Apparently, Andy found it interesting that the only images he saw coming out of China were those of Mao. With this, he decided to add his flair to popular image. Similarly to his Campbell’s Soup Can images, Andy meant to comment on mass production and consumerism. From an American lens, I can see how interesting it is to think that capitalism might not be a preferred way of life in other countries, but marketing is marketing. These images of Mao are what the people were being fed. Was is because they believed in Mao? Or because it seemed to be their online option, with his photo plastered everywhere they turned?
Tag Archives: artist
“Defacement” by Jean Michel Basquiat
We’ve lost so many lives to police brutality in the time since Basquiat graced the earth, yet he painted the feeling clearly. As a woman of color, I deal with my fair share of ugly stereotypes and (envy disguised as) hatred but I cannot compare my experience to that of a man of color. I’ve tried to read the invisible man and what strike me is that this painting is the exact opposite. On one hand, the person of color can feel like they are not considered worthy or part of society… on the other hand, a person or color can feel like a refugee.
Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962) – #AndyWarhol
Pop art can be a bit off-putting due to it’s focus on minor object or bright colors. Warhol’s 32 silk screen prints of Campbell’s Soup Cans can seem like a complete waste of time, until you take a bit of time to investigate his purpose and process.
Andy Warhol’s Rorschach (1984)
Andy Warhol’s 1984 series of Rorschach paintings are the result of a misunderstanding. Warhol thought that patients created rorschach tests for doctors to decipher, so he decided to create his own. The canvases themselves are so much more grandiose than one might imagine. Standing 13ft high, the paintings illicit an immediate sense of respect as you become enveloped in trying to figure out what it all means.
Sunflowers by Vincent van Gough (1889)
There were only 2 Vincent Van Gough paintings at the Philadelphia Museum, but I’m proud to have seen one of the Sunflowers. Painted in the end of the 1880’s this image was meant to be part of a 12 piece series to decorate an artists’ loft.
Soul-Pop Duo (In)Body
Another spotlight, and more on the way! Today, we have soul-pop duo (In)Body, a collaboration between singer/songwriter Ryan Amador and producer/multi-instrumentalist Daniel Weidlein! Coming together as a group, Ryan and Daniel came up with the name (In) Body, which is a mantra for them.
Artist Creates Interactive Phone Booths In NYC To Share Stories of Immigrants
Written by Brittany Shawnté
An artist has created a cool, interactive way to share the stories of immigrants with New Yorkers and tourists alike!
Alternative Artist: @GraphGonzales
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Krista Gonzales, known professionally as Graph Gonzales, became interested in music as a teenager, listening to hip hop and eventually recorded herself for fun. “It was probably what I spent most of my time doing as an individual, writing verses and recording them,” Graph said. “It was kind of a natural thing that happened.” The city of Toronto, Graph noted, has a very eclectic sound that she’s really inspired by, including great alternative and avant-garde rock music that influenced her sound a bit.
Singer: @JustMontrey
Written by Brittany Shawnté
I have a great spotlight (and a lot more on the way, slowly but surely!). As always, if you are or know of an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc, please email me at brittanyshawnte@gmail.com.
Today on The Spotlight, we have upcoming singer Montrey Slayton! Born in Springfield, IL and moving to Marianna, Arkansas for most of his childhood. Montrey grew up in a musical family, so his singing talent was always evident. “We didn’t have a lot growing up but we ALWAYS had music. If our lights was out, we put batteries in the boom box and it’s like all of our problems faded away,” he said. He and his family eventually moved to Milwaukee, WI, in 2004, which Montrey calls a “gem” in terms of music. “We try to be different than other cities like Atlanta or Houston. You could hear in certain people music where they from. But it’s such a mix of originality in Milwaukee that you would always hear something new and unheard of,” the singer said of the city. Once he graduated from high school, Montrey recognized that he had a gift of writing music. That’s when he decided to record his first demo and take his music seriously.
Hip Hop Artist: @PurdiBoiJaybird
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Another spotlight for you all today! As always if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in a feature on the blog, please email me with a request!
Today on The Spotlight, we have hip hop artist Jaybird! Hailing from San Diego, CA, Jaybird got his start in music very early. Growing up in a musical family and influenced by his own father’s R&B group, “The Isles,” the rapper started singing at the age of five. However, all wasn’t easy for him. “My parents were divorced, though both stayed in my life,” he said. “My mom always kept me and my big brother in nice neighborhoods, but because of that, money was tight.” Holding on to faith and family, Jaybird acknowledges his upbringing is what made him a stronger artist.
EllaThought 