PHOTOGRAPHY 9
Abandoned Vehicles Regain Lost Glory in Photographs by Jan Stel
Abandoned Vehicles: The Dutch Fine Art Photographer Jan shows the impact of age and the power of Mother Nature on cars and trucks abandoned in junkyards.
BY SEAN LEWYES
Amsterdam, The Netherlands –The Dutch photographer Jan Stel has a fascination for accentuating the glory of the past. His photographs detail derelict objects and places that were once the glory of their owners. One of his well-known photography projects examines what happens to abandoned vehicles in the woods. The photographs are a reminder of the passage of time and its consequences.
Many of the vehicles in Jan’s photographs were once treasures to their owners. One can imagine the owners driving their new cars through the street, waving at friends and family. However, over the years, these cars lost their glare because of usage and broken parts. Some have no tires, and others have broken apart with bits and pieces everywhere. Windows and windshields have also succumbed to the pressure of time and vandals.
Abandoned Vehicles: Lost Glory
The once smooth-running engines have been decimated by thieves who took pride in stripping them of their glorious past. In this graveyard, dilapidated vehicles are totems of the past. Abandoned in the junkyards and forests, these vehicles now have new lives. They serve as homes for rodents, insects, and plants that continue to struggle with what is left of their auto lives.
Despite the rundown nature of these abandoned vehicles, the beauty of their glorious past glared through the accumulated dirt and rust that enriched them with ageless patina. One of the photographs shows the dashboard of a luxurious car overtaken by spider webs. Another dashboard shows the magnificent past of a deluxe car with its beautiful red seats. Although the car has been in the woods for years, the red seats still show the brilliance of the past that captivated its owner. It is easy to imagine that the owner had a lot of fun driving around in this car. Even in its derelict state, the car still conveys its alluring essence.
Graveyard for Cars
The junkyard and forests where Jan went to take his photographs are a graveyard for cars. Everywhere in the junkyard are vehicles that have been overtaken by trees and straggled by time: trucks, luxury cars, classic cars, and cars that were the fastest in the world in their heyday. Many of these cars have fallen into bits and pieces while others have become one with nature. Trees grow, penetrating each part and tearing them apart with exceptional ease. That is the power of nature.
Jan Stel’s photographs tell stories about these autos that were once elegant but have fallen into disrepute due to age and time. Done in black and white and color photographs, Jan Stel’s photographs reveal the impact of the passage of time on all. One of the photographs has an abandoned Red Cross truck or military ambulance. In its primes, this truck was a transport for people with injuries. However, in this photograph, it is a relic of the past. After many years of stagnation, the truck has been overtaken by weeds, trees, and rodents. Branches reach out from the windows as if trying to touch the sky.
Jan Sel’s fascination with documenting places and things that have lost their glory and succumbed to the aftermath of time began about two decades ago. Since that time, he has traveled across the Netherlands and Europe, visiting unknown sites. The series on abandoned vehicles is just one of his many projects. A creative fine art photographer, Jan Sel’s photographs create his images using pure and natural light. He does not use flashlights or studio lamps. Therefore, his authentic working process takes time, patience, sensitivity, and excellent timing.
About the Artist
Born in 1970 in Purmerend, the Netherlands, Jan Stel taught himself photography. In his youth, he loved art and went about the suburbs of Amsterdam creating graffiti murals. At home, he made detailed drawings and realistic illustrations. The discovery of his father’s analog photo gear sparked his interest in photography and inspired him to develop his creative style.
Since that discovery, Jan has been creating exceptional fine art photographs that have been in museum and gallery exhibitions across the globe. In addition, his photographs have been published in The Daily Mail, De Volkskrant, NRC Handelsblad, De Telegraaf, and many websites and blogs. Jan has won several important awards like the Sony World Photography Awards, International Color Awards, and the Epson Pano Awards. His work is part of many private and corporate collections. You can see more of Jan Stel’s projects and photographs on Behance.
Do you have photographs of abandoned vehicles? Are you working on an art or photography project? Share your work with us. Follow us Facebook
Joram Krol’s intimate Portraits are Captivating, Confrontational, and Revealing
Audience 2023, one of the intimate portraits by visionary photographer Joram Krol. Photo: Artist/Groninger Museum
Intimate Portraits by visionary photographer Joram Krol invites viewers to explore the depths of human emotion and identity.
BY SEAN LEYWES
Joram Krol, a visionary photographer hailing from Groningen, Netherlands, has carved a niche for himself in the area of black-and-white portraiture. His distinct style, characterized by confrontational yet deeply personal portraits, encapsulates the essence of his subjects and the spirit of his hometown. In his latest exhibition Can I Be Me, Krol presents a collection of 116 captivating and intimate portraits that offer a glimpse into his intriguing world.
