Red Hot American Summer

Anselm Reyle, Untitled

Anselm Reyle is an intriguing artist to follow. His works are, in my humble opinion, extremely visually appealing with their bright colors and glistening ephemeral quality. However, his reference and focus on art historical value makes it blatantly evident that this penchant for high gloss, larger than life color and texture is a clear ironic reference. Nevertheless it serves its purpose in being shiny and getting my attention. In this group of  works Reyle used foil covered canvas surrounded by 1 foot deep boxes of plexiglass. Its an interesting dichotomy to make an in your face tactile kinestetic work and cover it with a plexiglass box. I think it gives the viewer an opportunity to reflect on consumption. Doesn't the fact that its surrounded by the box make you that much more excited to see it without the box? Just like the items below for some of us the more unattainable something is the more desirable it is. Not an unusual theme in art but definitely an important one.



Clothes- The clothes are a literal interpretation of the work. Colorful, bright, shiny, bold and tactile. Some of you may recall this dress from the movie Sex and the City 2. Carrie rocks this dress barefoot on the beach in morrocco and it looked stellar. This Halston Heritage dress is seen in many forms throughout the movie, not surprising since SJP not only designs for the brand but has an equity stake in it as well(kudos on that genius product placement miss parker). This dress conjures up images of bianca jagger at Studio 54 dancing and sipping champagne on a shiny dance floor. However,paired with the clog platforms and some tribal inspired bangles it takes on a little bit less of a glamorous feel
 and a little bit more of a bohemian vibe. An orange silk, accordian pleated floor length dress just oozes jetsetter. *Helpful Tip:If you fly coach while wearing this dress you will burst into flames.  


Halston Heritage Iconic Pleated Long Dress $299.99
http://www.designer-sale-outlet.com/product_info.php?products_id=76



Zigi NY Kat Clog $49.95
dsw.com

 






Millions of Peaches, Peaches for me

  

Piotr Uklanski Untitled (Agnes) 2002

The Art- Piotr Uklanski's Untitled work is one of my favorites.  Untitled (Agnes) is a piece that is done with crayon shavings and plexiglass. This work makes me nostalgic for those days in art school when we had a free day to do whatever we wanted and somehow everyone ended up melting things...and for me that always meant crayons! I think this ties into what makes Piotr Uklanski's work really exceptional. His ability to mix something seemingly mundane like crayons into fine art is what makes his art intresting and actually fun to look at. This work tiptoes the line between painting and sculpture as well which adds to the complexity of the work. The crayon shavings also add a sense of whimsicality to the work, the tiny bursts of color just make this piece burst with energy and vibrance. This picture does not do the actual piece justice and it (obviously) needs to be seen in person and hopefully this post will inspire you to do so. Uklanski whose interests lie in film, pop culture, and history has a diverse portfolio of work yet they all seem to mesh well. Uklanski's ability to combine high and low and take ordinary and make it unusual and avant garde is what makes his work interesting.



The Duds- Peach, peach peach! I'm in love with colored jeans...however, the highlighter colored jean trend that came and went a while ago didn't really work for me but I am in love with these pretty pastel jeans. I think this outfit like the art above tiptoes a line, with the switch of a few items the outfit can go from casual to dressy very easily. The color palette while very muted stays bold with the fun Missoni pattern. The simple nude shoe is a tad more interesting with the gold flecks which mimics the red flecks and pops of color and sheen in the piece. Add a cute clutch or go hands free with Gisele waves for a chic and polished bohemian look. Whimsical and free just like the beautiful piece above that inspired the outfit!



  

Missoni Golden 1/2 Sleeve cardigan
stylebop.com

 

Cheap Monday Coloured Skinny Jeans 
Asos.com

Mark +James by Badgley Mischka
Marissa Flat Sandal
isaay.com



Baldessari and Leopard Booties



John Baldessari
Raised Eyebrows, Furrowed Foreheads
(Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet), 2008

 The Art- John Baldessari, Raised Eyebrows Furrowed Foreheads (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet) 2008. This work by Baldessari is one of my favorites. Its important to note that this is not a painting and that Baldessari did, in fact, denounce painting in 1970 declaring the death of painting in his body of work. He later used photography and pulled images from mass media since he declared in the title of his first print that he would "Not Make Any More Boring Art." Many of the images in Raised Eyebrows/Furrowed Foreheads use famous faces yet they are shielded in annonymity. His use of color in the photo helps add to the mystery of the faces as well as to the humourous qualiity of the photo. His addition of color to the black and white photos  takes a moody photo and makes it instantly interesting. It is important to note the size and scale of this work is much larger in person and that the eyebrows appear above the surface while the furrows are 3/4 of an inch below the surface, influencing the texture and feel of the work. The highlite on the eyebrows and forehead accentuate the defragmented aspect of the work and accentuates Baldessari's concern with the idea of the part and the whole.

The Duds- This outfit is one that I actually wore this weekend and was inspired by this work of art. The color pairings in the photo and the restrictive yet well composed quality of the main theme of this work inspired a look that reflected the same minimal yet impactful quality. I know to some this may seem like a pretty out there outfit and not exactly minimal(yellow, blue, and leopard), but for my wardrobe my neutral is definitely leopard and blue and yellow is a standard color combo for me. I accesorized this like with a tan clutch and a skinny navy blue patent belt.




Gap Chambray Shirt
gap.com

 

Sparkle and Fade A-Line Ponte Skirt
urbanoutfitters.com 



Charlotte Olympia Alice Leopard Booties.

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.



Trench Flak Vest jcrew.com



True Religion Keira Short zappos.com

 
  

River Island Safina Ankle Western Boot us.asos.com



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
495.00 bergdorfgoodman.com 



Emilio Pucci 906.50
couture.zappos.com

                

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