Atlanta Art Fair 2024

The Atlanta Art Fair 2024 showcased artwork from Atlanta and from the American South as well as from other regions. It featured a wide array of artists and was a great success. The fair featured American photojournalist Steve Schapiro's photography and captured a profound moment in American history. In Mr. Schapiro's VOTE we see the struggle to fight for the right to vote for racial minorities. It was a struggle all too familiar and personal for Martin Luther King Jr. who featured in another of Mr. Schapiro's photograph. The civil rights leader's enigmatic and powerful image is iconic to this day. His vision is forever sealed around the world and Mr. Schapiro does a wonderful job of profiling him at his best. Captured in 1965 he vividly portrays Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in his fight for justice and equality.

The Atlanta Art Fair displayed a diverse and rich group of artists many of whom were also from outside of the US. The aim of the fair highlights the inclusivity of the many ethnic groups we see here. Take for example Armenian artist Tigran Tsitoghdzyan's Black Mirror which reveals the intricacies of the pressure social media places on society. The double imagery beautifully captures the discord and appearance of harmony that results. The image of a young woman is distorted yet quietly reveals the dilemma we place on ourselves. She's a product of her own making yet we see the distance between reality and the end product which in turn is only a fantasy. 

In Yulia Pinkusevich's, Sakha Air Spirit, we see a different artwork on display. Ms. Pinkusevich hails from Ukraine but now lives in the US. Her dream-like abstract work captures the sinuous lines and shapes that makes her work a pleasure to look at. She uses feminine contours to play with the viewer's sense of reality. The light above shines over the billowing shapes and we can revel in the work's abstraction. 

Overall the art fair captured the zeitgeist of the artworld which aims to create conversations between history and contemporary life. It also sparked the careers of new artists in a new environment. Please enjoy these and other works. 

1 Steve Schapiro, VOTE, Selma March, 1965, American

2 Tigran Tsitoghdzyan, Black Mirror, 2020, Armenian

 3 Brian Day, Coalition of Agents, 2023 American

4 Susie McColgan, Forever Young, 2024,

5 Wole Langunju, Caryatid Male Figure Surmounted by a Bird, 2024, Nigerian

6 Gavin Benjamin, The Glamorous Life No. 1, 2022, American

7 Arinze Stanley, Flower Boy, 2024, Nigerian

8 Izere Antoine, Karabo, 2024, Rwandan

9 Steve Schapiro, Martin Luther King Jr., Selma, 1965, American

10 Taurus Burns, Walk with Me, 2024, American

11 Yulia PInkusevich, Sakha Air Spirit, 2021, Ukrainian American

12 Cailyn Dawson, Get Away, 2024, American

13 Oluwaseun Odeyemi, Daily Bread II, 2024, Nigerian

14 Evita Tezeno, I know my heart will go on, 2024, American

15 Kaleigh Blevins, Hope That Helps, 2024, American

A look back at Paris Photo Week 2022

Paris Photo Week brings together some of the best photographers in the world under one roof. It's a celebration of photography at its best. Take, for example, fashion photographer Bruce Webber's photograph of singer Tina Turner. Webber captures a rare intimacy of the singer while she's relaxing with a plate of fresh figs. She's at her leisure and we are in awe of the invitation to share a private moment with her. Edouard Boubat's Kyoto shows us the peacefulness of a Zen garden in Japan. It's harmony and nature as one. Louise Dahl Wolfe's photo of fashion designer Christian Dior playing cards at his home shows him at his domestic bliss. Far removed from the glamour of Paris and fashion in general we see him at his best self. Marina Abramovic's Portrait of a Lamb shows her cradling a lamb like one would an infant. The contrast of black and white makes us question the nature of her actions. Why is she doing this and why? Meanwhile, Seydou Keita's portrait of young boy wearing a beret captures the atmosphere of Mali where French culture still remains. Its youthful spirit reflecting the coming changes in country. Once you view these works you'll see why they were selected for Paris Photo Week. They are some of the best works money can buy. Please enjoy the remainder.

 1 Bruce Webber, Tina Turner Adirondacks, New York, 1990, American

Paris Pont Neuf, by Dana and Stephane Maitec, France

 

Khalik Allah, Harlem, New York City 2018.

