha, colors determine one thing above all: the mood of the painting.

It is important to the artist to learn what others see in her paintings. She often actively incorporates these recognized elements into her paintings afterwards, or tries to emphasize them even more in the respective work of art.

For Natasha Barnes herself, there is only one constant in her paintings: the lotus flower.

Probably the most popular painting of this artist is "Spotted Tiger". What stands out here: reddish and pink tones. Barnes is convinced of the color pink and points out that this color has an incredibly powerful effect on us.

According to Natasha, brave people wear pink.

Other beautiful paintings by this artist are: "Grey days are the best", "Softly falls the rain" or "Dandy Flowers".

Find more informationen on: https://www.natashabarnes.com

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Emma Jean Kemp

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 09:15:55 GMT

"Flipping the page..."

E mma Jean Kemp is a British sculptor who creates beautiful figurative sculptures. Kemp works mainly with plasticine to form her sculptures. Later the form is immortalized with metal.

The artist has specialized in the depiction of people. What stands out here: the detailed elaboration of face and hair.In fact, Kemp does not always add these attributes to her sculptures: only recently has she begun to deal with facial features.

Kemp is inspired by many things to create her works - but her family has a special role. Especially her father and the emotions she associates with him seem to be a strong drive to create sculptures like "Turning the Page" or "Lost & Found".

Nevertheless, the artist is also influenced by her respective life situation: being a mother in particular seems to be reflected in her sculptures.

Another important attribute: books.

In many ways, Kemp integrates literary works into her sculptures.

On the other hand, her sculptures serve as bookkeepers - but often books are already contained in the sculpture itself ("Medicine for the Soul" or "Knowledge"). In these works, the concept of "time" also seems to play an important role. Books serve as a help, yet people have to climb the mountain themselves.

Also, motives of gymnasts or dancers can often be seen.

The artist herself practices a Brazilian martial art - an important source for these sculptures. Here the artist is fascinated by the incredible variety of movements and the range of action of the body. Kemp conducts studies of human anatomy and uses anatomy books to represent the human form as accurately as possible. Especially the strength of the body seems to impress the artist.

With the help of figures such as "Pendulum - Gymnast", Kemp depicts "what the body can create".

The special thing about the sculptures of this artist: the rough surface. In fact, this arises due to the work with plasticine. Nevertheless, it is important to Kemp not to create a smooth surface. Finishing the sculptures with metal adds desirable details and shading.

One of many wonderful examples: "Seated Man".

Find more information on: https://emmajeankemp.com

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Lakshmi Mohanbabu

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 13:32:44 GMT

"... the oppressor and the oppressed."

L akshmi Mohanbabu is an Indian artist who creates incredibly diverse works. Lakshmi grew up in Afghanistan, became an architect and eventually an artist.Her passion for mathematics, among other things, led her to create the "Interactions" series: Mohanbabu created a universal symbol that everyone can identify with.

Especially in "Interactions", but also in all other series of this artist, Mohanbabu put a lot of research and knowledge. "Interaction" is based on the principle of the mandala, decorated with mythological and mathematical symbols. In fact, "Interactions" can also be understood as a statement:As one, we are stronger.

Similar messages are hidden in other works of this artist, for example in the portrait series "Colours of Unity". Mohanbabu painted people of different ages, genders and ethnicities in different colors, with metallic effects. The only thing that unites the paintings:The figures depicted are wearing sunglasses. These sunglasses are meant to help the viewer reflect on the world around them and think about the concept underlying "Colours of Unity": the relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed based on skin color.

A special portrait of this series: Icon Iris Apfel.

Mohanbabu's "Expressions" series, inspired by Chinese opera, shows different emotions: Love, Hate, Joy, Sorrow, ... . In fact, "Expressions" consists of opposite emotions and expressions ("Joy" - "Sorrow"). To clarify these emotions, the artist uses the simplest possible faces, represented only with the colors red and black. Attributes on the heads of the depicted figures further clarify the emotions.

People can identify with Lakshmi's diverse works and use them as food for thought.

It is particularly important to the artist to help the viewer understand her works. Songs, detailed texts on her website, her own YouTube channel and even an installation on the largest Suntec screen in the world, in Singapore, serve this purpose.

Their "Interaction Cube", which will be exhibited on the moon in 2022, holds a clear message: "Singularity, Trinity, Duality, Quality, Infinity, Plurality".

