America, F#$@ Yeah



© Anthony Anabile, Americana 2001, 30" x 72", oil on canvas



The Art- This painting Americana by Anthony Amabile is so moving and was to me one of the most interesting pieces of art to come out of the plethora of fine art inspired by the September 11th tragedy. The artists aim to create the sense of helplessness the victims and heroes felt at that time is undeniable. The figures with the covered faces and bound hands emulate that sense of shame and humiliation that I think we all felt as a human race that day.  I don't think it was until this year that I realized what the world was really about. I remember September 11th and where I was and now I remember where I was when Bin Laden was announced dead. Growing up I was quite interested in the music and times of the 60's and 70's. The social change, civil rights, the music the clothes it all seemed so important and substantial. Compared to those times it didn't really seem like my generation had anything that monumental going on. Now, with the state of our country I realize that this is the struggle of my generation. The growing gap between the rich and the poor, an obsession with pseudo "celebrities", a war on terrorism, consumerism, and seemingly the middle class. These are the issues of my generation. This is what I thought about when I heard the news on Sunday evening. I would be lying if I said I was not slightly happy but I think I was more afraid of what is to come. The artist says about the painting "The type of prison inflicted by terrorism and acts of violence may not have walls, cages, or shackles in a physical sense but the effect on the spirit is similar." I would have to agree, but even with that said there really is no better place to live than the USA (cue the God Bless America tape now please).  

The Duds- Classic American sportswear with a hint of military influence to rep all the troops that pulled off the (no longer) impossible in Pakistan over the weekend and over the last few years. Add a lightweight silk blouse and cuff the sleeves to pull this outfit together. Accessorize with your camera and take a picture of the beautiful and spacious skies.



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Lay Off of My Blue Suede Shoes



Sam Francis Blue Balls, 1960

The Art- Sam Francis is an American Abstract Expressionist born in San Mateo, California. His series of  Blue Ball paintings were done between 1960 and 1964. I decided to discuss this painting today because of what a gorgeous spring day it is outside. The cloud shapes in the sky reminded me of this particular painting. I love how Francis focuses the color around the edge of the canvas a rather different choice that I believe gives the painting a more complex visual stance. The position of the amoeba like blue shapes suggests fluid movement as if they are slowly radiating off the canvas. This is a serious contrast however from the inspiration used by Francis for this painting. Sam Francis was suffering with renal tuberculosis which caused him to have dysfunctional kidneys and enlarged testicles. This series of paintings was a reflection of the actual pain he was going through. Before his move back to the states in 1961 Francis lived in Japan where he was said to be influenced by Zen Buddhism, perhaps this is what helped him through the pain of his illness and is a reflection of the calm we find in this painting. 

The Duds- This painting is simple and beautiful and its dealing with space is complex and interesting. This Versace dress is no different. The dress is impeccably made and with its knee length sheath its quite conservative. The cutouts, however, are definitely worth of blue balls. I love how it mimics the painting with the interest being brought to the outer edge of the dress (the cutouts). I'm a minimalist type dresser so I opt for one absolutely amazing accessory with a really cool detail or in a very rich color, I would accessorize with a bold blue bangle and killer heels (blue suede shoes to be precise). Should you encounter any problems while wearing this dress just remind him a cold shower should do the trick.  




Versace Cap Sleeve
Cutout dress versace.com



Kara by Kara Ross
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Emilio Pucci 906.50
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