A representative figure associated with Lyrical Abstraction in Paris, Georges Mathieu (1921 – 2012) adopted a gestural abstract style distinguished by his predominant use of calligraphic signs and unusually rapid mode of painting. In Black and White Abstract (La mort de la Reine Edith) (1957) the entangled swirling lines were applied directly onto the surface of the canvas from a paint tube. The artist’s sprouting, rhythmic, scribble-like marks sometimes interlace with larger brush strokes. From the early 1950s, Mathieu began to make art before large public audiences, documenting his performative actions through photography and film.
Josef Albers’ Homage to the Square (1957) is a series study of the illusionistic effects of color. Starting with the rigorous geometry of nested squares, Albers created these works by applying paint directly from the tube and spreading it onto the Masonite board with a palette knife. Continue reading Modern Art Monday Presents: Josef Albers, Homage to the Square→
Julian Cope, Musician, author, musicologist and recognized authority on Neolithic culture was born on this day, October 21st, in 1957. I first became a huge fan of Julian as the lead vocalist for Liverpool-based post-punk band, The Teardrop Explodes and had the opportunity to see him perform as a solo artist many times back in the ’80s. His first autobiography — because there are a couple — Head On is also one of the most amazing rock biographies I’ve ever read. Learn more about what Julian is up to these days at This Link! Happy Birthday, Julian!
Bauhaus Bassist David J (Born David John Haskins) was born on this date, April 24th, in 1957. Haskins (who is the older brother of Kevin Haskins, the group’s drummer) wrote the lyrics to “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” Bauhaus’s first single, most famous, and most-licensed song. “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” is over nine minutes long and was recorded “live in the studio” in a single take. Happy Birthday, David!
