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Celebrate Indigenous Power With Our Playlist of Queer Artists

By in Native

Celebrate Indigenous Power With Our Playlist of Queer Artists
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There are many ways to make sure that queer Indigenous voices are heard. Music is just one of them. From indie rock to hip-hop, stretching from folk all the way to dubstep-tinged pop, a diverse cohort of LGBTQ+ Indigenous artists are representing the struggles, joys and complexities of their communities. They’re also just making damn good music. That’s why Them lifestyle editor Quispe López and I curated this playlist that’s perfect to bump during Indigenous People’s Month or any time of year.

Kicking off the playlist is Black Belt Eagle Scout, the musical moniker of singer-songwriter Katherine Paul. Her dulcet but melancholy track “Indians Never Die,” off her 2018 debut album Mother of My Children, was inspired by the Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock. In a press statement accompanying the song, Paul made a powerful statement about the meaning of its title: “Imagine hearing on the news that the government doesn’t support you as a human being and never has […] Indigenous people are the protectors of this land. Indians never die because this is our land that we will forever protect in the present and the afterlife.” The poignant indie folk song meditates on that message with soothing vocals and somber guitar lines.

Elsewhere on the list, Colombian-Canadian Afro-Indigenous singer-songwriter Lido Pimienta delivers Latin alt-pop stylings on the undulating “Eso Que Tu Haces.” On the heartbreaking track, Pimienta sings in Spanish about coming to terms with a one-sided love while finding compassion for herself. Australian musician Mo’Ju also brings us a blues-inspired heavy hitter with their track “Native Tongue” off their 2018 album of the same name. The haunting track features The Pasefika Vitoria Choir with a gorgeous acapella melody that pairs perfectly with the soulful lead vocals.

But perhaps my favorite track on the list is from the Indigenous Mexican MC and vocalist Frosty. Her ’90s hip hop-inspired track “Not Exotic,” off her album All Frost No Ice, absolutely floored me. Frosty bravely and unabashedly leans into feelings of anger and rage, while waxing poetic about her Indigenous pride. Over a foreboding, bassy beat she raps, “Don’t call me exotic’ motherfucker / I’m Indigenous / and even in your most evolved state you couldn’t get with this.” I can’t wait to hear more from this self-proclaimed “rapatista” (rapper/zapatista) in the future.

Why Did The Crown Invent a Fake Royal Photographer?

By in Photography

Why Did <i>The Crown</i> Invent a Fake Royal Photographer?

The second episode of The Crown season six, “Two Photographs,” begins with interviews with two photographers: Mario Brenna, a real Italian paparazzi, and Duncan Muir, a royal photographer. Both Brenna and Muir talk about their roles and their work, and the episode juxtaposes Brenna’s paparazzi shot of Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed kissing on the Jonikal, Mohamed Al Fayed’s yacht, with Muir’s photoshoot of Prince Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, at Balmoral.

Muir, who is played by Scottish actor Forbes Masson, introduces himself as follows: “My name is Duncan Muir. I’m 57 years old. I’m a professional photographer working out of Ballater, near Aberdeen in Scotland. My bread-and-butter work is traditional portraiture: Weddings, graduations, that sort of thing. But my passion, and what I’m best known for, is photographs of the royal family. Where the Queen goes, I go.”

Only problem? No photographer named Duncan Muir really existed. So while Brenna definitely took the snap of Diana and Dodi, to our knowledge, Duncan Muir did not exist. Rather, it seems as if Muir is based on other photographers of the era.

Charles, William, and Harry were photographed by Tim Graham at Balmoral in August 1997.

Tim Graham//Getty Images

The aforementioned Balmoral photoshoot that the fictional Muir takes in the show was, in reality, taken by Tim Graham, an established royal photographer. (There’s a C-SPAN interview with Graham from 1989 that is similar in tone to the faux interview in The Crown with Muir.) Other royal photographers of the era that Muir could be based on include Kent Gavin, Anwar Hussein, Tim Rooke, and Jayne Fincher.

Headshot of Emily Burack

Emily Burack (she/her) is the news writer for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram. 