Can I Be Me serves as a testament to Krol’s artistic prowess and unwavering dedication to his craft. Hosted at the esteemed Groninger Museum, this showcase offers visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the photographer’s evocative world of portraiture. Featuring meticulously curated photographs, the exhibition invites viewers to explore the depths of human emotion and identity. From intimate close-ups to striking full-body shots, each portrait encapsulates a unique narrative. They invite viewers to ponder the complexities of the human experience.
About Joram Krol
Krol’s journey as a photographer commenced nearly a decade ago when he first laid hands on a camera. Since then, he has honed his craft, meticulously crafting a signature style that sets him apart in the industry. What distinguishes Krol’s approach is his ability to immerse himself in the lives of his subjects. He captures raw and unfiltered emotions with unparalleled authenticity.
Unlike traditional photographers, Krol eschews meticulous planning, opting instead to embrace spontaneity and freedom in his work. Whether he’s photographing locals in Groningen or collaborating on commissioned projects, Krol infuses each image with a piece of his soul. The result is a body of work that resonates deeply with viewers.
This exhibition is an opportunity to experience firsthand the masterful artistry of Joram Krol as he navigates the delicate interplay between light, shadow, and emotion. The intimate portraits highlight the photographer’s personal connection and help viewers discover the profound intimacy of Krol’s portraits. Each one is a testament to the deep connection forged between artist and subject.
Above all else, Krol’s portraits reveal a deep cultural exploration of Groningen. He shares this cultural experience by allowing visitors to gain insight into the vibrant culture and rich tapestry of life in Groningen, as seen through the eyes of one of its most celebrated photographers.
In a world saturated with imagery, Joram Krol stands out as a beacon of authenticity and creativity. Through his confrontational yet deeply empathetic approach to portraiture, Krol invites viewers to see beyond the surface and delve into the intricacies of the human soul. Don’t miss your chance to experience the transformative power of Krol’s photography at the Can I Be Me exhibition, now showing at the Groninger Museum.
Joram Krol’s Intimate Portraits
In a world saturated with imagery, Joram Krol stands out as a beacon of authenticity and creativity.
Can I Be Me, Please?
What do you think about Joram Krol’s intimate portraits?
Wildlife Photographer Finds Peace Photographing Squirrels After Surviving Genocide
Niki Colemont, a wildlife Photographer Finds Peace photographing red squirrels like this daredevil squirrel in flight
Squirrels are perhaps some of the most dramatic creatures you can see around. They can fly, jump, climb, and tease you too. Yes, they are also very mischievous and unpredictable. Those nuanced characteristics captivated wildlife photographer Niki Colemont.
Colemont is a 34-year-old wildlife photographer based in Belgium. He lives in a village called Diepenbeek. Colemont started photographing red squirrels about 5 years ago. While visiting his girlfriend’s grandmother, saw a bird diligently feeding and caring for its chicks. He was intrigued by the devotion of the mother bird’s action. Then, a light bulb went off. He wondered what it would be like to photograph and document suck wildlife experience. That opened the door to a whole new experience of adventure in the wild.
When Colemont turned 30, he bought himself a sigma 150 to 600mm telelens. He also bought a stealth gear square hide tent to help him get closer to wild animals. “Buying these things was my big dream,” he said. Armed with all his camera and gears, the young wildlife photographer made his way into the woods.
One of Colemont’s favorite subjects to photograph is squirrels. Many of the squirrels in his photographers live in his girlfriend’s grandmother’s gardens, while others are from different locations he visits to take pictures.
Colemont is a self-taught photographer. He acquired his knowledge through trial and error. Although not a formally trained photographer, his photography skills are outstanding. This is evident in his many photographs of red squirrels.
Colemont’s photographs brilliantly capture the red squirrels in their most dramatic and intimate moments. In one photo, he captures a squirrel flying through space with an acorn in its mouth. With ears raised and paws wide open, the squirrel appears to be saying, “I am out of here.”
Daredevil Red Squirrels
The impressive daredevil-like nature of the red squirrels is revealed in another picture where a red squirrel in flight tries to catch a tree branch that seems too far to reach. This is obviously a desperate attempt by this intrepid squirrel to impress a female. Like many guys trying to impress a girl, he seems to have bitten off more than he could chew. Fear is visible in his bulging eyes. Will he make it? With its bushy tail and body tilted outward, the squirrel’s aerodynamic performance seems to suggest that he made it.
