Review 6
‘The Flight’: Yusuf Grillo’s Painting Shows National Style
An oil on board painting titled The Flight by Yusuf Grillo, one of Nigeria’s foremost artists sold for £62,500 (US$ 82,213) inc. premium. Image: Bonhams Auctions
BY SEAN LEYWES
LONDON- The Flight, oil on board by Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo was sold in 2014 at Bonhams Auctions African Now sale. The painting is an important example of the artist’s work. A major influence for Grillo’s works is Nigerian landscapes and the Yoruba people. His painting reveals the experiences of the people around him.
The Flight depicts a young family in native Yoruba dress, seated on a bicycle. While the man pedals the bicycle, the woman sitting on the bicycle bar gingerly cradles a baby.
Grillo started the painting during the Civil War, a painful period in Nigeria’s history. There was so much killing and maiming during the war. That war inspired The Flight.
The sight of people rushing to escape the Nigerian Civil War was in Grillo’s psych. He likened the forced migration to the flight of the Holy Family from Israel to Egypt. To emphasize that relationship, Grillo included a saw with the couple’s baggage. The saw is a symbol of Joseph’s profession as a carpenter
Done in the scheme of blue, The Flight was done in the style the artist is now well-known for. The elongated figures of the man and woman enhance the urgency to ride away as fast as possible. It brings forth their humanity. Grillo’s deviation from photographic realism rekindles his devotion to the notion of African aesthetics.
About Yusuf Grillo
Yusuf Grillo is one of the most influential Nigerian artists. Born in 1934 in the Brazilian Quarter of Lagos, he studied art at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. After his study in Nigeria, he traveled to the United Kingdom to further his studies.
An artist dedicated to the education of the younger generation, Professor Grillo as he is fondly called, went on to become the Head of Art and Printing at Yaba College of Technology. He retained in that post for over twenty-five years.
While at the head of the Yaba art school, Grillo was also practicing as an artist. He did some important work and received many commissions. His mosaics and stained glass now adorn many churches, universities, and government buildings across Nigeria. About five years ago Professor Grillo won a commission for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
In 1958, Grillo with other students at the Ahamadu Bello University, founded the Zaria School. Set up a year before Nigeria’s independence, the group’s mission was to protest the teaching of dominantly Western artistic traditions at the school. The group advocated for a ‘national style’, an aesthetic that combines Western artistic traditions with African traditions. For their success in fostering a change, the group became known as the Zaria Rebels.
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
Cartoonist Alexander Saroukhan Used Cartoons as Tool for Change
A Cartoonist Quest to change the Egyptian Society with his Cartoons.
CAIRO, EGYPT— Presently on display at the Al Masar Gallery in Cairo Egypt are works by acclaimed Egyptian political cartoonist Alexander Saroukhan. Titled Political Comedy, the show examines the art of political cartoons in Egypt in the early thirties and forties.
The retrospective exhibition celebrates the achievement of Alexander Saroukhan. An exceptional cartoonist, Saroukhan used his works to address important political and social issues of his time. He was very critical of Egyptian politicians. As a cartoonist, he was loved and feared.
A gifted and enterprising cartoonist, Saroukhan was considered one of the best and most famous caricaturists and cartoonists in the Arab world. When he moved to Egypt in 1924, he had with him more than 125 of his artworks.
His caricatures were published in Armenian magazines and newspapers, including the satiric paper Javroush, Akher Saa (Last Hour), Akhbar El Yom (Today’s News), La Caravane, La Presse Egyptienne, Image, The Honorable Beggars, Comrade Panchoonie, Armenia Cinema and Arev among many others.
In 1945, Alexander Saroukhan published a book that captivated many hearts. Titled Cette guerre (This War), the book warned about the outbreak of World War II, and impending calamity. The book was also proof of Saroukhan outstanding ability to use humor for criticism. His other book, The Political Year 1938 was also well-received. It featured a collection of political caricatures. Other publications include Our Seven Deadly Sins and a thought-provoking article titled How I Came to Egypt.
