The 80’s were a time of bold hair and even bolder design. The vibrantly colored retro aesthetic was the vision of a group of international designers and creatives known as Memphis. Although the group was lead by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass, their visionary work reminds all designers of the impending velocity with which collaboration prevails.
Sofia Coppola’s work has a remarkable aesthetic quality that is reflected in a myriad of details in her films. With a keen eye translating her characters’ emotions through astute art direction, the recently named best director of Cannes is a design inspiration.
Logo design is a stimulating process that starts with hand drawings and ends in a distinct brand element used in all your materials. Combining art, graphic design, typography and marketing smarts, logo creation often starts with a scribble. Here is how my own “mark” came to be.
During a recent 36 hours in NYC, I devoted 4 of them to the Whitney Biennial. I was not disappointed – a gorgeous array of art gave me lots to contemplate. With a mix of every design possible, some artists stood out more than others. Here are the ones that spoke to me.
The word selfie might make you think of the faces of millennials filling up Instagram feeds, but the exhibition “From Selfie to Self Expression” at the Saatchi gallery in London takes a look at the history of the self portrait and its latest incarnation via smartphones. From immersive digital exhibits to the art historical portraits newly contextualized, this cleverly curated show asserts that the selfie has arrived as an art form.
Sixteen works from my Iconics series are being exhibited at the Union League Gallery, NYC, May 1 – 31, 2017. Quoted about the show: “Claudia Palmira’s work looks back at cultural icons and forward to the representations and juxtopositions available through new technologies.”
The urban landscape provides an expansive palette of visual inspiration. In the décollage works of Mimmo Rotella, idealization is reconstructed through chaos and corrosion. I share in his vision of found beauty and the accidental gorgeousness of street graphic decoupage.
I’m not the first to love the polished, smooth look of the velvet jacket. Turns out, this chic item has an enchanting history. My adoration for this inter-seasonal wardrobe staple led me poking around in fashion history…and proposing its graphic design equivalent.
Italy is home to some of the most phenomenal works of art seen throughout time and the world. The Uffizi gallery in Florence provides a home to the numerous works of one of my favorite artists: Botticelli. As the Spring begins – or enters, as in his Renaissance masterpiece, his exquisite delicate details inspire and captivate.
For over 40 years Letizia Battaglia has captured stunning visuals that represent the historical context of Italian culture. Deemed the “photographer of the mafia”, Battaglia has an uncanny ability to express the great contrasts and dualities of the world in her photographs. Her latest show at the MAXXI museum helps to bring the public a look at life through her lens.
A transitional moment of the year marked with feathers, jewels and ornate masks could only originate in Italy. Every year I look upon the highly detailed masks that fill the streets as carnevale begins. Even in their anonymity these masterpiece accessories offer a beautiful look into authenticity.
Everyone can become an expert in any trade at the touch of a keyboard these days. The power of “do by me” aka DIY has been a powerful tool amongst those seeking to expand their vision. But at what point does DIY interfere with your business and become a hindrance rather than a solution?
My Artistic Gift to You
Receive the newest ICONIC artwork and the latest ideas in my Compendium, each month – as my artistic gift to you
