[ad_1] In nature, flowers serve as an essential component of the reproduction process. But for humans, scented blooms are ripe with myriad meanings and symbolism that transcend their biological functions. During Victorian times, offering a bouquet to someone with your right hand indicated a non-verbal “yes,” while a yellow carnation would reject an admirer. Similarly […]
Flowers and Butterflies Stitch Messages of Hope into Crumple…
[ad_1] On the sides of rusted barrels or crushed steel spheres, Lithuanian artist Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė (previously) applies delicate reminders of resilience. Using cotton thread, the artist cross-stitches vibrant flowers and butterflies onto facets of corroded metal, merging materials that appear to have little in common. Where metal is rough, strong, and utilitarian, embroidery is tender, soft, […]
Nosheen Iqbal Translates Pakistani Craft Traditions into Viv…
[ad_1] Equipped with vibrant cotton thread and wooden panels, Nosheen Iqbal stitches sculptural embroideries that draw on her Pakistani and Islamic heritage. Architectural arabesques and Punjabi craft traditions influence her mixed-media motifs, including phulkari, or floral folk embroideries, and woodblock printed reliefs known as bagh. Iqbal utilizes half-circles and semi-precious beads to add depth and […]
‘Doing Is Living’ Highlights Five Decades of Ruth Asawa’s Bi…
[ad_1] In the wake of World War II panic and paranoia, the U.S. government feared that Japanese Americans would commit acts of sabotage against the nation. Along with some 120,000 Japanese Americans living in the western part of the country, Ruth Asawa (1926-2013) and her family—separated from their father, who was sent to a camp […]
Fantastic Blooms Entwine with Sculptural Motifs in Mevlana L…
[ad_1] Behind barred motifs evocative of a wrought iron fence, otherworldly flowers are in full bloom, their heads stretching wide and tall while tendrils and leafy vines wind around the open barriers. Rendered in contrasting palettes of jewel tones and pale, muted hues, these uncanny plants are part of the latest body of work by […]
Einar and Jamex de la Torre’s Monumental Glass Assemblages H…
[ad_1] In 1972, when Einar and Jamex de la Torre were nine and 12 years old, respectively, their family moved to Southern California from their hometown, Guadalajara, Mexico. Building upon their immigrant experiences and the sometimes contradictory facets of bicultural identity, the artists began creating sculptures and installations exploring themes as varied as time, religion, […]
Participatory Pavilions by Hou de Sousa Emerge from Colorful…
[ad_1] For Nancy Hou and Josh de Sousa, founders of design studio Hou de Sousa, urban thoroughfares and public squares are a blank canvas. The award-winning, New York-based team focuses on architectural installations and large-scale sculptures that invite visitors to experience their surroundings in new ways. Often employing vibrant color and glowing lighting effects to […]
Fantastical Totems Emerge from Clay in Yu Maeda’s Vibrant Sc…
[ad_1] “I enjoy the freedom of shaping clay directly with my hands… creating forms that express spontaneity,” says Yu Maeda. Based near Tokyo, the artist began experimenting with ceramics after a career focused on painting when he started transforming animals and imaginary beings into vibrant, lighthearted sculptures. Maeda is influenced by the bold lines and […]
‘Crafted Kinship’ Unravels the Creative Practices of 60 Carr…
[ad_1] A new book by Malene Barnett celebrates more than 60 artists, designers, and craftspeople whose work has been shaped by their Caribbean roots. Published by Artisan, Crafted Kinship: Inside the Creative Practices of Contemporary Black Caribbean Makers peers into a range of multi-faceted practices influenced by the diaspora. Whether drawing on connections to the […]
Magic and Whimsy Abound from Shannon Taylor’s Fantastic Wate…
[ad_1] All images courtesy of Hashimoto Contemporary, shared with permission October 29, 2024 Art Grace Ebert Share Pin Email Bookmark Tucked inside vintage compacts are magical worlds of whimsy and mischief carefully concocted by Shannon Taylor. The Oakland-based artist (previously) transforms antique vessels into lush breeding grounds for fantastic creatures, spirited gatherings, and the occasional […]