Just like all her other artworks, Mohanbabu integrates the concept of Jing and Jang - one cannot exist without the other - in all her artworks. The artist is all about unification. Her works are poignant, beautiful and make us think about prejudices and stigmas.

Find more information on: https://www.lakshmimohanbabu.com

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Nuala Mulligan

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 13:24:40 GMT

"... just a little bit of love."

B ritish artist Mulligan creates beautiful lenticular images, with the help of which she depicts icons such as Marilyn Monroe, David Bowie, Twiggy or Audrey Hepburn.

For the artist, building up knowledge about the respective chosen person is important here - especially the private life. Especially with Monroe the artist seems to connect deep emotions and a certain degree of protective instinct; mainly because of Marilyn Monroe's private life.

In fact, the artist created three images of Marylin - all based on the same photo, different in color scheme. The most important detail: diamond dust. As an anecdote to Monroe's famous singing "Diamonds are a girl's best friend", the artist decided to attach this detail to her paintings.

Beautiful with the painting "Diamonds are a Girl's best friend": Due to the diamond dust, the painting glitters when the light falls on it.

Hours of research are invested before the artist decides on a particular celebrity. For Mulligan, it is important to be able to understand the person in order to be able to portray them in certain facets of their life and with certain - mostly self-perceived - emotions.

Mulligan not only portrays women - Marilyn Monroe, Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn; but also famous male protagonists. In this she finds inspiration in her childhood. The artist grew up with some of the icons, which is probably one of the main reasons to paint them: David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Nevertheless, it is not (as it is easy to assume with the female celebrities) beauty that makes the artist create her paintings, but rather a deep, emotional connection to the icons.

The titles of the individual works already hint at what the lenticular images might refer to: "The Show Must Go On" (Freddie Mercury), "Aladdin Sane" (David Bowie), ""Beauty Queen" (Audrey Hepburn). In fact, Mulligan uses the titles of her works as "tools" to facilitate viewers' subjective interpretation. Possibly, the artist wishes that viewers can better understand the icons through her paintings, and be encouraged to ask questions and investigate.

What stands out, especially when we take a closer look at celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy, is that neither of them considered themselves beautiful.

Find more information on: https://www.nualamulligan.com/art

C R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Jennine Parker

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 15:21:36 GMT

" ... in order to create movement."

J ennine Parker is a British artist who creates beautiful sculptures - mostly in bronze. She expresses herself through the female form, although her sculptures are generally shadowy.

The artist often uses dancers as inspiration for the special, curved shape of her sculptures. Here, she first photographs her models, then starts painting and begins the modeling process.

Parker uses a variety of materials - from bronze and wax to porcelain. Her figures are (mostly) cast after the single piece is completed.

Her sculptures show passion, obsession and intensity.

The artist uses very expressive words, as titles for her paintings: "Trust", "Purity", "Empahty", "Affinity", "Peace". Here, not always only a single figure is depicted, sometimes a - presumably - male form is added.

For some time now, the artist's style seems to be changing; she uses increasingly rounded shapes ("Peace", "Trust", "Serenity") and seems to be moving away from "stroke-like" long forms.

Parker often paints pictures and integrates her sculptures into them - "Prosperity" is used particularly often.
She also creates "backgrounds" for her sculptures: usually foaming waves or raging oceans.

Particularly when looking at "Guardian," it's striking which artists Parker draws inspiration from: Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Peter Hayes. Interesting and beautiful about this piece: the blue details on the wings.

Other beautiful pieces by this artist include "Divine" and "Purity".

Find more information on: https://jennineparker.co.uk/

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Anna Razumovskaya

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 13:23:41 GMT

„…There are no mistakes. There are no mistakes in our lives.“

A nna Razumovskaya, a Russian artist who grew up during the Cold War and now lives in Canada, creates wonderful, impressionistic paintings of women in … ball gowns.

She draws inspiration from “life itself.” Perhaps most important to her is music; she listens to everything—from jazz and classical music to pop. She draws particular inspiration from Bach’s compositions.

Although Razumovskaya calls herself an Impressionist, she cannot describe her style as typically Impressionist—she uses charcoal, watercolors, and oil. She prefers oil and charcoal, using them to create her wonderful paintings—mostly of dancing women.

The artist places great importance on the principle “Past. Present. Future.”.

