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Archive for the 'Art Modern' Category

Wassily Kandinsky – Munich-Schwabing with the Church of St. Ursula 1908

Wassily Kandinsky - Munich-Schwabing-with-the-Church-of-St.-Ursula

Click image for more Schwabing.

I lived near St. Ursula for almost twenty years myself and I swear it never looked that vibrant … to me!

Damn you Kandinsky for seeing the world like no one else – and thanks for your great art.

orangeguru (10-28 8:50) | No Comments | Permalink
Terri Timely’s Synesthesia – a great short film

We need more bizarre and surreal short movies like this. Thanks to YouTube and Vimeo more and more talented movie makers find an audience and inspire each other.

Make sure to watch it in HD on YouTube – if your internet connection is up to it.

More? Terri Timely Official Site

orangeguru (10-24 22:06) | No Comments | Permalink
Gabriele Münter – Der Blaue See 1934

Gabriele Münter - Der Blaue See

1. Click player below to start the music.

2. Click the image to dive into the art.

3. Study for four minutes this great piece of art and it’s beauty.

I am a big fan of Germany expressionists – and Frau Münter is at the top of my list. She is always referred to as Kandinsky’s lover – but she is a great artist by her own achievement. Especially in a time when males still dominated every facet of arts & culture.

There are not many big pictures of her art on the intranets. I guess I have to get myself a book and do some scans.

BTW, many of the expressionists paintings are even more fabulous when you stand before them and I am a lucky bastard, since many of the image of the Der Blaue Reiter are in Munich.

More? Gabriele Münter @ Wikipedia

orangeguru (09-01 20:21) | No Comments | Permalink
The one man band

Once again a brilliant movie from Pixar. They truly know how to tell a story and catch the human momentum. Enjoy!

*Thanks to Edosan for sending me this one*

orangeguru (07-29 15:12) | No Comments | Permalink
Gustav Klimt – Judith I 1901

Gustav-Klimt - Judith 1901

Another one of Klimt’s golden ladies. He was truly addicted to the beauty and charm of woman.

But you should be aware of the cut off head in the right corner. This princess is a dangerous one – guys literally loose their head around her.

To use an old phrase: she is the beauty and the beast in one package.

orangeguru (07-16 3:14) | 1 Comment | Permalink
Franz von Stuck – Salome (1906)

Franz von Stuck - Salome 1906

1. Click player below to start the music.

2. Click the image to dive into the art.

3. Study for one and a half minutes this great piece of art and all the drama.

Once again a great painting by Maestro Stuck: simple, harsh and effective. But as usual he nails the story perfectly.

Note to all Heroes: beware of the young princess – she has neither the maturity nor the backbone to withstand the temptations of power and sexuality. She’ll be your doom!

More? Stuck and Salome @ Wikipedia

orangeguru (06-23 22:46) | No Comments | Permalink
Pablo Picasso – Nude on a Beach 1929

Pablo Picasso - Nude on a Beach 1929

Click image to see more sand.

Picasso always amuses me. He has such a wonderful way to look at the world and reduce it to it’s bare essentials. The head – just a tiny thing with a few holes. A stretched arm to provide comfort. A small dune (?) and two more female hills. Sand and skin are almost the same on the beach.

I love it.

orangeguru (05-28 20:19) | No Comments | Permalink
David Ligare – Still Life with Burgers, Fries and Apple

David Ligare - Still Life with burgers, fries and apple

Click image for more calories.

I just love this painting. It’s such a perfect homage to many old masters and their "boring" still life’s – and it’s such a perfect commentary about our modern times.

Maestro Ligare has painted several images in the same setup, but I like this one best.

More? www.davidligare.com and Wikipedia entry

orangeguru (05-24 15:14) | No Comments | Permalink
Happy 50th Birthday Atomium

art_architecture_Atomium_in_brussels

Like the Eiffel Tower the Atomium was built only to last  for one short exhibition in 1958. Now it’s one of Brussels signature buildings and a true icon of the 20th century.

