Sophisticated Spectra

The Vibrant Artistry of Iris Scott: The Finger Painter Extraordinaire

June 18, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

When it comes to bringing vibrancy and depth to art, American artist Iris Scott takes a unique approach - she paints using her fingers. Employing this age-old technique, she creates vivid and detailed works that convey a heightened, more colorful version of our reality.

Massimo Alba's Lookbook: An Array of Healthy Fashion

June 23, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett

The main characters of Massimo Alba's lookbook aren't just models, but a charming cow portrait and my favorite African bead chairs from Massimo's studio. While these chairs might not offer the most comfortable seating experience – they're terribly hard – they certainly add a unique touch to any interior.

The Artistic Legacy of Rodney Smith: Unique Surrealistic Photography

June 25, 2023 in Photography & Visuals by Julian Everett

Rodney Smith (1947-2016) was an American photographer known for his unique and evocative black and white images. Smith's works are renowned for their surreal quality, dreamlike settings, and the impeccable composition and lighting, often harkening back to the style of old master painters. His photography often blends whimsy and melancholy to create images that are at once familiar and strange.

Eric Kroll: Unveiling the Hidden World of Fetish Photography

June 30, 2023 in Photography & Visuals by Charlotte Sinclair

Eric Kroll, born October 23, 1946, in New York, is a renowned American photographer known for his compelling work in the realm of fetish photography.

Sheryl Kelley: Blending Masculine Power and Feminine Grace in Vintage Car Art

July 1, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

American artist Sheryl Kelley exclusively paints vintage cars. For Kelley, her love for automobiles is primarily a deep instinctive attraction to their form, rather than a fondness for the roar of engines.

Lindsey Kustusch: Capturing the Spirit of San Francisco Through Art

July 6, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

Drawing on the inspiration of more than 15 years living in San Francisco, American artist Lindsey Kustusch masterfully captures the spirit and energy of urban life in her artworks. Her unique approach to painting—beginning with an abstract background and then layering it with her own handcrafted knives, brushes, and scrapers—gives her work a distinctive character and intensity.

American Pop Culture in the 1970s and the Aesthetics of Playboy Covers

July 15, 2023 in Photography & Visuals by Julian Everett

The 1970s in America was a time of immense cultural transformation. It was a decade marked by the birth of new music genres, the rise of a counterculture that challenged societal norms, the continuation of the civil rights movement, and the impactful emergence of feminism.

Pascal Campion: A Unique Blend of Art and Storytelling

July 24, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

The art world is filled with unique voices and talents, each weaving their distinct narratives. One such talent is Pascal Campion, a Franco-American artist-illustrator whose creative journey has covered an impressive spectrum - from conceptual design to visual development for art films and TV shows, and creating commercial animation for clients such as Chevron and Disney.

Exploring the Fantastic World of Paul Lehr

July 28, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

Paul Lehr, an artist born in 1930, holds a significant place in the American art scene as a notable post-war painter whose works embody a unique blend of reality and fantasy. His strikingly intricate and futuristic illustrations continue to captivate audiences, bridging the gap between the known and the unknown.

The Versatility of the Trouser Suit: American Vogue's Wardrobe Investment Highlight

Aug. 19, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

A trouser suit, often seen as a formal piece, has been making waves for its unparalleled versatility. American Vogue, a trendsetter in the world of fashion, gives us ample reasons to believe that investing in a good trouser suit can offer endless styling possibilities.

Devon Aoki Takes Tokyo: A Vivienne Westwood Extravaganza in American Vogue's September Issue

Aug. 22, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Julian Everett

This September, American Vogue offers its readers a visual journey to Tokyo with the ethereal Devon Aoki as their guide. Adorning the iconic designs of British fashion legend, Vivienne Westwood, Aoki dazzles and captivates in each frame, expertly captured by the lens of Theo Liu.

Lili St. Cyr: The Queen of Burlesque

Aug. 24, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Charlotte Sinclair

Lili St. Cyr was a prominent American burlesque stripteaser and actress, born Marie Frances Van Schaack on June 3, 1918, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s, becoming one of the highest-paid performers of her time. She was a trailblazer, turning the art of striptease into a more refined and theatrical endeavor. She was often seen as a "classier" alternative to her more flamboyant contemporaries like Gypsy Rose Lee and Sally Rand.

Vogue's Historic Open Casting Introduces Eight Global Finalists Set to Redefine Modern Beauty

Sept. 7, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett

Hold onto your couture hats, fashionistas! American Vogue has just dropped its lineup of fresh faces for the season, and this isn't your grandma's model roster. For the first time ever, Vogue hosted an open casting call for global talent, and the world answered.

Capturing the Spirit of the American West: The Breathtaking Art of Mark Magiori

Sept. 16, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

There's a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the case of artist Mark Magiori, his paintings may well be worth a thousand emotions. Magiori, known for his breathtaking scenes of the American West, manages to imbue his landscapes with a sense of wonder and vitality that resonates deeply with viewers. His works are a vivid exploration of freedom, inspiration, and the unique beauty that is the American prairie.

Viviane Sassen: Blending Fashion and Art through Geometry and Abstraction

Nov. 10, 2023 in Photography & Visuals by Charlotte Sinclair

Viviane Sassen, a renowned Dutch artist born in 1972, resides in Amsterdam and has made significant contributions to both the fashion and fine art photography worlds. Her work is distinguished by the use of geometric shapes, frequently abstracting human bodies, showcasing a unique artistic vision that blends personal, editorial, and commercial elements.

Gypsy Rose Lee: The Burlesque Queen Who Redefined Showbiz

Dec. 23, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Julian Everett

Gypsy Rose Lee, born Rose Louise Hovick in Seattle, Washington, on January 8, 1911, remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of American entertainment. Her life story, marked by drama, talent, and a trailblazing presence in the world of burlesque, continues to fascinate audiences decades after her passing.

Ernie Barnes: Celebrating the Vibrant Life of African Americans Through Art

Feb. 1, 2024 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett

The art world continues to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Ernie Barnes, an American artist whose work vividly captures the essence and vibrancy of African American life. Known for his unique style of elongated characters, Barnes' paintings are more than mere representations; they are a dynamic celebration of culture, movement, and emotion.

The Intriguing World of Vintage American Prison Rings: A Collector's Delight

March 16, 2024 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett

In the realm of niche collectibles, a surprising trend has emerged that captivates history buffs and art enthusiasts alike: the pursuit of American prison rings from the first half of the 20th century. These are not just any ordinary pieces of jewelry; they are artifacts of resourcefulness and imagination, born within the confines of prison walls.

Jomo Tariku's Meedo Chair: A Showcase of Unique Design at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

March 16, 2024 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

The Meedo Chair, an exquisite creation by African designer Jomo Tariku, has found its place among the diverse treasures of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This chair is a profound example of how common objects can inform exceptional design and how they can be elevated to the status of fine art.