Seattle Museum Month Returns to Offer Art, Culture, and Major Savings for February Hotel Guests

By in Art World News

Seattle Museum Month Returns to Offer Art, Culture, and Major Savings for February Hotel Guests

The annual program is back in 2024 with half-off at more than 25 diverse museums

SEATTLE – According to a recent survey by Destination Analysts, one in three American travelers is driven to travel for museums, cultural institutions, and historical attractions, making Seattle Museum Month the ideal program for travelers to take advantage of in February. From February 1-29, guests staying in one of more than 70 downtown Seattle hotels will receive a Seattle Museum Month pass for up to four people, granting half-off admission at all participating venues. That includes fascinating cultural exhibits at The Museum of Flight, Seattle Art Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass, as well as the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, Museum of Pop Culture, and many others. To see the full list of participants, visit seattlemuseummonth.com.  

“Palihotel Seattle is delighted to participate in Seattle Museum Month again in 2024,” said Derek Onisk, Director of Sales at Palihotel Seattle. “As a neighborhood hotel located just steps away from Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Aquarium and Olympic Sculpture Park, our guests will have the opportunity to explore Museum Month from a convenient home base. Visiting Seattle’s unique museums and cultural institutions gives you a true sense of what makes the downtown Seattle community so vibrant.” 

New displays and exhibits include Seattle Art Museum’s Calder: In Motion, The Shirley Family Collection exhibition. This collection traces Alexander Calder’s revolutionary career, highlighting his most important themes, styles, and materials from the 1920s through the 1970s. Calder’s dynamic abstract mobiles mingle with an array of his stationary stabiles of various scales, the first comprehensive public display of 48 seminal works generously donated by Jon and Kim Shirley. 

“We are thrilled to invite visitors to experience the dynamic genius of Alexander Calder,” says José Carlos Diaz, the exhibition’s curator and the Susan Brotman Deputy Director for Art at the Seattle Art Museum. “This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see this recently gifted collection all together in public for the first time, and we believe it offers something for everyone, whether it’s your first encounter with Calder’s iconic mobiles and other works or whether you’re already a fan.” 

Also new is Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science. at the Museum of History & Industry, wherein stories from four Indigenous communities demonstrate how traditional knowledge and cutting-edge science can be blended to provide complementary solutions to contemporary concerns.  

“Seattle Museum Month is a celebration of our vibrant cultural landscape, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse experiences our museums have to offer,” said MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield. “At MOHAI, we are excited to showcase our engaging exhibits and immersive experiences that bring the stories of Seattle to life. We invite visitors to join us this month and discover the treasures that make our city’s museums truly exceptional.” 

With half-off admission costs at these venues, visitors who make the most of the Seattle Museum Month offer can essentially recoup the cost of their hotel stay, making for a more affordable, culturally rich vacation. Guests simply stay at a participating hotel and request an official Seattle Museum Month guest pass for use at any of the below museums to redeem the discounts.   

Participating area museums for Seattle Museum Month: 

  1. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art* 
  1. Bainbridge Island Historical Museum*  
  1. Bellevue Arts Museum 
  1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center* 
  1. Burke Museum 
  1. Center for Wooden Boats* 
  1. Chihuly Garden and Glass 
  1. Frye Art Museum* 
  1. Henry Art Gallery* 
  1. Kids Discovery Museum 
  1. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park* 
  1. Museum of Glass 
  1. Museum of History & Industry 
  1. Museum of Pop Culture 
  1. National Nordic Museum 
  1. Olympic Sculpture Park* 
  1. Pacific Bonsai Museum* 
  1. Pacific Science Cener 
  1. Seattle Aquarium 
  1. Seattle Art Museum 
  1. Seattle Asian Art Museum 
  1. Seattle Children’s Museum 
  1. Seattle Pinball Museum 
  1. The Museum of Flight 
  1. USS Turner Joy 
  1. Wing Luke Museum 
  1. Woodland Park Zoo 

* = free admission year-round 

“Seattle Museum Month offers a perfect opportunity for a cultural getaway on a budget,” said Visit Seattle’s Senior Director of Cultural Tourism, Tracey Wickersham. “Whether you are traveling with a family, a group of friends or a romantic getaway partner, there’s nothing like filling your February days in Seattle with exploration through fun, engaging and thought-provoking exhibitions, especially with a cozy hotel to return to.” 

 

Media images are available here. 

 

About Visit Seattle
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.    