Although she is “still learning,” she strives to live only in the present—without, however, forgetting the past. Her art serves as a tool to help her achieve this goal. In her view, all creative endeavors help us live in the present. If we allow ourselves to do so, we experience something “magical.”

I particularly like “Escape into Life.” Anna’s models are unaware of their own beauty. They are strong, feminine women. The artist wants the world to understand how wonderful it is to be a woman.

Her favorite subjects are dancers. She often incorporates hints of movement into her images to depict aesthetically beautiful “slow motion.”

The artist has been drawing flowers for several years. These paintings, she says, convey a different kind of emotion. A single bouquet can inspire a thousand paintings.

For Anna, her emotional life and her art are intertwined. Her paintings are … deeper, more emotional.

For more information: http://www.anna-art.com/index.php

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am no longer able to visit exhibitions.
That is why I am launching the “Corona Portraits” series to showcase several artists

.

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Caroline Smith

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 09:00:03 GMT

„… promises a magical key to understanding the strange world around me.“

C aroline Smith has been painting for over 40 years—mainly women. She draws no inspiration from current art trends but focuses instead on developing her own style.

Smith depicts the objects in her paintings in two dimensions, yet they still appear strangely human.

This technique makes it almost impossible for the viewer to identify the materials Smith uses to paint her pictures.

It's all about “… the message.”

According to the artist herself, every little detail, every stroke, and every symbol in her paintings has a meaning. Currently, the influence of Japanese art is particularly noticeable; many of Caroline Smith’s temporary works seem to be inspired by it.

Most of the people depicted are not meant to show any emotion or movement; it’s not about the moment but about “the message.”

These paintings are highly abstract; they possess incredible power and captivate the viewer from the very first moment.

A notable example of this is “Aries,” a painting in which flames transform into dragons.

Although the paintings appear simple at first glance, more and more details become apparent as you look at them.

The artist is increasingly using complementary contrast.

Smith attempts to adapt the style in which her paintings are executed to earlier techniques and ideals. The influence of ancient Egypt, cave paintings, and ancient Greece (see Greek vase painting) is particularly noticeable.

For more information: https://www.carolinesmithart.com/about

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am no longer able to visit exhibitions.
That is why I am launching the “Corona Portraits” series to showcase several artists.

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Tessa Campbell Fraser

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 09:00:03 GMT

"... Inspired by life, movement, and atmosphere."

T essa Campbell Fraser is a British artist who creates oil paintings, watercolors, and pencil drawings. Her primary focus is on creating sculptures.

This artist’s work focuses mainly on animals—particularly horses, bears, and even-toed ungulates.

Materials such as bronze and wax are used to craft these figures. Fraser strives to make her works as lifelike as possible—including their size. Horns, eyes, fur, tails, and manes are shaped through meticulous detail work.

Particularly distinctive are the sculptures in which only the animal’s neck is visible.

They symbolize incredible strength and power, which people automatically associate with the sculptures.

In her work, the artist draws inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome, from the painter George Stubbs (1724–1806, who also painted horses extensively; his most famous painting is “Whistlejacket”)

and from Marino Marini (1901–1980, who created many sculptures).

This influence is evident in nearly all of her artworks.

In many sculptures and paintings, animals and humans are intertwined, forming a single entity (“Flying Dream”). Humans and animals become one and live together in harmony (“Symbiosis”), and even their movements and behavioral patterns are in sync (“Polar Dancer”).

These lifelike, life-size sculptures are primarily used as “garden decorations.”

The sculpture “Dolphins” is beautiful; the dolphins seem to float above the surface of the sculpture, emerging directly from the waves.

The “Estimate” horse figurine looks incredibly elegant.

For more information: http://www.tessacampbellfraser.co.uk/

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am no longer able to visit exhibitions.
That is why I am launching the “Corona Portraits” series to showcase several artists.

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Al Saralis

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 09:00:04 GMT

"...a visual artist..."

-Al Saralis

A l Saralis is a British artist of Greek descent.

Saralis paints in a very lifelike style—so far, mainly girls and young women. Increasingly, the artist is publishing paintings of trees, which highlight his interest in people in nature and in changes to nature.

Saralis repeatedly paints the same young women; they may be people in his circle—his daughters, for example. Saralis focuses particularly on a form of “still movement”; often the subjects are at rest, yet one can easily imagine their future movements.

