Maggie's World of Arts: art

Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

Sunday, 1 April 2012

In Conversation with Manolo

It was a lovely and pleasant day for an interview with an amazing and talented artist Manolo (Manolo's real name is Marta Chojnacka). We met at the Tate Modern Art Gallery and decided to chill out on a balcony with a stunning view over the Thames River. It's always been my pleasure to interview artists. I find them extremely fascinating and interesting. Their way of thinking seems to be coming from a place that is unknown to us.

I've first met Manolo at the Women of the World Festival at the Southbank Centre. I was blown away by her creativity and talent.After the festival I was keen on talking to Manolo again and asking her few questions regarding her art work. Marta received MA in Painting and Drawing from University of Warmia and Mazury in Poland. She currently lives in London where she works and creates her amazing jewellery.

Maggie: Marta tell me all about your art work,when did you start and what was behind your inspiration?

Manolo: I've started few years ago after discovering a very interesting method called laser cut.I've been making jewellery using my own drawings as a template for the laser cut.I was always fascinated and inspired by Pedro Almodovar's ( Spanish film director) female characters. In my view his women represent a complete picture of the female; a woman full of drama,gossiping and drinking red wine.They are real and truthful to what and who they are.I'm also inspired by a French painter and illustrator Henrie de Taulouse-Lontrec.He was masterly at capturing crowd scene in which the figures,especially females,were highly individualized.

Maggie: Why did you choose the name Manolo?

Manolo: It's simple name,I wanted a memorable one.The name that would stay in people's mind for awhile.

Maggie: What is so special about your little creations?

Manolo: I love making females and males characters.Each and every piece has its own story to tell,for example: Francesca -gold and walnut brooch;her father was a diamond and gold mining entrepreneur.She likes luxury,truffles and champagne.My customers like to identify themselves with jewellery they are interested in purchasing.As far as I'm concerned they are satisfied with brooches they have bought.

Francesca

Maggie: Apart from making brooches you have been keen on creating earring and necklaces.

Manolo: Yes,I have got customers who are not only interested in buying brooches but also in having different type of jewellery such as earrings or necklaces.Ladies seem to like it.I am really grateful for their positive feedback and encouragement.

Maggie: You are a professional painter,have you ever considered a career as the painter?

Manolo: Yes,one day for sure.It's my passion so it will never go away.I am very much into making my jewellery at the moment.

Maggie: I wish you all the best and looking forward to your new collection.

Manolo: Thank you very much it should be out soon.

If you wanted to see the entire Manolo's collection go to :

http://www.don-manolo.com/

Her products are available here:

http://www.etsy.com/people/MANOLOjewellery?ref=pr_profile

http://atworkgallery.co.uk/products.asp?man=53

http://www.urbandesigns.es/manolo-en.html

http://www.vanillainkstudios.co.uk/

Saturday, 17 March 2012

Marilyn Monroe Exhibition at the Getty Images Gallery in London

Marilyn Monroe Exhibition 9th March - 18th May 2012 at Getty Images Gallery in London

( Arriving at the premiere of There's No Business Like Show Business, 1954)

The Getty Images Gallery has organized an amazing exhibition. A collection of imagery and memorabilia to commemorate 50 years since the untimely death of Marilyn Monroe.With an instantly recognisable image and style to boot, Ms Monroe still stands as one of the most influential actresses and fashion icons of her day.

With photos from the beginning of her career, following her rise to international fame, the exhibition also features original tapes of the actress so you can see behind the scenes of one of the most famous stars of the 20th century.You can also see and admire her 12 glamorous gowns that she used while filming various movies.There was one particular dress that caught my eye : it was a black dress with a red rose(1952) the dress was worn by Marilyn in the role of Rose Loomis in Niagara,in this film Marilyn plays the role of famme fatale, a wife that conspires with her lover to murder her husband . I know terrifying story,however,she looked stunning in that black creation!

I should also mention that the exhibition wouldn't have taken place if it wasn't for Mr David Gainsborough Roberts.He loaned original dresses and costumes from his personal collection.He also supported and assisted with Marilyn exhibition.

Written by Maggie Gogler

Picasso and Modern British Art Exhibition

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) definitely changed the face of twentieth century art. He was just 14 years old when he enrolled the Academy of Fine Arts in Barcelona and later he studied in Madrid. He eventually moved to France where he worked and died in 1973.

His early work, 1900-1904, was strongly influenced by Van Gogh and Lautreca, most of his paintings were maintained in the tone of blue, this period was called CYAN. Themes of blue focused on performances of straight people; often his characters were associated with the world of the circus. This is the time when Picasso painted ‘Life’ (1903) and ‘The Old Guitarist’ (1903).

In 1904-1905 there was a change in Picasso’s paintings, rose colours started to dominate in his work. This period was called ROSE PERIOD, the style was more subtle and delicate. Picasso was also fascinated by African culture; he was impressed by exotics of the Western art which also had an influence on his work. Some elements of this fascination were revealed in ‘Lady of Avignon’ (1907), unfortunately the painting isn't on display at Tate Modern,it's in New York at the Museum of Modern Art.

From 1907 to 1917 Picasso introduced us to cubism. A precursor to the cubism was the portrait of Gertrude Stein. In 1926 he returned to the surrealist movement, painting from this period were fulfilled with movement, dynamism, pictures were deformed and surprising. You can see it in ‘Dance’ (1915) and ‘The Weeping Woman’ (1928) which can be seen at Tate Britain.

One of his most famous works is the image of ‘Guernica’ (1937), it was created in response to the bombing of Guernica, Basque Country, by Germans and Italian warplanes at the behest of the Spanish Nationalist forces,26 April 1937,during the Spanish Civil War. This impressive painting is also a part of the exhibition. Picasso also designed theatrical costumes and created books illustrations.

Picasso and Modern British Art Exhibition runs from Feb-15 July 2012 at Tate Britain. Apart from Picasso’s artwork, you will have a chance to see stunning work of seven leading British artist; Duncan Grant, Wyndham Lewis, Ben Nicolson, Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, Graham Sutherland and David Hockney.