Colemont’s recent photographs of red squirrels show their flamboyance, courage, and acrobatic nature. Many are captured flying through the air carrying acorns in their mouth while others dash through the grass as if chasing their own shadows. But not all the squirrels in Colemont’s photographs are restless, agile, and acrobatic. Some are just outright mischievous and self-absorbing.
Squirrels Admire Themselves in Water
His series on squirrels looking in water as if looking in a mirror shows that squirrels, like humans, have a fascination for their own looks. In one photograph, a squirrel looks over a tree trunk it is standing on to admire its own reflection. There is an intense curiosity on its face as if asking, “Is that another squirrel or me?” Another picture features a squirrel hanging upside from a tree branch to look at itself in the water. This is one picture in the series with an emphasis on dramatic curiosity.
Colemont’s pictures of squirrels provide enough proof that squirrels are extravagant. The picture of a squirrel standing on the edge of a pond looking at itself in the water is bewitching. In its model-like pose, the showboat squirrel appears to be saying “looking good.” Its beautiful bushy tail and clean fur are clearly reasons to be sassy.
Like many of the squirrels in his photographs, Colemont is a cheerful, lively, and jolly good fellow. He appears a happy young man in many of his personal photographs across the web. His Instagram profile photo, for instance, shows him smiling. There is also that hilarious picture of a squirrel jumping over his head. Even Colemont cannot stop laughing at the rather bold squirrel. It is also easy to conclude that Colemont is a side-splitting fellow. His photographs of squirrels taken in environments he staged for photographing say a lot about the photographer himself. It is amusing to see squirrels interacting with various objects. While some are kissing flowers, others are stealing peanuts, eating Nutella, or fussing with plastic dinosaurs. There is even one carrying a syringe. “Vaccine anyone,” it seems to say.
Childhood Trauma
However, joyful as Colemont may appear, he carries within him a deep scare of a traumatic past. Deep within, this young wildlife photographer has gone through some trying times that would break even the strongest of men.
Niki Colemont was born in Rwanda in 1986. Four years after his birth, Rwanda descended into the bloodiest civil war that later led to a genocide. The Rwandan Genocide took the lives of over 700,000 people, including Colemont’s father. The catastrophe of the Rwandan Genocide is well-documented by journalists, and it inspired Hotel Rwanda.
Colemont began experiencing trauma at a very young age. His mother died giving birth to him. After the death of his father, Colemont’s aunt began taking care of him and his sister. At the height of the civil war, 4-year-old Colemont and his 9-year-old-sister were taken to an orphanage by their aunt for adoption. Eventually, they made it to Belgium as refugees. For many years, the two were happy in their new home. Sadly, Colemont’s sister died in 2019. She was just 38 years old. Her death rekindled past trauma and grief in Colemont. His sister’s death was like losing an important piece of himself. Although he continues to miss his sisters, he tries to find solace in photography.
Finding Peace: Wildlife Photographer Finds Peace
Beyond Colemont’s love of photography, he also finds peace photographing squirrels. At his young age, the wildlife photographer has experienced trauma in a way many people have not. Nonetheless, he continues to find bright spots in life. It is fitting that photographing the joyful red squirrels would be therapeutic.
You can see more of Niki Colemont’s photographs on Instagram and Facebook
Niki Colemont, a wildlife photographer finds peace in photography after suffering childhood trauma during the Rwanda Genocide. What do you think about his experience? Share your thoughts.
Masha Ivashintsova: Photography, Love, and Hidden Artistic Life
RUSSIA— When Russian artist and theater critic Masha Ivashintsova died in 2000, her daughter Asya Ivashintsova-Melkumyan began looking through her things. That was when she got the shocker of a life. In the attic, she found a vast collection of negatives of photographs her mother had taken throughout her lifetime. Asya was shocked not just by the discovery of the vast collection of negatives but also by the fact that the photographs had never been shown to a soul.
In addition to the discovery, the question Asya had to find answers to was why her mother never showed her work to a single soul. The answer to this pertinent question was in her mother’s diary. Masha Ivashintsova’s diary provides an answer for her hidden artistic life: “I loved without memory: is that not an epigraph to the book, which does not exist? I never had a memory for myself but always for others.”
The devotion to others over self dictated Masha’s career. She lived the secret life as a photographer. Throughout her life, Masha Ivashintsova was part of the underground poetry and photography movement in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg). She took over 30,000 photographs, wrote poems, and did other forms of writing. Strangely enough, she kept all her work a secret. Many of Masha’s photographs provide an insight into her world while also allowing a glimpse of everyday life in Leningrad from 1960 to 1999.