About Seattle Museum Month
Seattle Museum Month is produced by Visit Seattle and funded by the Seattle Tourism Improvement Area (STIA); a dedicated marketing fund assessed from guests at several downtown Seattle hotels. The program was created to encourage travelers to visit Seattle in February and celebrate the remarkable collection of unique museums in the region.  

Paulina Olowska’s new exhibition examines the seductive power of imagery

By in Photography

Paulina Olowska’s new exhibition examines the seductive power of imagery
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Paulina Olowska’s latest exhibition, Visual Persuasion, is about desire. Occupying almost the entirety of Turin’s Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, the show presents existing and new work by the Polish artist alongside her chosen selection of artworks from the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo collection. Featuring the likes of Nan Goldin, Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger and Catherine Opie, what emerges is a thrilling, elaborate dialogue between artists working across many decades and mediums exploring women’s perspectives on the mechanics and production of desire and its correlation with consumerism.

“We invited her to do a solo show as well as a curation of our collection. In the end, she put these two aspects together,” explains curatorial coordinator Irene Calderoni. “In many ways, her practice is also connected to the idea of curating because, through the years, she’s always involved other artists and given them space inside her own practice, which could also be a way to think about curating. Another aspect is the way she puts together images and ideas and perspectives in order to conceive unique collages.”

The exhibition takes its name from the 1961 book Visual Persuasion by advertising executive Stephen Baker. Among much else, this seminal text explores the capacity of images to sublimate our deepest yearnings with consumer goods, while generating and perpetuating and new, powerful desires. Calderoni tells Dazed, “Very much from the Madmen era, it explores masculine ideas of using women’s bodies and sexuality through images to convey a specific message and to persuade people to do something, basically to buy something.” This concept of the subliminal generation of desire and the persuasive power of imagery and fantasy is elaborated on throughout the show.

In this spirit, the Fondazione’s monumental passageway – usually just a transitory space – has been dominated by Olowska with a series of seductive neon signs. As European mid-century cultural artefacts, these illuminated beacons are perfect metaphors for the dynamics of desire. “They relate to the history of Warsaw and, back in the 60s and 70s at the time of socialism, to the idea of consumerism,” Calderoni says. These advertisements existed in the absence of the goods they are advertising, they were meant to decorate the city and create desire but without the object of desire necessarily being available to the consumer.” As such, they were symbols of unquenchable, eternal desire – perpetually unattainable longing, forever unconsummated.

Like the neons, Olowska’s own artworks on display throughout the exhibtion also gesture to the 1970s, evoking fashion editorials and advertisements from the decade as well as recalling scenes from movies by the likes of Rainer Werner Fassbinder and John Cassavetes. “For me, I guess it has many levels because [the 70s] was a moment of what I would call a blossoming of sexuality, of freedom, of spirit,” Olowska explains during a tour of the exhibition. “As an art student, my education on visual language was postmodernism and magazines from the 1970s. The 70s – and maybe even more so the late 60s –  was also this moment of post-late socialism when everything everything was still possible. And it feels, for me, like subconscious happiness. I guess certain things or memories bring you joy. But I don’t think it’s nostalgia. For me, what this show is really about is ‘how are we going to create eroticism?’ And ‘how do we want to create the future?’ So I said, ‘Let’s look in the past.’”

In this way, Visual Persuasion ingeniously excavates the past as a way of plotting and anticipating the future. By placing a sculpture by Sarah Lucas in the same room as a portrait by Nan Goldin, in proximity to a painting by Sylvie Fleury and a portrait by Cindy Sherman, inviting visitors to contemplate Sylvère Lotringer’s short film depicting a dominatrix discussing her work alongside a subversive fashion editorial video by Julie Verhoeven, Olowska is asking us to contemplate how images exert their seductive power. Presenting women as both subject and object, embodying a range of cultural archetypes and clichés – from muse, to ingénue, cynical sex worker, nymph, femme fatal, matriarch, vacant mannequin, virgin, and myriad more, Visual Persuasion demystifies the mechanisms of cultural production shaping our desires just as it creates speculative configurations of erotic possibilities.

Visual Persuasion is showing at Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo until March 3, 2023.

