Art and climate change: artists-activists
Art and climate change: artists-activists By Constanza Ontiveros Valdés Art is no stranger to the urgent topic of climate change. Ecologically conscious art has existed since the 1960s’ but it has recently acquired traction due to the alarming rate of environmental catastrophes which have finally brought awareness to the gravity of the situation. Resulting from […]
The long-lasting legacy of Chinese propaganda posters.
“Propaganda posters are not only graphically powerful and aesthetically mesmerizing, but they also offer an important window into Chinese culture….” Katharine Burnett, professor of Art History, UC Davis. The long-lasting legacy of Chinese propaganda posters How these historically relevant images turned into collectible items and a source of inspiration for contemporary artists By Constanza Ontiveros […]
John Foy’s legacy: How the Sydney designer shaped the look of punk-rock posters during two decades
John Foy’s legacy: How the Sydney designer shaped the look of punk-rock posters during two decades By Constanza Ontiveros Valdés John Foy has been described as the Australian rock poster guru for good reasons. From the late 1970s to the late 1980s the self-proclaimed citizen of the world created eye-catching posters for some of the […]
The Third Space and Art: How cafés and bars shaped the look of modern art
The development of the individual depends on meeting people from different walks of life, and getting to know them. There are two liquids going for us: coffee and alcohol bring people together. Ray Oldenburg, 2016. The Third Space and Art: How cafés and bars shaped the look of modern art By Constanza Ontiveros Valdés Some […]
Some of Art History’s most curious and amusing anecdotes
Some of Art History’s most curious and amusing anecdotes by Constanza Ontiveros Valdés While for centuries Art History has been viewed as a deadly serious discipline, every once in a while some of its main characters have proved they are just like the rest of us through their unusual or frankly eccentric methods. In this […]
Russian Constructivism and the rise of the modern poster in the 20th century
The Art Syndicate Staff Writer: Constanza Ontiveros Valdés A few years after the Russian Revolution Constructivism emerged in the Soviet Union as a means to put art at the service of the newly established Communist society. During this time, Constructivist artists created thousands of posters that, next to other art artforms, reflected the modern […]
How the art market turned into a synonym of luxury and VIP culture
The Art Syndicate Staff Writer: Constanza Ontiveros Valdés For centuries artworks were traded, bought, and commissioned yet art dealing was established as a profession up until the 19th century and, ever since, art dealers have been instrumental to the development of art. However, the exclusive, hip, and aspirational art market system of our times […]
Germaine´s art fraud scheme: How an art dealer got away with selling fakes for more than 20 years
The Art Syndicate Staff Writer: Constanza Ontiveros Valdés Art forgeries are seen at all levels of the art world ranging from flea markets to top gun auction houses. Like many other countries, Australia is no stranger to art controversies and, during the last few years, many of them have made it to the courtrooms. […]
Akiko Stehrenberger´s movie posters: an artful take on movie poster making
The Art Syndicate Staff Writer: Constanza Ontiveros Valdés During the last 15 years, Los Angeles-based artist Akiko Stehrenberger has carved a name for herself within the design industry and, to this date, is one of the most influential and productive movie poster designers. Over the years, Akiko has worked with emblematic film directors such […]
Elizabeth Macgregor´s enduring legacy in Sydney
The Art Syndicate Staff Writer: Constanza Ontiveros Valdés Every once in a while a museum director leaves a mark in the cultural life of an entire city. Such is the case of Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, an internationally renowned art curator, and museum director, who has led the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), in Sydney, […]