Tag Archives: 1956

Modern Art Monday Presents: George Tooker, Government Bureau

George Tooker Government Bureau
Photo By Gail

While George Tooker’s paintings typically convey the artist’s passionate desire for social harmony and justice, Government Bureau (1956) represents a darker, more pessimistic dimension of his art.

The work takes the viewer inside a cold, starkly lit interior filled with anonymous bodies and cubicles. Eerily, the circular windows in the cubical walls reveal nothing but the tired, sad eyes of government employees staring blankly. The scene’s unsettling remoteness is accentuated by Tooker’s fine and detailed technique, rooted in the Italian Renaissance egg-tempera painting.

Photographed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

Marshmallow Sofa By George Nelson

Marshmallow Sofa
Photo By Gail

Designed George Nelson™ and Irving Harper in 1956, the playful Marshmallow Sofa is a landmark of Midcentury modern design that’s still turning heads and making people smile. The 18 round cushions can be all the same color or in multiple colors for the right look in a private office, lobby, lounge, living room or den.
Continue reading Marshmallow Sofa By George Nelson

Happy Birthday, Steve Harris of Iron Maiden!

Steve Harris of Iron Maiden
Image Source

Steve Harris, bassist and brain trust for Iron Maiden was born on this day, March 12th, in 1956. Happy Birthday, Steve, and Death to False Metal!

Happy Birthday, Paul Cook!

paul cook manraze autograph photo by gail worley
Manraze Promo Pic with Paul’s Signature

Former Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook was born on this day, July 20th, in 1956. Paul currently plays in the band Manraze with guitarist Phil Collen from Def Leppard and bassist Simon Laffy from Girl (Phil’s old glam band). Their new CD, punkfunkrootsrock will be released on August 2, 2011. Happy Birthday, Paul!

Read my Interview with Paul Cook at This Link!

Happy Birthday, John Lydon!

John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) singer for the Sex Pistols and Public Image was born on this day, January 31st, in 1956. My friend Rey once told me a story of how he, as a journalist, had attempted to conduct an interview with Lydon during the days of Public Image. It didn’t go so well. Each time Rey asked a question, rather than answer, Lydon would just repeat that question back to him in a mocking voice. Rey told me that he got up and left the room several times in an attempt to terminate the interview, but the publicist insisted he continue and promised that Lydon would behave from then on. Eventually he gave up and wrote the article about what an asshole John Lydon was. Because Rey is awesome. I love that story. Happy Birthday, John!