For #WorldDugongDay:
Alick Tipoti (Torres Strait: Badhu Island, Kala Lagaw Ya, b.1975)
Kisay Dhangal, 2016
Sculpture, bronze with mother-of-pearl inlay
194 × 202 × 102 cm, 280 kg
Australian National Maritime Museum 00054952
"Inscribed with traditional motifs and pearl shell, Kisay Dhangal reflects the life cycle and feeding patterns of the dhangal (dugong) in the Torres Strait Islands. The dhangal is captured in the position known as San Tidayk, in Kala Lagaw Ya language which marks the moment the mammal flips its tail to dive down and graze on the sea grass beds. A marine dust trail between the tail and figure of the moon emphasize how lunar cycles determine dugong feeding and mating habits."
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Marietta, GA - A Historic Haven with Modern Charms and Vacation Rentals Homes
Nestled just 20 miles northwest of bustling Atlanta, Marietta, GA, is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends rich history with modern vibrancy. This Atlanta suburb is not just a destination; it's a haven for historians, art enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Marietta's charm lies in its five National Register Historic Districts, a historic town square, and a plethora of attractions that make it an ideal retreat. Let's delve into the historical tapestry and contemporary delights of Marietta, all while considering the convenience of vacation rental homes for an immersive experience.
Historical Marvels: A Walk Through Time
Marietta stands as a testament to Georgia's history, boasting five National Register Historic Districts that invite visitors on a captivating journey through time. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved homes, each narrating a story of the past. A must-see is the William Root House, an architectural gem that offers a glimpse into antebellum life.
Brumby Hall, home to the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to Marietta's historical allure. Explore the exhibits dedicated to the iconic novel and film, immersing yourself in the world of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler.
For nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park provides a unique experience. Hike the trails that once witnessed significant Civil War battles, offering panoramic views and a connection to the past.
And no visit to Marietta would be complete without experiencing the cultural heartbeat of the town at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre. This beautifully restored venue hosts a variety of performances, from plays to concerts, providing entertainment that resonates with the town's rich history.
Artistic Vibes: Galleries, Art Walks, and More
Beyond its historical significance, Marietta embraces its artistic side with sleek galleries and a monthly art walk. The Marietta Art in the Park festival, held annually, showcases the works of local and regional artists, turning the town into an open-air gallery. The vibrant colors and creative expressions add a modern flair to Marietta's cultural landscape.
Foodie's Paradise: Culinary Delights and Marietta Square Market
Marietta's burgeoning food scene is a delightful surprise for culinary enthusiasts. The town is home to a host of buzzworthy restaurants, each offering a unique gastronomic experience. From fine dining establishments to cozy cafes, Marietta caters to diverse palates.
A highlight of Marietta's culinary landscape is the Marietta Square Market Food Hall, a bustling hub of flavors. Here, you can explore a variety of culinary offerings, from artisanal pizzas to international cuisines, all within a vibrant communal setting. It's a foodie's paradise where the local community and visitors come together to savor diverse culinary delights.
Vacation Rentals Homes: The Gateway to Immersive Experiences
As you embark on your Marietta adventure, consider the convenience and comfort offered by vacation rental homes. These homes provide a home-away-from-home experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local community. Whether you prefer a historic cottage or a modern apartment, vacation rentals in Marietta offer a personalized and authentic stay.
Imagine waking up in a charming Marietta home, steps away from the historic town square. You have the flexibility to explore at your own pace, cook local ingredients in a fully-equipped kitchen, and unwind in a cozy living space that reflects the town's warm hospitality. Vacation rental homes not only provide comfort but also enhance your connection to Marietta's unique character.
Planning Your Marietta Getaway
For those eager to explore Marietta, planning your getaway is key. Research vacation rental options that align with your preferences, whether it's a historic home or a contemporary apartment. Explore the town's events calendar to coincide your visit with the monthly art walk or a special performance at the Strand Theatre. Consider indulging in Marietta's culinary scene, savoring dishes that highlight the town's diverse flavors.
