Tag Archives: museum of arts and design

Eye On Design: The Haas Brothers’ Small Sloan Sculptural Lamp

small sloan by haas brothers photo by gail worley
Photos By Gail

Leave it to the Haas Brothers to turn a lamp into a conversation piece, which is certainly the case with Small Sloan (2016), a striking work by the duo  currently on view in Uncanny Valley at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). Crafted from blown glass, aluminum tiles, and electrical lighting components, the piece blurs the line between functional lighting and contemporary sculpture.

At first glance, Small Sloan resembles a strange organism rising from the ocean floor. Its reflective aluminum body branches upward into graceful, elongated stems that support clusters of delicate blown-glass forms. When illuminated, the translucent glass catches and diffuses the light, casting shimmering reflections that ripple across the surrounding walls and giving the sculpture an almost otherworldly glow.
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Marvin Lipofsky’s 1/4 Pounder with Cheese Glass Burger Sculpture

1/4 pounder with cheese glass sculpture photo by gail worley
Photos By Gail

Marvin Lipofsky’s 1/4 Pounder with Cheese (1973) is a standout piece from his Great American Food series, and a fascinating example of Pop-inflected commentary within the American Studio Glass movement.

Created using blown glass with a metallic luster, the sculpture is shaped to loosely mimic the soft, rounded form of a hamburger patty on a bun — complete with the sensual, organic contours Lipofsky was known for.
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Farewell Sir Brian Clarke: Master of Light and Line

brian clarke assorted photos photo by gail worley
Brian Clarke in the ’80s, Lower Left (All Photos By Gail)

The art world mourns the loss of Sir Brian Clarke, the visionary British stained-glass artist and painter, who passed away from cancer on July 1, 2025 — just one day shy of his 72nd birthday. Born in Oldham, Lancashire, Clarke transformed stained glass from ecclesiastical embellishment into a breathtaking architectural medium.

Clarke’s artistic journey began as a scholarship student at age 13. Over the decades, he pioneered works that blurred art and space —from majestic church windows to public installations and freestanding glass screens.
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Pink Thing of The Day: Astronaut Barbie In Pink Metallic Spacesuit Circa 1985

african american astronaut barbie photo by gail worley
Photo By Gail

The Astronaut Barbie released by Mattel in 1985 was part of the brand’s long-running effort to inspire young girls to dream big. This particular doll was notable for her futuristic Pink Metallic Space Suit, complete with silver accents, a bubble-style helmet, and Pink Boots.
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Pink Thing of The Day: Dress Made From Pink Barbie Shoes

pink dress barbie shoes front view photo by gail worley
All Photos By Gail

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in midtown Manhattan is currently hosting Barbie: A Cultural Icon, an exhibit celebrating the 65-year legacy of Barbie. I’m in the process of distilling my recent visit to the exhibit into a broader post, but in the meantime let’s look at something which did not quite make it into the exhibit proper: this fashionable Cocktail Dress created entire of tiny Pink Barbie Shoes, which is displayed prominently in the window of the museum’s high-end gift shop. Talk about a show-stopper. Continue reading Pink Thing of The Day: Dress Made From Pink Barbie Shoes