The images from the vast collection of negatives found in the attic reveal Masha’s brilliance as a street photographer. Many of the photographs capture their subjects at their most vulnerable moments. Above all, they tell the story of a period when there was abject poverty, deprivation, and death.
Mysterious Reality: Melvar Melkumyan, Moscow, USSR, 1983
One of the images from the treasure trove is the photograph of a bearded man wearing a pair of circle-rimmed glasses. The black and white portrait is that of Melvar Melkumyan, Masha’s husband and father of Asya. Taken in 1983, the picture presents Melvar as a man of mystery. All that is visible in this photograph is the right side of his head daintily illuminated by a ray of light. The gray hair, a crusty forehead, and a pair of glasses held in place by a bulbous nose are all one can see.
Every other part of the photograph is dark, emphasizing a contrast of light and dark. Masha’s exploration of the chiaroscuro technique in this photograph is not just for artistic license but also a way to capture her husband and their turbulent relationship. This approach is very clear in an entry in her diary. She wrote of her husband:
Melvar is an unknown, unattainable, untouchable teacher. At the time, he had this love in him and a desire to wrest me from the abomination of Saint Petersburg, from this swamp of a city. He tortured me with his will, locked me up, and tried to break me with his words. I hated him. But due to my inner helplessness, I could not take a step without him. And, having run away, having been out, I again returned to my “tormentor-teacher.” Then again, I was leaving him as a clean, sinless virgin. He himself bore my sins.
Some of the photographs in this collection are of Masha’s friends, photographers, poets, and former lovers. Her lovers included photographer Boris Smelov, poet Viktor Krivulin, and linguist Melvar Melkumyan. Boris Smelov perhaps made an impeccable impact on Masha Ivashintsova. Boris and Masha met on the train from Moscow to Leningrad in 1974, and they fell in love. That chance meeting changed Masha’s plan, which was to move back to Moscow to reunite with her husband and daughter after several years of bitter separation. Sadly, the relationship between Boris and Masha did not last, and they went their different ways.
Lovebirds: Masha Ivashintsova With Her Lover, Photographer Boris Smelov, Leningrad, USSR, 1974
After many years of not seeing each other, Boris and Masha met again in 1993 on the street. It was during this encounter that Masha took a portrait picture of Boris. The portrait is that of a well-dressed, calm-looking Boris. He has bushy hair, and on his face is a pair of round glasses that make him look like a member of the Beatles. In his hand is a cigarette. He looks at peace. Five years after the photograph was taken, Boris was found dead on the street. Masha was devastated. She wrote in her diary of his death:
Borya Smelov died. He died on the street, not so far from our house. He froze to death outside. He died. The love is gone. Today, we had a funeral next to the Church of Smolensky cemetery. Many people came […]. I kissed Borya’s lifeless forehead. I prayed together with Vitya Krivulin. I held a candle, I held flowers, and I threw a handful of soil onto his coffin. At home, after talking to Asya, I cried so much. What a terrible, bitter loss.
In addition to many of the photographs of her lovers and friends, Masha also took photographs of everyday people. Many of these photographs were from her trips around Russia. Two Sisters is the photograph of two girls wearing what looks like their Sunday best. The photograph is a classic example of Masha’s outstanding ability to capture expressions and also reveal emotions. Sitting on what looks like a bench, the two girls gaze at the camera in a way that exposes their innermost thoughts. On the face of one of the girls is the expression that calls into question why they are taking the photograph.
Father and Daughter: Melvar Melkumyan with his daughter, Asya, Moscow, USSR, 1976
Masha Ivashintsova took several photographs of her daughter, Asya. Perhaps one of the most interesting of the photographs is that of Asya with her father, Melvar Melkumyan. Taken in 1976 in Moscow, the photograph shows the deep affection between father and daughter. In the photograph, Melvar rests his back on a tree while little Asya pulls at his beard. With his large eyeballs wide open, Melvar gazes at the camera and his wife, who is holding the camera. Asya’s gaze is a total contrast to that of her father: it is soft and affectionate. Although Masha took the photograph at a point of conflict between her and Melvar, there is a display of affection and familyhood.
Each Picture Carries a Story
Looking through some of her photographs already on display, there is no doubt that Ivashintsova was a brilliant photographer with an outstanding ability to tell stories with her works. Each picture carries a story, not just the one told by the photographer herself, but also by those viewing her work. In this way, Masha Ivashintsova can be described as a genius. Her daughter agrees: “I see my mother as a genius, but she never saw herself as one—and never let anybody else see her for what she really was.”
