Category Archives: Arts and Culture

Modern Art Monday Presents: Mickalene Thomas, Portrait of Qusuquzah #6

portrait of qusuquzah #6 photo by gail worley
Photo By Gail

Mickalene Thomas‘s glittering, maximalist paintings of Black women, such as this work from 2012, investigate how Black femininity, sexuality, and empowerment are represented in visual culture. She draws inspiration from popular culture, music, and Western art history, while embodying the aesthetic of the 1970s with embroidered rhinestones and bold patterns.

Portrait of Qusuquzah #6 depicts one of the artist’s frequent models embodying the glamour of Black women in the 1940s. The subject assumes a central, dynamic position, commanding undivided attention.

Photographed in The Brooklyn Museum as Part of the 2024 Exhibit Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys

Celebrating International Women’s Day!

enjoy the moment by stickermaul photo by gail worley
All Art By Stickermaul, All Photos By Gail

Today the world marks International Women’s Day, a moment to recognize the creativity, resilience, and influence of women everywhere. It also feels like the perfect opportunity to highlight the work of Stickemaul, one of the artists whose pieces I regularly encounter during my semi-weekly walks through NYC’s Street Art Mecca, Freeman Alley.
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Pink Thing of The Day: Face Jug By Therman Statom

pink face jug 1 photo by gail worley
Photos By Gail

This pink glass Face Jug (2025) by renowned glass artist Therman Statom is one of a set of six created with a rounded body,  a sculpted face, full lips, strong  brows, large eyes, and the thoughtful expression. The vessels are inspired by eighteenth-century face jugs created by the descendants of West Africans in South Carolina. Originally made using clay, face jugs were a way for enslaved peoples to preserve their African culture of beliefs, including honoring one’s ancestors.
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Jeff Koons’ Porcelain Series at Gagosian Gallery

aphrodite by jeff koons detail photo by gail worley
Aphrodite Sculpture Detail (Photo By Gail)

In the two decades I’ve been writing this website, Jeff Koons is probably the living artist I’ve covered the most — and that’s because I genuinely love his work. I know he gets a lot of criticism, and not all of it is undeserved, but even when I have my own reservations, I still give him a pass. His work is unique, beautiful, monumental, and often very funny. I’m not about to apologize for the fact that he’s one of my two favorite living artists. So when he has a show in New York, I’m there — every time — ready to experience that particular spark of genius he brings.

aphrodite by jeff koons front photo by gail worley

Braving some truly unfriendly winter weather, I recently made my way to Gagosian Gallery to see The Porcelain Series, Koons’ latest exhibition. Any time I’m in the presence of his mirror-finished sculptures, I swoon a little, so this was not something I was going to miss. The show brings together new and recent sculptures alongside a selection of abstract paintings, all centered around his ongoing Porcelain Series.
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Paul and Linda McCartney Meet Magneto By Jack Kirby

paul and linda mccarthy with magneto photo by gail worley
All Photos By Gail

In 1976, comic book artist Jack Kirby and his wife Roz presented Paul and Linda McCartney with a gift of this original drawing while  backstage at the Los Angeles Forum, when the couple were touring with their band Wings. The pencil drawing is inscribed:

To Paul & Linda

Best Wishes

Jack Kirby

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