Can’t wait for someone to build a DNAnium …

More? Atomium @ Wikipedia and check out their cool website too Atomium.be

orangeguru (04-20 14:55) | No Comments | Permalink
Andy Warhol – Naomi and Rufus kiss

I am not sure from which Kiss project this clip is. If it’s from “Naomi and Rufs kiss” than these are just a eight minutes from the full feature which is 54 minutes of kissing. Otherwise it’s just one clip from a series of Kiss short movies.

Here is some background taken from this great Warhol site:

ca. AUGUST 1963: ANDY WARHOL SHOOTS KISS.

Some Warhol scholars date the Kiss films from November/December 1963. However, Warhol probably started shooting them much earlier – around August 1963 and continued to shoot them through the end of 1964, if not beyond. (SG144/CA) According to Warhol in Popism, they were still doing KISS movies in the summer of 1964 when Gerard Malanga and Mark Lancaster did one – in August 1964. (POP71/M)

According to Bob Colacello, the idea for KISS – close-ups of couples kissing each other for three minutes each – came from the old Hayes Office regulation forbidding actors in movies from touching lips for more than three seconds. (BC29)

Warhol also produced a silkscreen called The Kiss, based on a film still from the Hollywood horror classic Dracula (1931) of Bela Lugosi biting the neck of his co-star, Helen Chandler.The silkscreen was done on November 22, 1963. (GMW81)

Amy Taubin, who would later become the film critic for the Village Voice, first saw some of the KISS films in 1963 at the Grammercy Arts Theater on West 27th Street. At this time the KISS series of films was called The Andy Warhol Serial “because it was shown in weekly four minute installments.” (WI24)

*Send in by OliviaB – thanks darling*

 

orangeguru (04-07 23:02) | No Comments | Permalink
J.M.W.Turner – Rain, Steam, and Speed

art_turner_Rain_Steam_and_Speed_the_Great_Western_Railway

1. Click player below to start the music.

2. Click the image to dive into the art.

3. Study for twoandahalf minutes this great piece of art and all the drama.

Overall I am not a big Turner fan. I was always amazed in London when people spent hours in front of his blurry masterpieces in the National Gallery.

But this one I like (more info here):

The scene is fairly certainly identifiable as Maidenhead railway bridge, which spans the Thames between Taplow and Maidenhead. The bridge, designed by the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1839, has two main arches of brick, very wide and flat. The view is to the east, towards London.

On the left people are boating on the river, while to the right a ploughman works on a field. The tranquility of these traditional activities contrasts with the steam train rushing towards the viewer, the stark outline of its black funnel clearly visible. In front of the train a hare, one of the speediest of animals, dashes for cover.

Turner’s picture can be associated with the ‘railway mania’ which swept across England in the 1840s. It is also an outstanding example of his late style of painting. Sky and river landscape are dissolved in a haze of freely applied oil paint, to give a striking impression of the contrasting movement of driving rain and speeding train.

*Thanks to Edosan to sending in this picture*

orangeguru (03-28 0:01) | No Comments | Permalink
Vincent van Gogh – Red Vineyards 1888

art_vincent van gogh - red vineyards 1888

1. Click player below to start the music.

2. Click the image above to dive into the art.

3. Study for six minutes (sorry, a bit longer than usual) this great piece of art.

One of the many things I admire about van Gogh is that he had such a passion for people – normal working class people. Before he became a painter he wanted to save souls and lived with the poorest of the poor.

That is why he is one of the first (modern) artists to paint everyday scenes and poverty. But not in a dreadful way – but in the way he saw life: there is almost always beauty of nature around us – no matter if you are rich or poor.

orangeguru (03-19 1:20) | No Comments | Permalink
The amazing Art of Kimiko Yoshida

art_Kimiko Yoshida_The Shinto Bride_Self-portrait 2002

It is always easy as a westerner to be charmed by Asian art, because it is to our eyes and mind different – and exotic. Images, analogies and compositions that are normal in Asian culture are new and exciting for western art lovers.

Madame Yoshida certainly plays with a lot of Asian elements – but I like her global and intimate approach to her art. Very fascinating.