Since the discovery of the negatives, some people have been drawing a similarity between Masha Ivashintsova and Vivian Maier, the American photographer and caregiver whose extensive collection of negatives was discovered in Chicago after her death in 2009. Although some of Ivashintsova’s negatives have been developed, members of her family and other interested parties are working ceaselessly to scan all of Ivashintsova’s life’s work. You can see more of Ivashintsova’s recently discovered images on this website. You can also see more on Instagram, specifically created to share her legacy.
London Street Life Photographs Reveal Social Implications of Poverty
LONDON, ENGLAND— Street Life in London, a book by the radical socialist journalist Adolphe Smith and photographs John Thomas, captures poverty in the streets of London. Filled with thought-provoking articles and photographs, the book published in 1876-7, reveals a history that has not been at the forefront of contemporary discussions.It includes stimulating articles by Smith and Thomas’s realistic documentary images. Thomas’s photographs illuminate the lives of men and women who struggle to eke out a living on the streets of London in dirty environments.
Thomas was a talented and influential photographer that had traveled across the Far East for ten years taking photographs. His images for the books are very candid and thought-provoking. They captured disheveled and dejected Londoners, who were hanging on hope.
Smith and Thomson were not the first people to focus on poverty in the 19th century. The second half of the 19th century saw a great interest in urban poverty and the social consequences of poverty. People were not only concerned about poverty but its impact on society. However, what gave Street Life in London credence over other investigations is the authenticity of the Thomas documentary photographs and the poignant essay by Smith
Street Life in London: Poverty, Degradation, and Social Change in the 19th Century
An important project, Street Life in London was not just a study on the social implication of poverty, but also a great example of social and documentary photography. The project paved the path for other documentary photographers to follow as they address social issues through documentary photography. Jacob Riis and Lewis Hine are two of the photographers influenced by Thomas’s socially concerned documentary photography.
The Temperance Sweep on Dirty London Street
Stanislav Petera’s Stunning Photographs of the Kingdom of Lo Mustang Are Captivating
This beautiful landscape photograph is one of the stunning photographs of the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo series by Stanislav Petera
Stanislav Petera’s stunning photographs of the Kingdom of Lo are beautiful and captivating. Each one reflects his signature magical atmosphere.
BY SEAN LEYWES
Stunning Photographs of the Kingdom of Lo Mustang
Deep in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas is an isolated region now known as Lo Mustang. Formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo, the region is located in a valley just 20km south of the Tibetan border in Northern Nepal, in the area known as Upper Mustang. There are five districts in Upper Mustang, and Lo Mustang is the most northern.
For more than forty decades, the region was protected from outside intrusion as a way of preserving the culture of the region. Only a few people were allowed into the region until 1992, when it opened up to foreigners. Since the region opened to outsiders, it has been a major destination for tourists and photographers from across the globe. One of the photographers who has spent time in Mustang is Stanislav Petera, a young fashion and advertising photographer from the Czech Republic. His stunning photographs of the Kingdom of Lo are captivating.
In Search of The Forbidden Kingdom of Lo
Photographing the Kingdom of Lo had been a long-time desire for Stanislav Petera. Watching movies like Samsara, Himalaya, and Kundun, and his interest in stories of Tibetan mystics were, major sources of inspiration for the photographer. Not surprisingly, Petera did not hesitate to seize the opportunity to go and photograph in Lo Mustang as soon as he got the chance. He titled his photography project The Forbidden Kingdom of Lo.
To get to the kingdom of Lo Manthang in northern Nepal, Petera traveled for five days in a jeep on roads that weren’t really roads. With him was his friend, who also served as his assistant and camera operator. The air was so thin that “we couldn’t really breathe, and there were villages that looked like they were from ages long gone.” he recalls. He adds, “There are cows roaming narrow pathways and no internet connection whatsoever.”
Getting Access to the Monastery
A major fascination for many who visit Mustang is the mystery that surrounds its history. So it was for Petera, who spent years researching and preparing for the trip. Expectedly, the photographs from his visit focus on the beautiful monasteries where monks pray every day. Each photograph articulates his intense desire and the cumulating result of his search “for the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo and its mysterious inhabitants.”
Taking photographs in Lo was challenging because of the limit of the permit:
“We only had two days on locations to shoot, then we had to head back because our permit for restricted area expired. The greatest single challenge there was to negotiate with the head of the local monastery. We needed access to temples and monasteries that aren’t open to the public and local monks as models. We succeeded.”
“[A]ll my images are created using a combination of natural light (usually just after sunset) and small strobes with orange gels. There were also candles on some of the photos and plenty of smoke from burning incense everywhere.”