 

Rotimi Fani Kayode, Untitled, 1985

 

Bastiaan Woudt, Torso, 2020

 

Beau-Xi Gallery's Isabelle Menin's Photographic Art

It is difficult to believe there is an element of photography in these works. Simply, they appear as painterly as possible. However, these are not accidental images, instead they are created as a sort of  collage that brings about an abstract order to the floral motif that we see. According to her gallery,  her work is "composed of found images and original photographs, Menin juxtaposes her floral subject matter with her skillful use of digital manipulation to create vignettes imbued with playful artifice."(Beau-Xi) Indeed her work displays the sort of confusion we wish to decipher. 

1. There's A River In My Head 01

Fresh Photography Is Not Easy To Find

With everyone using Instagram it's becoming harder and harder to appreciate good photography. Everyone's a star now. The art form has become so diluted that it really takes a striking image to capture your attention. I found that to be especially true when going through the latest images at The Photography Show presented by AIPAD.  Somehow, these images stood out for me more than others, but let's see if you agree.

1.  Vik Muniz Orphan Girl at the Cemetery after Delacroix from Gordian Puzzles, 2008

Weekend Links

Eskimo Girl by Photographer Marc Lagrange

How to Reduce Wrinkles without Lasers or Chemicals

The Jean-Michel Basquiat You Haven't Seen

A Strategy for Happy Dual-Career Couples

13 Cookbooks written by Bloggers

How to Survive the Next Four Years Like a French Woman

This is how a dietitian spends $40 at the supermarket

Vietnamese coffee fudge

Chinese-American Novelist Yiyun Li on her writing

Hygge is Where the Heart Is

Highlights from the Armory Show 2017

1.  Albrecht Schnider, Ohne Titel, 2009

2.  Amy Feldman, Idyll Idol, 2016

3.  C.J. Pyle, SuperFine,  2000

4.  Chigyun Oh, Persimmon, 2014

Weekend Links

        

Somewhere in Kenya - Ewa Chodakowska

The Photography Show by AIPAD

Photography has never really achieved the same kind of status as painting. The art form may have more impact on the viewer but its technical nature makes it easy to dismiss. We take it for granted precisely because we know that anyone with access to a camera can eventually learn to take an arresting image. There is no mystery behind the process, only the subject matters. You can find beauty anywhere, so long as you have access to the right environment. Still, it's worthwhile to compare the ways in which photographers differentiate. Looking at these images below you can see how they highlight contrasting elements, they may even linger in your mind, but probably for not long enough.

1.  Andrew Borowiec, Little America, Whyoming, 2014, Lee Marks Fine Art

My New Ride...and A Good Read

Photography by Luo Don - Galerie Laure Roynette, Paris

I have been searching for a good read all summer and I have finally found it: The Vacationers by Emma Straub. As a novel it doesn't demand too much of your time but it is strangely satisfying. A light and easy read, it's peppered with enough humour to sustain you for the rest of the summer. Maybe even fall. If you have a short attention span like me in this hot and humid weather you probably won't be disappointed. 



Interview with Photographer Lee Oliveira

Brazilian-born and Sydney-based street style photographer Lee Oliveira has proven how quickly great talent and hard work can be recognized in the blogging world. Since starting his blog in May 13, 2010 Lee has traveled the world in search of great style and stylish people and now can proudly call Gucci a supporter. Since June 2011, he has been collaborating with the Italian brand as their official street style photographer by providing shots of people dressed in Gucci from around the globe. Clearly, his work is testament to the growing interest not only in street style blogging but the regular people who prove that true style is often found on the way to work and not just on the runway.

When you look at Lee's work you can see how street style photography is as much about the art of photography as it is about fashion. Lee's images are not only beautiful because they're spirited, youthful and stylish but also because they capture a spontaneous moment in time that may have been missed by all of those who love fashion so much. If you look closely you'll see exactly why Gucci has selected him to collaborate with. Lee's work exhudes the energy that engages fashion on every level. No details are ever missed because his eye and good taste can spot beauty everywhere. We can only wonder what Lee will have in store for us next year. Until then, enjoy this interview and selected pics and most of all make sure to visit LeeOliveira.com. Happy New Year everyone!!!