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Shop from makers of all art mediums at the Flux Market on November 25

By in Art World News

Shop from makers of all art mediums at the Flux Market on November 25

Sixty vendors, amazing food and drink, and opportunities to create masterpieces will all be coming to The Flux Market in Grand Rapids on November 25.

The truly unique experience brings small businesses are artists of different mediums together, creating a unique marketplace to browse, admire, and shop for handmade goods. Maker types include potters, stained glass makers, ceramic artists, macrame artists, and so much more.

The event will also be hosting free hand-building and wheel-throwing workshops throughout the duration of the event. Make an ornament or take your turn at the potter’s wheel and learn to throw a pot on the wheel. 

The event will take place at D2D Studios at 401 Hall St. SW from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stop Being a Lazy Photographer and Straighten Your Horizons |

By in Photography

Stop Being a Lazy Photographer and Straighten Your Horizons |

Photography is an art form that combines technical skill with creative vision, and among the fundamental principles that every photographer should master is the art of straightening horizons. Yet, it’s a common oversight, often dismissed as a minor detail. It’s a pet peeve of mine and is something that is easily avoided.  Let’s delve into the significance of level horizons in photography, explore the reasons why they often go unnoticed, and provide practical tips on how to break the habit of being a lazy photographer by ensuring your horizons are straight.

The Importance of Straight Horizons

A level horizon is more than just a technical detail; it is the foundation of a well-composed photograph. A crooked horizon can distract the viewer, disrupt the balance of the image, and undermine the overall impact of the composition. Whether it’s a serene landscape, a bustling cityscape, or a candid portrait, a straight horizon is essential for conveying a sense of stability and harmony.

Beyond aesthetics, a straight horizon can also impact the narrative of the photograph. For example, a tilted horizon might inadvertently convey a sense of imbalance or unease, while a level horizon is more likely to evoke a feeling of calm and control. Controlling this basic aspect of composition lays the groundwork for creating compelling and visually engaging photographs.

Why Horizons Go Unnoticed

Despite the importance of straight horizons, many photographers often neglect this fundamental aspect of composition. Several factors contribute to this oversight:

1. Overemphasis on Subject

When photographers become engrossed in capturing the main subject of their photo, the horizon can become a secondary consideration. The excitement of the moment or the focus on a captivating subject may divert attention away from ensuring a level horizon.

2. Haste and Impatience

In fast-paced shooting scenarios or situations where quick reactions are required, the meticulous framing of the shot may take a back seat. Haste and impatience can lead to a disregard for ensuring that the horizon is straight.

3. Reliance on Post-Processing

The ease of digital post-processing tools has led some photographers to rely on software to correct crooked horizons after the fact. While this is a viable solution, it often results in a loss of image quality and can be time-consuming. If you didn’t have this tool, then you would be more considered in the field while shooting, and this is something I would recommend. Besides this, the likes of Lightroom or Photoshop don’t always get it right. 

4. Lack of Awareness

For some photographers, especially beginners, the awareness of the impact of a crooked horizon on the overall composition may be lacking. Developing an eye for level horizons is a skill that comes with practice and conscious effort. Plus, most cameras have a horizon setting built in, so turn it on while shooting.

Breaking the Habit: Practical Tips for Straightening Your Horizons

1. Use Your Camera’s Grid Lines

Many cameras have an option to display grid lines on the viewfinder or LCD screen. These lines serve as a visual guide to help you align the horizon. By making a habit of turning on the grid function, you can train your eye to compose shots with precision.

2. Take Your Time

Resist the urge to rush through your shots. Take a moment to assess the composition before pressing the shutter button. Pay attention to the horizon, and make necessary adjustments to ensure it is level.

3. Leveling Tools

Some advanced cameras come equipped with built-in leveling tools that provide real-time feedback on the camera’s orientation. If your camera has this feature, make use of it to achieve consistently straight horizons.

4. Invest in a Bubble Level

For photographers using tripods, a small bubble level that attaches to the camera’s hot shoe or the tripod itself can be a handy tool. This physical reference ensures that your camera is level before you start shooting. Lots of tripods have this, but it is still often ignored.

5. Practice Mindful Composition

Train yourself to be mindful of the entire frame, not just the main subject. Develop a habit of scanning the edges of your viewfinder for potential distractions or elements that might throw off the balance of the composition. If you don’t do this and have a horizon that’s not level, you run the risk of losing part of your image when you eventually straighten the shot in post.