Getting access to the monastery was just the first step. Taking the images needed some innovation and creativity. Since Petera could only take a very minimal setup with him, he had to make do with what he had. “[A]ll my images are created using a combination of natural light (usually just after sunset) and small strobes with orange gels. There were also candles on some of the photos and plenty of smoke from burning incense everywhere.”
Inside the Forbidden Mystical Kingdom of Lo
Petera’s stunning photographs of the Kingdom of Lo are captivating. The Kingdom of Lo is no doubt a place of mystery. The isolation of Mustang from outside influences for decades has helped protect the culture and traditions of the area. The majority of the population still speaks traditional Tibetan languages and still worships, as they have for decades.
Famous Monasteries of Lo Mustang
Buddhism is still the major religion in Lo Mustang, and monasteries, also known as Gompas, continue to serve as important places of worship. Many monks in Lo Mustang use these monasteries for meditation, prayer, and spiritual cleansing. Of all the monasteries, five stand out for many visitors to this walled city of Lo Mustang. The five famous Lo Mustang monasteries are Dragkar-Thegchen Lina Gompa, Chode Gompa, the Monastic Museum, Jampa Monastery, and Thupchen Gompa. These famous monasteries, beyond serving as religious centers, are also museums visitors can explore to learn about this mysterious city.
Mustang has remained unchanged for decades. Its rich and flourishing history is everywhere. The magnificent monasteries, palaces, massive sand domes, and traditional architecture are visible all around the region. Even the traditional system of governance continues to flourish in the face of current outside interventions.
Monks at the Monasteries
Despite the unchanging environment and absence of modern city life, the people are happy, content, and satisfied. Petera’s photographs capture the joy that is inherent in Lo Mustang. Some of the photographs show monks praying at their monasteries. There is devotion and joy.
Petera’s photographs are beautiful and enchanting. Each one reflects his trademark magical atmosphere. Using a unique post-production process and extensive styling, Petera achieves dramatic atmospherics that plays on sharp contrasts. There is a dramatic finish to each image in a way that brings attention to the Dutch masters’ tenebrism.
About Photographer Stanislav Petera
An innovative and creative photographer, Petera rose through the ranks of young fashion and advertising photographers in the Czech Republic to become the one to watch. His signature trademark of magical atmospheres sets him out among his peers.
Unrelenting Desire to Keep Improving
In spite of his achievements in the Czech Republic working with fashion magazines, Petra has been unrelenting in his desire to keep improving. His work has appeared in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Dolce Vita, and others. After making a name for himself at home, Petera went to Paris, where he improved his craft. While there, he worked with some of the best fashion photographers in the business.
Today, Petra splits his time between Paris and Prague, shooting fashion for prestigious international magazines. You can see more of his works on Behance and on his website.
The Forbidden Kingdom of Lo. Behind the Scenes Video. Video: Stanislav Petera
Stunning photographs of the Kingdom of Lo by Stanislav Petera expose the mystery of Mustang. What do you think?
Modern Art History Examined Through Five New Installations
Jackson Pollock’s Number 10, 1949 (detail), 1949, is one of the paintings examining modern art history at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. © 2011 Pollock-Krasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
BOSTON — Five installations focused on the forerunner of Modern art in the 20th century are the major attractions at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). Titled Making Modern in the 20th century, the installations represent moments in the evolution of Modern Art in North America. They follow the progression of modern art from Mexico City to New York and Boston.
Investigating Modern Art History
The installations investigate the development of modern art and modern artists in the Americas. On display are works by Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Max Beckmann, Karl Zerbe Pablo Picasso and several other important artists of the 20th century.
Many of the artists whose works are on display drew influences from different sources, including contemporaries, teachers, rivals, and friends. The cross-fertilization of ideas inspired the 20th-century painters who evolved in their artistic practice.
Kahlo and Her Circle
One of the installations is titled Kahlo and Her Circle: A Close Look at Frida Kahlo’s Dos Mujeres, and her Circle of Family and Friends. It examines how Kahlo and her friends in Mexico City impacted modern art. Another installation is titled Pollock/Picasso: The Artistic Dialogue of Two Titans of Modern Art. The installation brings together works by these famous artists of modern art history. The installation reveals how Picasso laid the foundation for Modern art, and how Pollock extended it.
The Lane Collection: Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Sheeler, Dove located in the central gallery provides insight into five friends in art. Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Sheeler, Arthur Dove, Marsden Hartley, and Stuart Davis can be described as a gang of five. From the photographer Alfred Stieglitz’s circle, the artists influenced and inspired each other. The influences are obvious in their works on display.
