2024-08-12
Atlas Universalis Et Novus
ARTIST: Andreas Cellarius
CATEGORY: Books
NOTES: "Harmonia Macrocosmica seu Atlas Universalis et Novus is a famous 17th-century celestial atlas created by Andreas Cellarius, first published in 1660 by Johannes Janssonius in Amsterdam. It is considered one of the finest celestial atlases of the Dutch Golden Age, featuring 29 double-page, often hand-colored, engraved maps illustrating planetary systems (Ptolemaic, Copernican, Tychonic) and stellar constellations"
2024-08-05
Just Little More Detail
ARTIST: Erté
CATEGORY: Spotlight / Illustration
NOTES: Not sure if the word 'glamorous' does his work justice. Probably best known for the cruella-esque 'Symphony in Black' – Erté's work is incredibly recognizable and detailed – a style that has been mimicked countless times after it was introduced.
2024-08-01
The World Unveiled
ARTIST: Edward Quin
CATEGORY: Maps / Cartography
NOTES: 'The series is unusual in that it utilises aquatint to great effect to illustrate geographical enlightenment by depicting the unknown as black clouds that peel back over succeeding maps to reveal the world as known at various points in time from 'the deluge' until 1828. The work was intended to educate schoolchildren about the history of the world, presenting history as a consistent and uniform whole, giving a rapid view of all great political changes in human society. Of particular note are the maps showing the Garden of Eden and the Discovery of America. The final map depicts the 'End of the General Peace' in 1828.'
2024-06-12
Common Time
ARTIST: Merce Cunningham
CATEGORY: Art
NOTES: Beautifully designed book from Walker Art Center. Mostly familiar with Merce because of his association with Black Mountain College. I can't even imagine the drugs during that time... Cunningham, Cage (his partner), The Albers, The de Koonings, Buckminster, Kline, Twombly, Motherwell, Gropius, Raushenberg... Jesus.
2023-12-09
Gerry Johansson
ARTIST: Gerry Johansson
CATEGORY: Spotlight / Photography
NOTES: I find Gerry Johansson's photography both morose and energetic, similar to an empty room at the end of a party.