Until his death in 1977, Saroukhan was still drawing cartoons and caricatures for magazines and newspapers. Throughout his career that spanned more than five decades, he created more than 20,000 caricatures and cartoons. Political Comedy not only celebrates the life of this exceptional cartoonist, but it also shows how he effectively used his artwork to put politicians in check.
Famous Political Cartoonist Takes on Politics
Famous political Cartoonist Alexander Saroukhan Used Cartoons as Tool for Change
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.
Dániel Taylor’s Global Warming Digital Art Project Reveals Human Impact on the Environment
Lost, a digital illustration featuring a deer and hare standing on a sand dome disillusioned by Dániel Taylor. This is one of the works in a new global warming digital art project featuring animals by the artist.
BY SEAN LEWYES
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY– In the past few years, the issues of climate change and global warming have become front and center around the globe. Monstrous wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding are engendering great fear about the future of the earth. Will the world end soon?
The fear is that if nothing is done soon to curb the long-term heating of Earth’s climate systems and other human activities destroying the environment, the end may be near. As a result, everyone is doing what they can to bring attention to the consequences of climate change and global warming. One of them is Dániel Taylor. Taylor’s recent global warming digital art project features different types of animals suffering the consequences of climate change.
Global Warming Digital Art Project
A digital artist and illustrator, Taylor uses realism, and in some instances, surrealism, to educate us on the future consequences of inaction. Each picture in his new global warming digital art project tells a story. The effect of global warming is everywhere. In The Wanderer, for instance, Dániel Taylor depicts a humongous bear-like creature wandering through a forest of pine trees. On its back are seven pine trees — three in front and four at the back. Sitting among the trees, in front of a fire, is a lone figure. There is a sense of looming doom. Adding to the rather surreal atmosphere are the vultures hovering above.
The Wanderer presents what seems to be a story about the dying environment. The bear, the man, and the hovering vultures above create an atmosphere of gloom. However, in that despair resides great beauty. The tonal gradation and the subtle use of grays enhance the mood of the illustration, elevating its aesthetic pleasure and subliminality.
In Polar Bear, another of the works in the global warming graphic project, Taylor heightens his outcry about the consequences of climate change on the environment. In the illustration, a Polar Bear stands on what is left of the Arctic ice. Taylor takes us under the water to show us that there is little ice left. The Polar Bear looks up at the blazing sun as if asking, “what happened?” Clearly, this is the effect of global warming. For Polar bears to survive, they must adapt. Better still, humans must stop destroying the environment.
Using Animal Artworks to Tell Stories of Climate Change
Dániel Taylor’s new global warming digital art project about the environment explores the images of animal artworks to show the illustrator’s deep understanding of global warming and climate change. Using the brilliant white round sun as a symbol of impending doom, he brings attention to what will happen to man and animals if nothing is done now to protect the environment. Although there is a playfulness to his recent illustrations, they all address serious matters.
Dániel Taylor is a storyteller, and he tells his stories through illustrations, graphic designs, and art directions. Based in Budapest, Hungary, Taylor is an outstanding illustrator who can navigate any artistic style to tell pertinent stories. His love for art started at a young age. Following a creative upbringing, Taylor discovered Photoshop and digital drawing at the age of 14 and decided to become an artist. He has been a full-time artist since 2015.
Surrealism is at the core of Dániel Taylor’s artistic practice. He “enjoys the challenge of establishing its presence even as he varies his technique and approach.” While the illustrator enjoys working in black and white, many of his creations are colorful and vibrant. He finds inspiration in old comics and art books, especially those in the genre of science fiction and modern digital illustrators. Taylor’s clients include Disney, Marvel, Adobe, Mondo, New Scientist, Outside Magazine, and others.
You can see more digital art by Dániel Taylor on Behance and Instagram
What do you think about Dániel Taylor’s global warming digital art project? Share your thoughts. Leave a comment.
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
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