Beckmann in America: Modern Art History
Beckmann in America examines the impact of Max Beckmann and Karl Zerbe on the development of modern art in America. Max Beckmann and Karl Zerbe immigrated to the United States during Hitler’s reign of terror. Max Beckmann and Karl Zerbe had a great impact on Boston Expressionists. Zerbe and their students, including David Aaronson, went on to establish the Fine Art Department at Boston University.
In the Melvin Blake and Frank Purnell gallery is Hofmann and the Next Generation. The installation examines the impact of education on mid-century abstract artists. On display are works by Franz Kline, Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, David Smith, David Smith, and Peter Voulkos.
Five installations at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston bring new focus to the forerunner of Modern art history and artists of the 20th century. Who is your favorite 20th-century artist? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment
Bulgari Celebrities Jewelry Worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Other Famous People on View at NGV Bulgari Serpenti Necklace and Bracelet
Melone evening bag c jewelry made from gold, sapphire, silk by Bulgari, was worn by celebrities. © Bulgari.Image: NGV
BY SEAN LEYWES
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – On September 30, an amazing selection of jewelry from Bulgari’s archives will be on display at the National Gallery of Victoria, NGV. The exhibition titled Italian Jewels: Bulgari Style will include a stunning emerald and diamond jewelry from the personal collection of Elizabeth Taylor and a ruby and diamond necklace worn by Sophia Loren.
Eighty stunning pieces of Jewelry alongside film and photography will be on display. An exquisite emerald ring presented to Taylor by her paramour and fifth husband Richard Burton will captivate the audience. He gave her the ring when their love affair first began in Rome on the set of Cleopatra(1963).
Besides Taylor’s emerald ring, the show will also include gorgeous but delicate Tremblant brooches. Tremblant brooches got their names from small springs in the jewelry designs which create a quivering effect. A floral hairpiece worn by Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman when she starred inThe Visit (1964), is a beautiful example. Sautoirs from the 1970s and pieces featuring cabochon-cut gems in chromatic combinations that convey Bulgari’s unique style will also be on display.
Bulgari: A History of Style, Celebrities and Iconic Designs
The story of Bulgari dates back more than a century after moving to Rome in his search for a greener pasture. Sotirio Bulgari, a Greek silversmith, opened his first Jewelry shop in 1884. There he grew creating some amazing jewelry. Borrowing from Greek and Roman heritage Bulgari, he went on to achieve a distinct style that combines tradition and innovation. Since that humble beginning, Bulgari has grown into a phenomenon.
Many celebrities who can choose anything to wear are wearing Bulgari jewelry designs. Bulgari’s style and innovations have captivated leading women, including royalty, actresses, and high society alike. Many of them have worn his elegant designs and others are still wearing them. They include Grace Kelly, Anita Ekberg, and Gina Lollobrigida among many others. Stars like Rihanna, Zendaya, Naomi Campbell, and Laura Harriet have been photographed wearing their beautiful Bulgari jewelry on the red carpet during Oscar and other celebrity events. As a result of his beautiful designs, Bulgari has become the favorite of Hollywood stars walking the red carpet. Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Diana’s niece was a Bulgari ambassador while Bella Hadid was the face of Bulgari.
Bulgari Serpenti Necklace and Bracelets
Beyond the historical value of the gems on display, the collection sheds light on the aesthetic sensibilities of Bulgari. Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV notes ‘Italian Jewels: Bulgari Style illustrates the bold design aesthetic of Bulgari through a selection of exquisite gems worn by iconic stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Ingrid Bergman. The exhibition thematically explores design motifs for which the firm is best known – ancient coins, striking color combinations, and the serpenti, among others. The long legacy of celebrities and the Bulgari Serpenti continues to grow.
At the 91st Academy Awards, Charlize Theron’s dazzled guests with a diamond-only, multi-wrapped, white-gold Bulgari Serpenti. On her wrist was a bracelet from the same collection coiled around her right wrist. Her outing was reminiscent of Elizabeth Taylor.
Bulgari Celebrities Jewelry Designs
Bulgari designs are rich in Italian history and exude high aesthetic values. Lucia Boscaini, Bulgari Brand, and Heritage Curator explain the history of the designs: ‘Spanning from the 1930s until today, the works illustrate a strong design heritage and aesthetic evolution, deeply entrenched in Italian history and artisanal traditions. Italian Jewels: Bulgari Style showcases the glamor of a Golden Age of cinema and design, and represents Bulgari’s constant experimentation and inimitable aesthetic codes.’
Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna Zendaya, Laura Harrier, Bella Hadid and Kitty Spencer are among celebrities who have worn Bulgari Jewelries. What do you think about Bulgari celebrities Jewelries?
Italian Jewels: Bulgari Style will be on display at NGV International from 30 September 30, 2016 – 29 January 2017.