More? Official Site

orangeguru (02-10 21:29) | 1 Comment | Permalink
Vincent van Gogh – Bedroom in Arles 1888

art_vincent_van_gogh_chambre-arles

Thinking of Van Gogh almost always breaks my heart, because of his great personal tragedy combined with his great passion for beauty and art. Today I want to invite you into Vincent’s bedroom – a small place were he lives in poverty, but his mind always filled with deep thoughts, sunlight and love for his brother – who supported him all these years.

1. Click player below to start the music.

2. Click the image above to dive into the art.

3. Study for three minutes this great piece of art.

Vincent was a very complex person and I am sure he tried to cope with poverty, limitations and his loneliness as much as he could. He wanted to capture and share the beauty he saw everywhere – but the world discovered him too late – so he had to die without knowing how great his art was and how much people appreciate his efforts …

By the way: he was a great letter writer – it’s worth diving into some of his messages to his brother here. Another website featuring his correspondence is here.

orangeguru (01-20 12:53) | 3 Comments | Permalink
Odilon Redon – Golden Cell

art_Odilon Redon - Golden Cell

Click image for more blue.

I constantly come back to Odilon Redon’s paintings … his colors and stories intrigue me. There always seem hidden layers and myths in his art – although they are mostly composed of ’simple’ elements.

1. Click player below to start the music.

2. Click the image above to dive into the art.

3. Study for three minutes this great piece of art.

The figures of the painting …

orangeguru (01-17 9:35) | No Comments | Permalink
Henri Matisse – Self-Portrait in a Striped T-Shirt 1906

art_henri_matisse_self-portrait

photo_Portrait_of_Henri_Matisse

I always like to compare an artists self-portrait with the real thing – too bad we can’t do that with many old masters. But in the case of Matisse we can … great beard Henri!

orangeguru (01-15 9:09) | 3 Comments | Permalink
Norman Rockwell – Homecoming Marine

art_Norman Rockwell - Homecoming Marine

Click image for more Patriotism.

I am not a big fan of Norman Rockwell. He is an American Propaganda painter – the opposite to the many Soviet Realist painters. His feel-good and homely images is American porn for patriots. These are images from the old America still in the heads of many US Neocons and die hard right wing Patriots.

But this America is long dead and won’t come back.

There is still small town America and American pie – but it’s kids listen to music from Negros on their Chinese iPods and watch porn from Sweden. Their parents drive Japanese and German cars – and pay Muslim countries huge amounts of money to keep these vehicles rolling. Their work has long been outsourced to India or Mexico …

More? Rockwell @ Wikipedia

orangeguru (01-03 19:02) | No Comments | Permalink
Paul Gauguin – Self-portrait with Portrait of Bernard (Les Misérables) 1888

art_Paul_Gauguin-self-portrait-miserables

Click image for a larger Paul.

A strange moment. It’s hard to say if he is happy or sad, in balance or in misery.

orangeguru (12-27 10:46) | No Comments | Permalink
Marc Chagall – Rain 1911

art_Marc_Chagall_1911_Rain

Click image for a bit larger version.

In Maestro Chagall’s little village there is always a story to tell about what happened recently … especially about floating goats and herders in the sky … or that funny neighbor who was almost blown away by the last rain storm …

orangeguru (12-20 2:41) | No Comments | Permalink
Henry Matisse – Icarus 1847

art_Henry Matisse - Icarus 1847

A very modern, yet charming interpretation of Icarus.


Part of the Art Motive Series: "The Story of Daedalus and Icarus"

orangeguru (12-15 20:21) | No Comments | Permalink
Alfred Gilbert – Icarus 1884

art_Alfred Gilbert - Icarus 1884

Wow! What a proud – almost violent – young Icarus!

More about Alfred Gilbert @ Artrenewal.org


Part of the Art Motive Series: "The Story of Daedalus and Icarus"

orangeguru (12-15 20:20) | No Comments | Permalink
Odilon Redon – The Fall of Icarus

art_Odilon Redon - The Fall of Icarus

I love the colors in this painting. Also the concept of the flying head – like the idea of freedom is mostly in our heads and will always break free.

