Richard Colman – new work, new website

Richard Colman’s new work is more complex than his previous efforts. These drawings and paintings are direct, in contrast to his earlier work where the narrative was more implied. His figures now live in a world of abstract elements, often sexually charged.

Colman has put up a new website with many works on line.

To visit Richard Colman’s new website, click here

Early 20th Kimonos – a textile in transition

In early 20th century, a new look appeared on a classic textile form throughout the cities of Japan. The kimono’s surface was transformed. New aggressive patterns appeared, like nothing ever seen before on this traditional garment. The designs were grounded in the historic, yet took on a totally new feel, as patterns changed in scale and colors became at times almost electric.

These bold works were developed for a newly industrialized society that was becoming wealthier and more urban. This fashion represented the exuberance and confidence of a Japan in transition, a country that was growing to see itself as a new world power.

This style of kimono was produced up until the late 1940s.


These examples are from The Kimono Gallery. Click here to visit the site and see more kimonos

Nahum B. Zenil – painting the personal, painting the political

Nahum B. Zenil paints his life, creating art both dream -like and wholly grounded in this world.

Recently his work was included in the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition, The Lens and the Mirror: Self–Portraits from the Collection, 1957 – 2007. The first image below is the cover of the catalog for this exhibition.



click on images for larger reproduction

For more information on Nahum B. Zenil, click here to read Edward J. Sullivan’s essay for the San Francisco Mexican Museum’s exhibition, Nahum B. Zenil – Witness to the Self

For more images, click here

The Nui Project - challenging assumptions

The members of the Nui Project are pushing the limits of fiber.

These artists draw on shirts using thread and create sculptures constructed of cloth. Vibrant and intuitive, this work
demonstrates the possibilities of fiber in an unprecedented manner.

What is distinct about art from the Nui Project is the artists’ direct and unencumbered response to this medium. There is a spontaneity seen in these works that is unique in contemporary fiber art. These pieces do not look labored, they seem as if they were created in an instant. Such energy is often lost in fiber works because of the time consuming nature of fabricating with threads and cloth.

The Nui Project began in 1992 as part of Kobo Shobu, a municipal facility for people with developmental disabilities. These pieces challenge us to consider many assumptions related to the notion of creativity and artistic intent.

There have been two books written about the endeavor. Printed and designed in Japan, these publications are well illustrated, presenting the range and vitality of the Nui Project artists.

shirt by Keisuke Takada
object by Ikuyo sakamoto

To see more Nui Project Artists, click here

To buy books on the Nui Project, click here

Sonabai - another way of seeing

Sonabai, another way of seeing – at the Mingei International Museum, Jul 26, 2009 - Sept 05, 2010

Once again, curator Dr. Stephen Huyler has created an impressive exhibition on Indian art and culture.

This time Dr Huyler documents the work of Sonabai Rajawar. Sonabai is known throughout India as an artist who has created a highly personal domestic world from the simplest of materials. In this show Huyler introduces this exceptional woman to the West in a rich and detailed presentation.

For more information on this exhibition, click here to see the Mingei website

For more information, click here

The Museum of Everything – a new venue in London

The Museum of Everything opened to the public on October 14, 2009.

This institution, the first of its kind in London, features works by self-taught artists.

Many masters of Outsider Art are included in the collection as well as self-taught artists who are not as well-known.

above work by Jesse Howard, from the collection

For more information on The Museum of Everything click here to visit their web site

Felipe Morales - two portraits

above- Juarez y Maragarita 80 x 60 cm



above- Pareja del Isthmus 43 x 57 cm

For more information on Felipe Morales, see other Morales posts on this blog.

Photos courtesy Arte del Pueblo

Arte del Pueblo’s web page

Glass Mosaic Murals – Luang Prabang, Laos

Several of the walls at Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang are embellished with glass mosaic murals. Little information is available to the general public on these works.

In addition to the mosaics at Wat Xieng Thong, a large group of mosaics made by the same artists cover the walls of the throne room at the Royal Palace.

Works here are from Wat Xieng Thong.

Cameras are not allowed in the Royal Palace, so the only way to see those murals is to visit Luang Prabang. The palace (which is now a museum) has not published any documentation on this work.

All of these mosaics were made about fifty-five years ago. Three artists are known to have been associated with the project - Tit Ton Dee, Mr. Ping and Ma Nee Vom. Of the three, only Ma Nee Vom is still alive.

click on pictures to enlarge

Through the Sketchbook – a website

Through the Sketchbook is a website designed to be a teaching aid. It is that, and much more.

This site presents sketchbooks, current and historic, by a wide range of artists. Some are well known - Leonardo Da Vinci and Alberto Giacometti – and others are more obscure - self-taught artists Kunizo Matsumoto and a man simply known as “Oscar”.

Though the Sketchbook is a venue to encounter a form of personal artistic investigation often overlooked.

click here to visit Through the Sketchbook

HAND/EYE - a new magazine

HAND/EYE is a new magazine focused on connecting cultures and inspiring action.

Their mission statement:

"HAND/EYE is an independent, international publication which explores the nexus between design and development, culture and commerce, art and craft, and environment and ethics. HAND/EYE’s goal is to engender intelligent debate among artisans, exporters, designers, artists, wholesalers and importers, retailers, and consumers so that all may make smart, ethical, and inspired decisions about their activities.

HAND/EYE articles will discuss design as a tool for development and income generation, as well as for environmental and social progress. The magazine will also discuss innovative and ethical retail practices as a force for more enlightened and informative consumerism, and will look at NGO programs addressing artisan income generation and community well being. We will showcase relevant new product for the consideration of retailers and consumers.

Through the work of accomplished photographers, we will also look at artisan life in a visual context. In interviews with inspiring creators and do-ers of all kinds, HAND/EYE will offer nourishing food for thought to all readers.

Proceeds from sales of HAND/EYE will be divided among several non-profit agencies working to address artisan issues."

click here to visit the HAND/EYE web page