Time and again, the artist paints mysterious young women—that is, women who cover themselves in such a way that they cannot be clearly recognized, or those who close their eyes and conceal secrets through gestures and facial expressions.

Saralis places special emphasis on the young women's hair; in this case, it is the hair that makes the characters appear so lifelike.

This artist, too, seems to paint people who embody loneliness, worry, and sadness.

Most of them look surprised, worried, or frightened. Saralis does not limit himself to just one body part—he paints the entire body, portraits, or even people from behind—and these images are particularly expressive.

In his work, the artist draws inspiration from “classical” beauty (the Laocoön Group, Johann Joachim Winkelmann’s ideal of beauty: “Just as the depths of the sea remain calm at all times, no matter how turbulent the surface may be, so too do the expressions on the faces of the Greek figures reveal a great and composed soul amid all passions.”); this “calm soul” is also expressed in his paintings.

Saralis’s works are timeless; they leave plenty of room for interpretation and prompt the viewer to empathize with the subject, to understand it, and to respond emotionally to the image. He creates something beautiful, interesting, and spiritual.

For more information: https://alsaralis.co.uk/

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am no longer able to visit exhibitions. That is why I am now launching the “Corona Portraits” series to showcase various artists.

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: John Lipsham

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 09:00:02 GMT

"... to create a POWERFUL image..."

J ohn Lipsham is a British artist who was born in Portsmouth.

Lipsham paints people and scenes from his memory. As a teenager, he worked at a shipyard in England. Although he encountered members of the upper class there every day, he painted his coworkers, ships, and seemingly mundane, everyday events.

The painter uses both oil and acrylic paints, often mixing the two. Lipsham focuses particularly on using light and shadow to reveal certain characteristics; he especially plays with the hair of the people he portrays.

I believe the artist paints the figures so vaguely because he no longer remembers exactly what the people he paints looked like. He met them a long time ago, and now he has only a vague idea of what they looked like.

Lipsham mainly paints women from the upper class. At the shipyard, these women enjoyed incredible prestige—they were treated like celebrities.

Titles such as “The Blonde…” or “The Redhead…” already suggest that John Lipsham paints from memory. He then gives his paintings exactly the name he himself remembers for the person or event—usually the most striking features of that person.

To prevent the viewer from becoming distracted, Lipsham's paintings are set within traditional, simple frames.

Perhaps John Lipsham’s memory distorted the reality of that time. Perhaps “Blonde in the Albany” didn’t really look bored, perhaps “Lady in the patterned dress” wasn’t wearing red lipstick.

Perhaps one of the ladies Lipsham painted recognizes herself in his portrait and remembers a young man with an extraordinary memory, capable of holding dozens of people in his mind, down to the smallest detail.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am no longer able to visit exhibitions.
That is why I am launching the “Corona Portraits” series to showcase several artists.

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Krysia D Michna Nowak

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 09:02:00 GMT

"...to provoke the viewer's soul..."

K rysia Nowak is a British artist who has been painting portraits for decades.

Nowak's paintings do not depict movement; rather, they capture a particular mood. A recurring theme in many of her paintings is sadness and isolation. Nowak does not limit herself to a single color or mood—her paintings are diverse and unique.

What stands out is the unconventional color palette and the remarkable way emotions are captured with just a few brushstrokes.

The artist seems to study people and observe them. Only in this way can she capture unique moments and convey those emotions to the viewer.

What’s unique is that Krysia paints with oil on metal plates. The metal images are then transferred to paper using a press. Details, such as colors, are added afterward.

Two animals appear repeatedly in Nowak’s paintings: pigeons and cats. Both are painted in a very minimalist style. The cats are depicted in a highly anthropomorphic way; their emotions are immediately apparent. The pigeon, on the other hand, is an almost disembodied figure devoid of emotion—perhaps it is meant to serve merely as a symbol.

I especially like the comforting quality of these images. The portraits seek to understand people, to portray them in their vulnerability, and to immortalize them.

For more information, please visit the artist's website: krysianowak.co.uk

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am no longer able to visit exhibitions.
That is why I am launching the “Corona Portraits” series to showcase several artists.

D E U T S C H E R U M B R U C H

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 09:00:12 GMT

A World in Turmoil: Germany

I just saw the exhibition “Germany in Transition” in Munich.