Elizaveta Porodina: The Artistic Mind Behind Cinematic Fashion Photography
Elizaveta Porodina is a name that is synonymous with artistic and cinematic fashion and fine art photography. Her works are striking, thought-provoking, and often a little strange. Through her photography, Porodina captures the emotions of her subjects and brings them to life. In this article, we will explore her unique techniques and approaches to photography that have made her famous in the fashion industry and as a fine art photographer.
Highlights
- Elizaveta Porodina: The Artistic Mind Behind Cinematic Fashion Photography
- Beyond the Surface: Revealing Internal Emotions
- Creating a Mood: Deliberate and Thoughtful Techniques
- Fine Art Photography Meets Fashion
- Dior Photoshoot: Fairytale-Themed Campaign
- About Elizaveta Porodina
- Conclusion
BY SEAN LEYWES
Beyond the Surface: Revealing Internal Emotions
When you see Elizaveta Porodina’s photographs for the first time, they will jolt you because they are not run-of-the-mill images. In her experimental photography, Porodina goes beyond the surface to reveal the internal emotions of the model before her. Her works are cinematic, dramatic, and documentary. Her photography techniques are deliberate and thoughtful, and creating a mood is an integral aspect of her practice.
Creating a Mood: Deliberate and Thoughtful Techniques
To achieve different moods in her fashion and fine art photography, Porodina explores melancholic symbolism, imagery, allegory, and set designs that sometimes enhance her staged realities. She spends a lot of time communicating emotions that are sometimes ambiguous, honest, and obvious. Porodina’s photography style has made her famous in the fashion industry and as a fine art photographer.
Fine Art Photography Meets Fashion
Porodina’s recent photography project for Lotte/TextilWirtschaft showcases the extent to which she will go in her experimental fashion and fine art photography to communicate emotions. Using jewelry, ornaments, dresses, and other paraphernalia, she created a series of portraits that navigate the thresholds of fine art photography, fashion, and pop culture. Some of the images reflect dark romanticism, Gothic, and the sublime.
Dior Photoshoot: Fairytale-Themed Campaign
In 2021, Dior tapped Elizaveta Porodina to shoot its fall women’s advertising campaign. The shoot was inspired by the fairytale atmosphere of artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collection. Since attaining that position, Chiuri has stayed committed to her rule of working with female photographers. Her Dior: Maria Grazia Chiuri’s New Voices, a book published by Rizzoli New York and released on International Women’s Day 2021, features the works of 33 women photographers who have collaborated with Dior and Maria Grazia Chiuri since 2016.
Porodina’s fine art photography was a major influence in her selection for the Dior photoshoot. This is evident in her photograph for Dior’s Fall Women’s Collection. Her palette of amber, orange, and red illuminated the models Sofia Steinberg, Sade van Der Hoeven, Maryel Uchida, and Essoye Mombot in the season’s rose and leopard-printed looks. Accentuating the overall design of the collection are Lady Dior and Dior Book Tote accessories.
About Elizaveta Porodina
Born in Moscow, Porodina is based in Munich, Germany. Originally trained as a clinical psychologist, Porodina has made a name for herself because of her unique technique and approach to photography. Elizaveta Porodina is a renowned photographer whose images have been featured in various magazines, such as Vogue, Vogue UA, Numero Russia, Schön!, Tush, Stern, Sunday Times, Elle, Madame, Gala, and Qvest. Her commercial work includes collaborations with well-known brands such as Louis Vuitton, Philipp Plein, BMW MINI, Marc O’Polo, Joyce Hongkong, Brian Rennie, and Cambio.
Porodina’s photography has been exhibited in several shows, including the recent Un/Masked exhibition at Fotografika in New York. In this exhibition, she provides a glimpse into her creative process, showcasing her experimental, dreamlike, and occasionally surreal photography. Porodina encourages viewers to transcend the boundaries of time and space, merging the past and the contemporary.
Regarding her work in the Un/Masked exhibition, Porodina notes: “I grant my audience a window into my subconscious with my work. I asked them to twist and play with their understanding of reality and to enter another dimension with me through my choice of casting, lighting, and set design.”
In 2016, Elizaveta Porodina’s photographs were featured in Kadavar Berlin at the FOAM Photography Museum 3h in Amsterdam. Additionally, her photographs were showcased in Dark Iconography: The Bikini Diaries at Bikini Berlin. To see more of her stunning fashion and fine art photography, visit her Behance profile and official website.
Above: Elizaveta Porodina, Lotte//TextilWirtschaft-Six. Photo: Elizaveta Porodina
You must be logged in to post a comment.