Marietta, GA, offers a harmonious blend of history and modernity, making it a captivating destination for every traveler. Whether you're strolling through historic districts, immersing yourself in artistic expressions, savoring culinary delights, or opting for the comfort of vacation rental homes, Marietta invites you to experience its charm in every aspect. Pack your bags, plan your stay, and embark on a journey to Marietta – where the past meets the present in perfect harmony.
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Charles Ethan Porter (1847-1923)
"Untitled (Cracked Watermelon)" (c. 1890)
Oil on canvas
Located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York, United States
Porter was among the first African American artists to exhibit his work nationally and the only one to specialize in still lifes. The painting's subject—originally an African gourd brought to the New World by seventeenth-century Spaniards and cultivated by colonists—is significant. Porter chose to paint a watermelon, an earlier symbol of American abundance—and during the Civil War period one particularly associated with free Blacks—when it was increasingly defined by virulent stereotyping. By reclaiming the subject in artistic terms, Porter challenged a contemporary racist trope.
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One of the artists commissioned to create a new work for the 1939-40 World's Fair was the sculptor Augusta Savage. A leading member of the Harlem Renaissance, she was the only black woman to be so honored.
Her piece, intended to celebrate African-Americans’ contributions to music, showed a kneeling black man holding a bar of music and 12 black chorus singers representing strings on a harp, the sounding board of which was no less than the hand of God. She called it Lift Every Voice and Sing, a nod to a poem by her friend James Weldon Johnson that was later set to music and adopted as the black "national anthem" by the NAACP.
The work stood 16 feet tall and was made of plaster that had been lacquered to look like black basalt. She was paid $360 for it (around $8,000 in today's dollars) and it was placed in the courtyard of the Contemporary Arts Building, near one of the Fair’s gates. Fair officials renamed it The Harp, which Savage reportedly hated. Small metal replicas were sold as souvenirs, and images of it were reproduced on postcards.
When the Fair ended, Savage had no money to remove and store her sculpture, or to cast the large piece in bronze, as she had with other, smaller works. So, like all the other "temporary" artwork created for the Fair, it was destroyed by a bulldozer.
In 2017, a NY Times op-ed piece by the filmmaker Aviva Kempner proposed that a full-size replica of the sculpture be created and placed in front of the National Museum of African-American History & Culture in Washington. So far, there has been no movement towards carrying that idea out.
Photos: top and center, NYPL. Bottom, illustration from the book Harlem: Negro Metropolis (E.P. Dutton 1940) via The Wolfsonian–FIU.
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Woven Histories
Textiles and Modern Abstraction
Production by Brad Ireland and Christina Wiginton, Editing by Magda Nakassis,
National Gallery of Art, Washington copublished by The University of Chicago Press, 2023, 284 pages, ISBN 978-0-226-82729-2
euro 65,00
Exhibition dates : Los Angeles County Museum Art 2023, Washington Nat.Gall.Art 2024, Ottawa Nat.Gall.Canada 2024,New York MoMA 2025
Richly illustrated volume exploring the inseparable histories of modernist abstraction and twentieth-century textiles.
Published on the occasion of an exhibition curated by Lynne Cooke, Woven Histories offers a fresh and authoritative look at textiles—particularly weaving—as a major force in the evolution of abstraction. This richly illustrated volume features more than fifty creators whose work crosses divisions and hierarchies formerly segregating the fine arts from the applied arts and handicrafts.
Woven Histories begins in the early twentieth century, rooting the abstract art of Sophie Taeuber-Arp in the applied arts and handicrafts, then features the interdisciplinary practices of Anni Albers, Sonia Delaunay, Liubov Popova, Varvara Stepanova, and others who sought to effect social change through fabrics for furnishings and apparel. Over the century, the intersection of textiles and abstraction engaged artists from Ed Rossbach, Kay Sekimachi, Ruth Asawa, Lenore Tawney, and Sheila Hicks to Rosemarie Trockel, Ellen Lesperance, Jeffrey Gibson, Igshaan Adams, and Liz Collins, whose textile-based works continue to shape this discourse. Including essays by distinguished art historians as well as reflections from contemporary artists, this ambitious project traces the intertwined histories of textiles and abstraction as vehicles through which artists probe urgent issues of our time.
24/12/23
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