More? Redon entry @ Wikipedia 


Part of the Art Motive Series: "The Story of Daedalus and Icarus"

orangeguru (12-15 19:25) | No Comments | Permalink
Marc Chagall – The Fall of Icarus 1975

art_Marc Chagall - The Fall of Icarus

This is the newest interpretation of this over 2000 year old story. In Chagall’s paintings there always seems to be the same village present. ;-)

It somehow looks rather like the competition by the village idiots, who can imitate Icarus the best.


Part of the Art Motive Series: "The Story of Daedalus and Icarus"

orangeguru (12-15 19:20) | No Comments | Permalink
Tamara de Lempicka – Beautiful Rafaela

art_Tamara de Lempicka - Beautiful Rafaela

Click image for a bigger sensual moment.

Madame Lempicka has not only a unique style – but it is also very sensual. Not many artists know how to show natural nudeness and erotic moments without getting too slippery. Her work never crosses the line. Instead she portrays woman as strong, sensual and the beauty of the female shape in a very neutral naturalistic way.

orangeguru (12-05 18:41) | 2 Comments | Permalink
Paul Gauguin – Les Alyscamps – Arles

art_Paul Gauguin - Les Alyscamps - Arles

I would love the world to be always that colorful!

orangeguru (11-29 7:48) | 2 Comments | Permalink
Franz Marc – Tiger

Franz_Marc_Tiger

Perfect! Maestro Marc’s animal paintings are a dream. I love the strong colors and graphic style. But he still keeps the ‘nature’ of his subjects intact. Not many modern painters succeed in that.

orangeguru (11-29 7:44) | No Comments | Permalink
Henri Matisse – Music

art_Henri Matisse - Music

Click image for more vibrant colors.

Ah, I love these contrasts. Matisse was never afraid to REALLY use color. That’s what I love about him!

orangeguru (11-25 23:50) | No Comments | Permalink
Pablo Picasso – Avignon

art_Pablo_Picasso_Avignon

Click image for more geometry.

In many Picasso paintings I often wonder if he wanted to insult or make fun of his models? The three ladies on the left are portrait almost realistically and in classic poses. While the two on the right look rather ghastly.

What do you think?

orangeguru (11-20 22:39) | 3 Comments | Permalink
Norman Rockwell – Connoisseur

art_Norman_Rockwell_Connoisseur

Click image for a larger Connoisseur.

Watching the watcher. I can’t help myself thinking that Maestro Rockwell is taking the piss out of modern art lovers and painters as well?!

Right?

orangeguru (11-20 2:42) | 5 Comments | Permalink
Marc Chagall – I and the Village

art_Marc_Chagall_The_I_and_the_Village

Click image for a larger village.

This must be a weird village – all the people and animals constantly dress up or take drugs. Those colors are just stunning!

orangeguru (11-20 0:51) | No Comments | Permalink
Lalaland – and amazing Animation by Eb Hu

modern_

A fascinating animation and tribute to a beloved person. Watch. Feel. Weep.

More? Lalaland 

Thanks to Edosan for another great gem of art.

orangeguru (11-13 21:43) | 3 Comments | Permalink
Odd Nerdrum – Man with Womans Head

art_odd Nerdrum_man_with_womans

Maestro Nerdrum’s art always gives me goose bumps. His work has a magical and eerie quality rarely seen in modern paintings. Most of his modern and dark minded colleagues use too much blood or childish symbolism to create their moods. Nerdrum work so very different. His use of color is enough to create dense moment – add his intense motives and you get a deep piece of art.

More? Official Website (bring some time) and Wikipedia entry

orangeguru (11-10 18:45) | 4 Comments | Permalink
The amazing Udder fixation Art of Ron English

art_ron_English_SmallCowgirlBikiniPink

art_Ron_English_Cowgirl_McDonalds

I love Ron English – nah, not just for his Cowgirls. He has pulled of some great stunts and created MANY impressive pieces of art. Take some time to visit his great site and discover the many sides of this great Master of wild ideas.

Especially his wacky Billboards are brilliant! Make sure to click through all sections to find some of the better ones deeper into his site.

