Happy Birther Day to you...

 

Jasper Johns Flag 1954-55 © Jasper Johns


The Art-Today was an interesting day I woke up to the my usual yoga and a cup of green tea and watched the news to find out that President Barack Obama had produced his birth certificate to end the nonsensical "birther" banter we've all been subjected to the last few months. However, it was really discouraging to hear some of the more radical pundits still discredit our President of the United States of America. It immediately reminded me of this painting. Jasper Johns was quite interested in altered symbols and this painting is no different, everyone in the world is familiar with the American flag, yet the material he uses(caustic, collage, and oil on fabric mounted on plywood) forces you to examine further just what this object is. This in some way related to me to this birther issue. MoMa further explains this saying "its execution complicates the representation and invites close inspection." I think this is similar to how some of the more radical pundits view the President. The reality of who he is as a person and as an "American" does not fit the idea of what an American is in their eyes inciting them to further explore and inspect who he is. When does it end?

The Duds- keepin it  simple and totally amuuurican today jeans and a tshirt seems more than appropriate. High quality American made clothing. I like a nice relaxed skinny jean by Current/Elliot, a supersoft tee by american apparel. Anyone who hates this outfit hates freedom.
 

                                  

                White T American Apparel $24.00        Current/Elliot Dark Skinny $195.00



Cat on a Hot Tin Roof



Jacob Lawrence, Clown 1963



The Art- Jacob Lawrence is one of the most iconographic black painters of the 20^th century, if not all time. His paintings were among the first of any black artist to be featured in a commercial gallery in New York City. In this painting called Clown, tempera on a Masonite panel, a vaudeville character reminiscent of the figures he would see at the theatres in Harlem, where Lawrence grew up, like the Apollo.  Done in his signature style of deep rich colors with flat yet expressive figures the painting evokes a whimsical, childlike quality. I love the floral detail and the deep expression on the face of the clown.

The Duds- What sticks out to me in this painting is the detail of the flowers. The generous mix of colors and texture really encourages multiple patterns. As I mentioned in previous posts I'm not one to follow trends rather I like to tailor trends to my own personal style. This is my take on mixing patterns. The whimsical vibe of this painting really lends itself well to the cheeky little eyelet shorts. I love the black color because it keeps them from looking too Shirley Temple-esque, especially since I paired them with a gorgeous lightweight floral sleeveless shirt. Strap on a pair of wedges and you're off. The floral and the eyelet in this outfit just make me want to talk with a southern drawl "Maggie the cat is alive, I'm alive!" 

Floral Shirt by Rare us.topshop.com

J. Crew Eyelet Shorts $75.00 jcrew.com

Platform Wedges bluefly.com