6. Shoot in Raw

While shooting in raw format provides more flexibility in post-processing. It’s essential to remember that correcting a tilted horizon in post-production can have limitations. Strive to capture a level horizon in camera to maintain the highest image quality, as you will lose pixels when you have to crop the image to straighten that horizon.

7. Post-Processing as a Last Resort

While post-processing tools can correct crooked horizons, it’s best to view them as a backup rather than a primary solution. The goal should always be to capture a well-composed shot from the start, and if you follow the approach above, then you won’t be reliant on post-processing.

Laziness Versus Artistic Choice

It’s crucial to distinguish between instances where a tilted horizon is a result of laziness and situations where it serves as a deliberate artistic choice. Some photographers intentionally tilt the horizon to create a sense of dynamism or to convey a particular mood. While breaking compositional rules can be a valid artistic decision, it’s essential to understand the rules before consciously choosing to bend or break them. A large tilt known as a “Dutch Tilt” can work. However, a tilt that is just a few degrees is clearly a mistake, which shows in your image and can be easily avoided

Conclusion

In the pursuit of capturing compelling images, it’s easy to overlook the importance of seemingly minor details like straight horizons. However, it’s the attention to these details that sets great photographers apart from the rest. Mastering the basics, such as ensuring level horizons, not only enhances the visual appeal of your photographs but also demonstrates a commitment to craftsmanship and precision.

More and more often, I am seeing images being posted online in which I can immediately see that the horizon is off, and all it would have taken is a small bit of consideration when shooting or even when processing to fix the issue.

So, the next time you lift your camera to frame a shot, resist the temptation to be a lazy photographer. Take a moment to check your horizon, align it meticulously, and witness how this small but significant adjustment can elevate the overall quality of your images. Remember, the art of photography lies not just in capturing the moment, but in presenting it with a mindful and intentional eye.

Ceramicah Debuts the Minimal Tera Sconce

By in Design

Ceramicah Debuts the Minimal Tera Sconce

Ceramicah co-founders Micah Blyckert and Alexandra Cadiz are both former architects who have the know-how and style to translate their insight into minimally designed products. The duo behind the Los Angeles-based ceramics studio carefully considers every design element to make certain that what’s being created is greater than the sum of its parts. Their attention to detail and understanding of how things come together are special, unique qualities that come across in all of the studio’s pieces.

White Crackle Raku Photo: Lauren Moore

The new Tera Sconce, an extension of Ceramicah’s Tera Collection, complements the studio’s already popular Tera Lamp. Made using both wheel-thrown and slab construction, the sconce’s proportions have been designed to work well in any space. That includes commercial, as it’s UL-listed and ADA-compliant!

two white domed ceramic sconces hanging on either side of a doorway to a kitchen

Unglazed Stone Photo: Lauren Moore

Featuring a dimmable LED lightbulb and oil-rubbed bronze hardware, the Tera Sconce is made entirely of ceramic with a standard 4″ diameter backplate attached for easy installation. A variety of finishes are available to choose from: natural ceramic, matte glazes, hand-applied lime plaster, and crackled Raku.

black domed ceramic sconce hanging on an interior wall of a home

Glazed Toshiko Photo: Lauren Moore

brown domed ceramic sconce hanging on an interior wall of a home

Glazed Fossil Photo: Lauren Moore

beige domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

Lime Plaster Beige

white domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

Glazed Ivory

black domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

Glazed Toshiko

terracotta domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

Glazed Fossil

mustard domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

Lime Plaster Siena

dark green domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

Lime Plaster Deep Green

brown domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

Unglazed Sand

white domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

Unglazed Stone

marbled effect domed ceramic sconces hanging on a white wall

White Crackle Raku

The Tera Sconce is available exclusively on Ceramicah’s site and through Lawson-Fenning.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

Significant sculpture moves to Drysdale

By in Sculpture

Significant sculpture moves to Drysdale
DRYSDALE community members have welcomed the installation of a monument to celebrate people who have lived experience with a disability and to raise awareness of their experiences. The I AM sculpture, which is inspired by political and pop culture statements such as the 1968 Memphis black sanitation workers’ slogan “I am a man” and Helen […]Read More…
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