I loveeeed June. Is that obvious? To celebrate the end of the best month of the year, let’s talk about some of the best designs from the last month. From painted portraits to American fashion, these June favorites brightened my days.
Caroline Zilinsky’s portraits
Caroline Zilinsky, the Australian artist who thrust into the public eye with her controversial portrait of Jacob Elordi, is much more than just a maker of viral sensations. While "A Lucid Heart – The Golden Age of Jacob Elordi" drew divided reactions for its abstract take on the Euphoria star, it served as my gateway into Zilinsky's captivating and thought-provoking artistic world.
Zilinsky at work, painting Jacob Elordi’s portrait via Instagram
Zilinsky's true passion lies in her exploration of the complexities of human nature. Her paintings, spanning decades, are not mere depictions; they are commentaries. She isn't afraid to delve into the uncomfortable – the "grotesque, absurd, and tragic" aspects of our existence. Through her slightly bizarre renditions, she challenges viewers to confront these uncomfortable truths, often layering them with political undertones.
The Matriarch, 2021
Looking beyond the Elordi portrait, one can expect to find figures and scenes from popular culture twisted and reinterpreted to expose deeper societal issues. This juxtaposition of the familiar and the unsettling is a hallmark of Zilinsky's style. She forces us to see the world through a different lens, prompting critical reflection on ourselves and the world around us.
High on Supply, 2023
So, while the Elordi portrait may have been our introduction, Caroline Zilinsky's artistic journey is a much deeper excavation. Dive into her work, and prepare to be challenged, surprised, and perhaps even a little unsettled. But ultimately, you'll encounter an artist with a powerful voice and a distinct vision for exploring the complexities of human existence.
Sweet Hat Co.
Sweet Hat Co. isn't your average apparel company. Sure, they make undeniably comfy sweatshirts and hats, but their true mission is to spread a message: "LIFE IS SWEET, ENJOY IT!" They do this in a way that's both heartwarming and refreshingly unique. Forget the typical young models; Sweet Hat Co. flips the script by featuring stylish seniors rocking their apparel.
This creative direction is pure genius. It taps into nostalgia for simpler times, reminding us of the wisdom and joy that comes with age. Seeing these spunky seniors sporting Sweet Hat Co.'s gear isn't just about the clothes; it's a celebration of life's journey and a reminder to embrace every sweet moment, no matter your age.
Isabella Quintanilla’s Intimate Realism
Isabel Quintanilla, a Spanish artist known for her intimate realism, found beauty and emotion in the most ordinary objects. Unlike her realist peers who favored grand landscapes, Quintanilla focused on the domestic sphere, painting everyday items like nail polish, loose notebook papers, and houseplants. These unassuming objects, though some painted over fifty years ago, still resonate with viewers today due to their universality. ‘Bathroom’ below, could literally be a glimpse into my shared medicine cabinet in my 2024 West Village apartment.
Bathroom, 1968
Quintanilla didn't just paint objects; she captured the essence of life lived within them. The artist's focus on the domestic extends to the spaces she depicts. While her paintings of courtyards and rooms are always empty, they are filled with clues about the lives lived there. Crumpled linens suggest the presence of a roommate, while a desk lamp left on might belong to her or her husband’s work into the evening. These details create a sense of lived-in intimacy, inviting viewers to imagine the lives unfolding within these ordinary spaces.
Telephone, 1996
Despite initial resistance from the art world, which favored grander themes, Quintanilla remained steadfast in her focus on the small and seemingly inconsequential. This dedication to her artistic vision is reflected in the recently opened exhibition at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, the first dedicated to a female Spanish artist at the museum. The exhibition brings together unseen works from Germany, showcasing the breadth and depth of Quintanilla's artistic exploration of the everyday.
Window with Rain, 1970
Despite initial lack of recognition for her focus on the mundane, Quintanilla remained true to her vision. Curator Leticia de Cos Martín explains that Quintanilla painted objects that evoked emotions, things she connected with because they were part of her daily life. This unwavering dedication to the small and personal is what makes her work so powerful and enduring.
@__dreamspaces
Forget the staged perfection of home decor accounts. "@__dreamspaces" offers a more captivating glimpse into the world of design. This curated Instagram feed transcends the typical, showcasing a breathtaking array of architecturally significant homes, movie sets, art installations, and even public spaces.
The target audience here is clear: design enthusiasts with a discerning eye, and really anyone with a love for behind-the-scenes peeks at iconic pop culture settings. Aspiring architects, interior design aficionados, and anyone who harbors a secret love affair with aesthetics will find themselves enthralled. The account doesn't limit itself to the domestic sphere. Breathtaking movie sets and thought-provoking exhibitions push the boundaries of what constitutes a "dream space," offering a wider lens on the power of design.
The true brilliance lies in the curation. By incorporating a diverse range of spaces, "@__dreamspaces" ensures the content stays fresh and caters to a spectrum of design preferences. Each post is a visual feast, meticulously chosen to inspire and ignite the imagination. One can almost hear the stories behind these spaces – the meticulous planning of an architect, the whimsical vision of a filmmaker, the artistic expression on display.
Take, for example, the inclusion of imagery from the 1971 production design of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The film's sets, with their whimsical candy landscapes, edible rivers, and rooms that defy gravity, blur the line between reality and imagination, perfectly embodying the essence of a "dream space."
Endless inspiration here!
Ralph Lauren’s 2024 Team USA Olympic uniforms
Ralph Lauren's reign as designer for Team USA's Olympic ceremony uniforms continues in 2024, this time with a collection inspired by the host city, Paris. Let's delve into the design choices and analyze their effectiveness as the iconic brand begins its ninth consecutive year as the official outfitter of Team USA.
The signature red, white, and blue palette remains, but with a twist. The opening ceremony uniform features a preppy navy blazer with red and white piping, a nod to traditional American style. However, the addition of jeans injects a dose of extreme casualness, aiming to bridge the gap between American sportswear and European flair. I know what you’re thinking… jeans… to the Olympics opening ceremony?? Can’t get any more American than that, I guess.
The closing ceremony outfit includes a motorcycle jacket with logo patch embroidery… and it doesn’t not look like Ricky Bobby’s outfit in Talladega Nights. The white on white might be cool enough to pull through, especially if accompanied by all of our future gold medals.
Images from Ralph Lauren
The uniforms have been praised in some circles for their fresh take on Americana, successfully incorporating Parisian influences. However, some critics are not as kind saying, Team USA will look like “a sea of this country’s finest athletes, dressed like they have private school at 3 p.m. but are subbing in for Springsteen at 9.” And they’re not wrong.
Overall, Ralph Lauren's classic Americana walks a fine line between tradition and innovation. The Parisian twist adds intrigue, while the use of sustainable materials showcases a commitment to the environment. Whether these uniforms become iconic will depend on how well they resonate with both athletes and the public. And, on how much ass we kick in Paris this summer. Personally, I’ll be cheering for all the UVA swimmers and the women’s gymnastic team, of course.
That’s all for June! Happy summer :)))
xoxo
Abbie