George Morrison (1919–2000) was one of the most significant yet often underrecognized figures in twentieth-century American art. A member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe), Morrison became known for his richly textured abstract paintings and later for his celebrated wood collages inspired by the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior. After studying at the Art Students League in New York, he became part of the city’s vibrant postwar art scene, exhibiting alongside many of the leading Abstract Expressionists. While his Indigenous heritage informed his deep appreciation for the natural world, Morrison resisted being defined solely as a Native American artist, preferring to be recognized first and foremost for the strength and originality of his modernist vision. Continue reading Modern Art Monday Presents: George Morrison, The Antagonist→
Tom Sachs’ Eight Foot My Way (2001) looks like a page torn from a sketchbook. Arranged in a grid of nine panels, the artwork functions as a step-by-step tutorial for drawing Hello Kitty, the beloved character created by Sanrio in 1974. Beginning with a simple red circle for her signature bow, Sachs methodically builds the character panel by panel, adding ‘wings,’ a head, whiskers, clothing, and other details until a likeness of the familiar feline mascot emerges.
Painted in Sedona, Arizona in 1947, Witnesses originates in a pivotal moment of Dorothy Tanning’s career, when she turned inward, translating the psychological imperatives of Surrealism into interior worlds shaped by ambiguity and concealment. The painting presents a crowded, deliberately compressed interior populated by uncanny, quasi-human figures whose anatomy resist stable definition.
Hobbies are a great way to unwind, learn something new, and break away from the usual daily routine. While classic pastimes certainly have their appeal, there’s also something exciting about exploring activities that feel a little more unexpected. From creative pursuits to hands-on experiences, these alternative hobbies can add variety, challenge, and fun to your free time. Continue reading 4 Interesting Alternative Hobbies Anyone Can Try→
There’s something quietly unsettling about Winter Twilight (1930) by Charles E. Burchfield — a winter scene that feels less like a peaceful evening and more like a moment suspended in uneasy silence. The painting depicts a snow-covered road at dusk, but instead of warmth or nostalgia, the scene leans into isolation and quiet tension. What strikes me immediately is how cinematic and moody it feels — almost like a haunted version of a Edward Hopper streetscape.
The street appears largely deserted, blanketed in mostly undisturbed snow. A storefront glows brightly, where two bundled pedestrians appear to be window shopping — one of the only signs of life in an otherwise still environment. Nearby, another lone figure stands facing the street, back turned to the pair, adding to the sense of emotional distance and disconnection. Continue reading Modern Art Monday Presents: Charles Burchfield, Winter Twilight→
