Art + Inspiration
Lots of swell stuff to share with you today, including a fashion show, the story of an ancient library and an old-school r and b jam...
Good morning, and welcome to your weekend. How’s everyone doin’ out there? It’s a rough and violent world, and right now seems particularly so. Think of this newsletter as a reprieve, an invitation to recall some of the things that please and excite you about being alive. Enjoy!
We’re gonna kick things off with an old school jam by the ‘Velvet Voice’ himself, the great Luther Vandross—Never Too Much.
It seems that in 2003, an ancient library was found behind a wall in the Sakya monastery in Tibet. It contains 84,000 volumes, bound in iron. The monks are busy digitizing it.
Ron’s Place is a piece of outsider art, recently designated a significant cultural sight by England’s Department of History.
John Galliano’s recent show for Maison Margiela was exquisite, daring, moving, inspiring—all the things great art can be. In fashion. (Note: if you watch the video of the show, know that it begins with a musical act, then some artful character imagery, then the fashion show begins. Fast forward if you like.)
This NY Times feature on Shelley Duvall struck me as really touching. And a great capture of a singular talent.
I love watching this guy’s portraits come to life.
Anyone else a sucker for a sculpture park? Well, imagine my delight at stumbling across the Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park in New Zealand. Did someone say, “field trip?”
I’ve always been fascinated by the elephant masks of the Bamileke people, but never knew much about them. Until now.
Brazilian pianist Maria Joao Pires will make you hear Debussy like never before. Truly transporting.
Have you seen the most recent Roman frescoes they’ve uncovered in Pompei? Gorgeous.
This guy’s moves are somehow like no other moves I’ve ever seen before. And, there’s a whole lot of clips on his IG page. The music he picks is also poppin’.
Last week, I shared the New York Times feature about Jeffrey Gibson, the artist representing the US at the Venice Biennale, and here’s a look at the fantastic pavilion he created.
There you have it, friends and neighbors. I’ll see you back here next week. — Chris