The exhibition focused on the 1920s and was incredibly diverse.

Photographs, pencil drawings, oil paintings, engravings, lithographs … were among the works on display.

The themes of the images and the emotions they evoked were completely different and independent of one another. Contrasts such as light and shadow, hope, hatred, and joy were on display.

Some artists wanted to poke fun at society (for example, through hidden-object pictures), while others tried to portray it in utopian or dystopian terms.

I found the discussion of National Socialism and life during the war particularly interesting.

The second part of the exhibition focused on the 1970s. Original posters from the 1972 Olympic Games and the original model of the Allianz Arena were on display.

By the way: In Part Two, visitors could also listen to songs by Milli Vanilli (“Girl, You Know It’s True”) and Freddie Mercury.

In addition to this exhibition (which, by the way, is free to visit), there are many other exhibitions at the Munich City Museum!

About “Arbeiterkind” (Working-Class Child), August Sander (1876–1964)

I love the tranquility and orderliness in this picture.

It is important to note that the child belonged to the working class, which means he or she was not particularly well-off. The child appears happy; this photo may have been taken at a family celebration or during the weekly church service.

Recommended: Yupp
Coming soon to: Unknown

S I S I - L E B E N & F A M I L I E

Sat, 07 Nov 2020 09:00:03 GMT

The “Sisischloss” shows...

I just saw the exhibition “Sisi—Her Life, Her Family” at Unterwittelsbach Castle. Spread across three floors, the exhibition featured several portraits, engravings (Wilhelm Gause, “Court Ball”), oil paintings, dresses, and everyday objects.

The exhibition offered a variety of ways to explore it, such as different stations, photo spots, and opportunities to dress up.

Unterwittelsbach Castle is beautiful and is said to have been the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth and her family.

The works of art on display were mainly engravings, oil paintings, portraits, and even photographs.

I particularly liked the black-and-white engraving *Court Ball* by Wilhelm Gause. The scene is beautifully depicted and makes me feel the atmosphere of the ball right away. What strikes me is that you see the ball “from behind,” which greatly reinforces the impression of being part of the whole.

The dresses on display (travel dresses, the famous “Star Dress,” a Hungarian gala dress, and mourning dresses) were, unfortunately, only recreations (Sisi had all her dresses burned after her son’s suicide),

but they were meticulously re-sewn using exact replicas of the original handiwork and have already been shown in several exhibitions.

For anyone who has ever visited the Spanish Riding School Museum, this exhibition is the perfect complement.

In addition, Sisi's gymnastics equipment and her beauty routine were on display ;)

Recommended: Jap
Coming soon in: Not official

Unterwittelsbach Castle always has new exhibitions (this was my third ;) ).

For more information, visit the castle's website:

https://www.aichach.de/Freizeit/Sehenswürdigkeiten/Sisi-Schloss

S P O T O N

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 16:26:54 GMT

I WAS HERE!

I just visited the “Spot On” exhibition at the Museum Brandhorst in Munich.

Keep reading to learn about works by Andy Warhol, Kara Walker, Arthur Jafa, Ed Ruscha, Jacqueline Humphries, and many others ;)

Essentially, this exhibition was about books—a collection of books. But it wasn’t just about books; it was about art inspired by books (depicted using books ;) ). Works like “New Book” and “Old Book back then” (both by Ed Ruscha) represent, for me, the process of loving a book and reading it over and over again.

The works in this exhibition seek to highlight the historical and future significance of books.

They seek to convey emotions and bring them to life (Kara Walker: Freedom, 1997).

Ever since the first book was written—or rather, ever since the first Stone Age human painted on a cave wall to say, “I was here”—the human need to document, to share, and the desire to learn have become evident.

Later, other forms of art—such as photography, haute couture, traditional painting, writing, and, yes, reading—helped people express their emotions, learn, and fulfill their need to create art through these methods.

But this exhibition wasn’t just about the historical and future significance of books; works by, for example, Kara Walker and Arthur Jafa align with the “Black Lives Matter” movement.

What you should see: “My Black Death” by Arthur Jafa

Related to the theme: “Mustard Race Riot” by Andy Warhol (Not in “SPOT ON” but in “Forever Young”)

In addition, books are a medium through which we can express our political views (Lawrence Weiner and Paul Chan) and reflect on our actions. Books help us understand, learn, and form our own opinions by presenting us with different arguments and viewpoints.