1. What was your life was like in Brazil before you began blogging?

Ah... Brazil! I worked really hard when I was a teenager. I use to sell homemade custard bread on the streets of my hometown. Later I use to sell newspapers. As an adult I moved to a bigger city a few hours from my hometown and then finally moved to London.

2. What made you move to Australia?

Well, I met my other half in London quite a few years ago. The question was... he moves to London or I move to Sydney, now after 8 years, I call Australia home.  

3. When you travel do you have an idea of where you’re going to photograph or is it spontaneous?

I have a schedule of places I need to be and shows I get invited too. Fashion month is always on my calendar. I am also constantly with my camera to catch those random shots.

4. Which city impresses you the most in terms of style and why?

Two cities, Milan for style and Paris for fashion.

5. Are there any places that you’re still dying to explore?

Sao Paulo I know, but I would like to experience it during Fashion Week.

6. You’re surrounded by fashion, are there any designers that you wish more people would know about?

Yes, Australia designers Dion Lee, Alex Perry and Aurelio Costarella. 

7. Besides your camera, what are some things you can’t live without?

Shoes, lots of shoes, (hahaha).

8. What do you enjoy doing on your days off?

I don't normally have too many days off. When I do, I like to catch up with my friends... you know... movies, popcorn! I try to disconnect myself from fashion for a short time.

9. If you could shoot an advertising campaign for any designer who would it be and why?

Gucci. I love this classic brand. The attitude of the models is exactly what I hope to find on the streets.

10. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Have the best relationship with yourself! ... and... Dream! Never stop dreaming!

11. When it comes to your blog and photography what are you most proud of?

I am thankful to have an incredible amount of readers that I inspire on a daily basis. This is priceless for me.

12. What projects are you hoping to work on next? What projects are you hoping to work on next?

2012 will take me to a whole different level, “exciting but can't talk about it at the moment” haha. I have few big things in the pipeline.

The Art of Buying Art Online: 20ltd

When it comes to buying art online there is a myriad of options available to you. Depending on your purchasing power you can either opt for the traditional route of buying art directly from an auction house or art gallery or you can try some of the newly created art websites devoted specifically to making art accessible and affordable across all income brackets. This week I will explore several of these websites and highlight some of my favourite art works from each one. The focus today will be on 20ltd, an online shop offering all things beautiful and well-designed including limited-edition fine art photography. Based in England, 20ltd represents a portfolio of finely selected prints from well-established photographers from all over the world in a variety of subject areas including landscape photography, female nudes, portraiture and aerial photography.  

1.  Alexander Orion (£2,350-4,650)

Alexander Orion is a Brazilian graffiti artist and photographer who captures the inhabitants of São Paolo in the context of his street art.  After he creates his images on the walls of the city he awaits for the ideal moment to photograph the activity of life.

2.  Vincent Laforet (£3,680-4,300)

Vincent Laforet is an American-based, Pulitzer prize-winning photographer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, National Geographic and many others. His aerial photography uniquely captures scenes and landscapes to stunning effect.

3.  Horst & Daniel Zielske (£4,190)

Horst & Daniel Zielske, is a father and son team from Germany, who photographed the changing city of Shanghai as it morphed into a flourishing metropolis. The skyline dotted with architectural giants here becomes a compass for the city as the remnants of the past litter on the periphery. 

4.  Bran Symondson (£5,400)

Bran Symondson, is a former British soldier who had a chance to capture the Afghan policemen during their spare moments when not fighting the Taliban.  These armed men decorated with pink flowers and often found in the country's poppy fields are too fascinating for words.

5.  Paolo Pellizzari (£3,830) {Please zoom this picture to see the details}

Paolo Pellizzari is an Italian photographer known for his large format panoramic photography and striking juxtapositions.  His landscape images capture human activity on the backdrop of man-made environments in dynamic new ways.

6.  Jocelyn Bain Hogg (£1,640-3,575)

Jocelyn Bain Hogg is a British photographer whose distinguished work has appeared in too many publications to list.  His photography is raw and edgy and and reveals an honest understanding of his subject matter.   

7.  Arthur Meehan (£2,555)

Arthur Meehan is an American photographer now based in London whose images of the female nude are completely free of manipulation.  His subjects are captured as tastefully and naturally as possible conveying a quiet elegance and sensuality.