Overall I am udderly thrilled about this stuff!

More? Official Site or a quick glance at some of his work (with many Udders)

Thanks to Edosan and Lisa for sending these in.

orangeguru (11-08 19:45) | 1 Comment | Permalink
Wassily Kandinsky – The Great Gate of Kiev

Wassily Kandinsky -  The Great Gate of Kiev

Click image for even bigger gates.

I am a huge fan of Kandinsky: his shapes, compositions and most of all color excite me every time. Good thing he lived here in Munich and I can visit some of his great work in local museums.

orangeguru (11-03 20:19) | 1 Comment | Permalink
The amazing Art of Jimmy Maidens

blogosphere_boring_3d_1

blogosphere_boring_3d_2

blogosphere_boring_3d_3

Boring 3D has LOADS of charming, funny and very cool 3D moments. Just have a look at this archive and you get my point. It’s just brilliant! I like the mind behind it – Jimmy Maidens – who has a wicked humor and great sense for drama and composition.

Looking forward to more of this. Enjoy!

orangeguru (11-01 19:47) | 1 Comment | Permalink
The amazing Art of Neil Shakespeare

modern_Neil_Shakespeare_The_complete_History

What a wonderful site! If you like collages and great art this is the place to visit: nshakespeare.blogspot.com. He has a wicked sense of humor as well as a keen eye for great art. His artwork connects with our daily madness in every aspect. He shows scenes from politics, media, sports, spirituality and sexuality.

modern_Neil_Shakespeare_Astronauts

I especially love this series of collages with two guys playing cards and drinking wine – not matter what happens around them. This is fabulous!

Enjoy!

orangeguru (10-30 17:38) | 1 Comment | Permalink
Yannick Puig – I lived on the Moon

modern_ILOTMfond

I lived on the Moon is amazing piece of art. Beautifully animated with charming characters and a great song to surf along with the great imagination of Yannick Puig.

Can we give him an Oscar for this one?

orangeguru (10-22 2:41) | No Comments | Permalink
Jeff Koons

art_Jeff-Koons-Self-Portrait

If there is a King of Pop (aka Michael Jackson) then Jeff Koons is the King of Kitsch. The official label for people like Mr Koons is conceptional artists which I find pretty strange. So far I haven’t figured out if he is just trying to provoke people with his kitsch art or he is playing the (art) system against itself or if he truly is a kitsch person.

art_Jeff-Koons-Michael-Jackson

But he certainly is a success. His art has been displayed all over the world and his books sold well. Cheap imitations of his work have sold well – because many people like kitsch (but probably wouldn’t like Mr Koons).

art_Jeff-Koons_and_Ilona_Staller

And shagging Ilona Staller for arts sake can’t be that bad either? Although I am sick and tired by all this shock art that tries to provocate people by displaying sexual acts, poo or simply something dead and rotten.

Great website: Jeff Koons – A Collection of Images and the Wikipedia entry.

orangeguru (10-16 20:57) | 2 Comments | Permalink
Pablo Picasso – Jacqueline Rocque

art_Picasso - Jacqueline Rocque

If this is a portrait – it’s not very flattering – but very funny. I just love it!

orangeguru (10-16 20:42) | No Comments | Permalink
Gabrielle Münter 1877-1962

art_munter-autumn

The great Gabrielle Münter – she was once the student of Kandinsky and later his dedicated partner.

art_munter_selfportrait

She was one of the first members of the expressionist group ‘Blue Rider’ (Blauer Reiter), who tried to express the spiritual transformation of modern society thru their paintings.

art_muenter-meditation

What I like about Frau Münter are her vibrant colors and strong expressions. She started Painting in the age of 20 in the Ladies School of Art in Düsseldorf. Frist she just wanted to be an art teacher, but went for the real thing. She was lucky to be able to visit one of the first art school ‘Phalanx’ that was open to women as well. This is where she met Kandinsky.

Her paintings are full of vibrant colors. Life is an orgasm of light and intensive moment in her work.

More? Wikipedia entry

orangeguru (10-16 20:34) | 2 Comments | Permalink



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