II liked the (self-)irony and sarcasm, but also the directness and the questioning of culture and society.

Ed Ruscha, in particular, made me think and question things.

Recommended: Only if you like to stand in front of a picture for a long time and think about it
Coming soon in: Not official

Please note that I did not take the photos in this blog post myself, as visitors to Brandhorst are not permitted to take photos of individual works of art. I do not own the images.

F O R E V E R Y O U N G

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 12:34:08 GMT

New at Museum Brandhorst, Munich...

I just visited Brandhorst’s “Forever Young” anniversary exhibition.

Among other things, the exhibition featured art by Andy Warhol, Cy Wombly, and Jeff Koons.

Have you ever been to an IKEA?

Just the IKEA restaurant?

Have you ever bought furniture from the IKEA online store? Or maybe art?

Then you’ve surely seen a Warhol before.

Is that your style? Then visit “Forever Young” to see an original featuring Liz Taylor ;)

Did you go to elementary school? I’ll just assume you did. Did you like designing your own Keith Haring?

See originals in Forever Young.

Did you like the movie “The Sixth Sense”? Then you're sure to like Wombly's artwork (just kidding ;) )

My favorite piece in this exhibition was definitely “Crazy” by Louise Lawler (and it's possible that I liked “Winters’s Passage” by Wombly).

Both works gave me a calming and peaceful feeling. I liked the colors and the atmosphere the artists created through their works.

Recommended: Jap
Coming soon to: Stay in Munich

Please note that I did not take the photos in this blog post myself, as visitors to Brandhorst are not permitted to take photos of individual works of art.

T O O F U N K Y

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 07:22:12 GMT

Couture by Thierry Mugler

“ I have always been fascinated by the most beautiful animal on the Earth: the human being“
Thierry Mugler

II just visited the “Thierry Mugler Couturisseme” exhibition at the Kunsthalle München.

The exhibition consisted of six different sections, each of which brought together one or more collections.

Who was Mugler again? The icon, the fashion designer who’s already almost a legend? Claudia Schiffer? Linda Evangelista? Naomi Campbell?

The designer whose clothes are now mostly only seen on Instagram accounts featuring models from the ’90s?

Or at the Met Gala?

Ever heard of “Too Funky”? Smelled “Alien”?

No?

Then you’d better take a look at the photos of my favorites, because you won’t forget these outfits for years to come.

Personally, I was fascinated by Mugler’s way of thinking; it seems as though he didn’t design the clothes to be worn, but simply to see his vision come to life.

Of course, he also designed ready-to-wear collections, but I think that was only to finance his extravagant, extraordinary creations.

I loved the artistry behind his work and his incredible creativity.

Ever heard of “Too Funky”? Ever smelled “Alien”?

Above all, I liked the intensity, the boldness, and the daring nature of the dresses.

Couture is created to make the buyer feel special. It's made just for you.

And I bet people who've worn Mugler couture felt very special... ;)

Next in: France

Recommended: Definitely!

Art.

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Yenny Cocq

"... Love forms ..."

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Steve Tandy

„…laughing and smiling…“

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Anna Gammans

"... proud of the reflection ..."

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Natasha Barnes

"... a LOT of steps."

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Emma Jean Kemp

"Flipping the page..."

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Lakshmi Mohanbabu

"... the oppressor and the oppressed."

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Nuala Mulligan

"... just a little bit of love."

C R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Jennine Parker

" ... in order to create movement."

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Anna Razumovskaya

„…There are no mistakes. There are no mistakes in our lives.“

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Caroline Smith

„… promises a magical key to understanding the strange world around me.“

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Tessa Campbell Fraser

"... Inspired by life, movement, and atmosphere."

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Al Saralis

"...a visual artist..."

﻿ -Al Saralis

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: John Lipsham

"... to create a POWERFUL image..."

C O R O N A P O R T R A I T S: Krysia D Michna Nowak

"...to provoke the viewer's soul..."

D E U T S C H E R U M B R U C H

A World in Turmoil: Germany

S I S I - L E B E N & F A M I L I E

The “Sisischloss” shows...

S P O T O N

I WAS HERE!

F O R E V E R Y O U N G

New at Museum Brandhorst, Munich...

T O O F U N K Y

Couture by Thierry Mugler

-Al Saralis