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A Corner of the Meadow at Eragny, by Camille Pissaro
Pissarro was a patriarchal figure to painters Paul Gaugin and Paul Cezanne. His Impressionistic style influenced many painters who followed him. -
Afterglow, painting by Jonas Lie
Prior to seeing this painting, I was not familiar with the artist. I did some research. Lie was born in Norway in 1880, but moved to the United States at the age of twelve. He studied at a private art school in New York City where he developed his signature style. During his lifetime, he won numerous awards for his paintings which often depict water, sailboats, and skylines. -
Nude Looking Over Her Right Shoulder, by Amedeo Modigliani
Although Modigliani only lived to the age of thirty-five, he was a prolific painter. -
Joy of the Waters, by Harriet Frishmuth
This sculpture depicts happiness at its most simple: the love of water. -
The Lincoln Memorial, created by architect Henry Bacon
The concept for the memorial was inspired not only by Abraham Lincoln's many accomplishments but also his untimely death at the hands of an assassin. -
I Drew a Picture in the Sand and the Water Washed It Away, painting by Ivan Albright
Ivan Albright is best known for his haunting portraits. He was commissioned to paint a picture for the movie version of Oscar Wilde's story 'A Portrait of Dorian Gray.' I find his style interesting because the paint seems to stand up off the canvas and the skin and clothing of each subject appear layered. This adds dimension and depth to the work. -
Migrant Mother, photo by Dorothea Lange, American
I first saw this photo when I was in Middle School. If memory serves, it was part of a retrospective displayed in TIME magazine about the Great Depression of the 1920s and 30s. The mother in this photo appears full of worry as she looks out over what was most likely a dust covered field. How will she feed her children? When will there be work? When can they plant again and start growing crops? This picture exemplifies the human struggle for survival at the most primal level. -
Sister Rosetta Sharpe Performs 'That's All', American
https://youtu.be/l9bX5mzdihs Sister Rosetta Tharpe began her musical career as a gospel singer. In her early twenties, she broke away from her traditional roots and began performing with different bands. In addition to being a gifted singer, Tharpe was also an accomplished guitarist, paving the way for artists like Elvis Presley. This recording is a fine example of both her singing and playing abilities. -
To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee
This book was a game-changer for me. The first time I read it, I instantly related to Scout and her quest for understanding in a racially divided world. Harper Lee's bravery in broaching this subject of racism during a time when it was extremely controversial and her compassionate rendering of the characters makes this novel a story that I return to again and again. -
Abbey Road by The Beatles
I have heard several musicians say, "You're either a Beatles fan or a Rolling Stones fan." Put me in the first category. -
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Musical Album by Genesis
In their early days, the band Genesis--fronted by Peter Gabriel--were experimental in their approach to both musical themes and their live performances. The concept of this album came from Gabriel, who envisioned a young punk named Rael who witnesses a lamb lying down on Broadway in New York City, signaling the return of Jesus Christ to Earth. Rael must navigate this strange, new world as the old world falls away. -
The Color Purple, written by Alice Walker
“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it. People think pleasing God is all God cares about. But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back.” -
The Prince of Tides
This movie was released during a difficult time in my life. My mother died unexpectedly on December 22nd, 1991. As a distraction from my sadness, my uncle Bobby took me to the movie theater. The story of Tom Wingo, his abusive childhood, disillusionment as an adult, and his desire to help his sister Savannah after yet another suicide attempt speaks to the "flawed humanity," as Tom puts it, in all of us. https://youtu.be/aOtBsVoq_Cw -
Stephanie Seymour, photo by Richard Avedon
Although Richard Avedon was considered primarily a fashion photographer, he brings an artistic eye to many of his photos. This one of model Stephanie Seymour caught my attention because she appears to be moving through the air like a ballerina. At the same time, there is something haunting about the look of it, as if at any moment she may lose control of herself. -
American Beauty, written by Alan Ball and directed by Sam Mendes
I must have watched this movie twenty times and with each new viewing I see or think something new. This movie is the ultimate example of suburban ennui coupled with mid-life angst. Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, feels stifled by his upper-middle class life and job. He and his don't relate to each other anymore, and his teenage daughter barely speaks to him. He ends up quitting his job and this launches him on a quest of self-discovery. https://youtu.be/lscdNc0qTnI -
The Cider House Rules, written by John Irving
I have read many of John Irving's novels, but this one stands out for me. Like Harper Lee in 'To Kill A Mockingbird,' Irving takes on the controversial subject of abortion. Set in an orphanage in New England, The doctor who runs the home is a kind and supportive substitute for the childrens' parents, he is also addicted to ether and routinely inhales it to escape the more difficult parts of his job, like performing abortions. Irving is a gifted writer with great attention to detail. -
'Rain', written and performed by Patty Griffin
I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. If you listen closely to the lyrics, you'll hear she is singing about staying strong in the face of adversity, whether that hardship comes in the form of life events or love. This song embodies the purity and power of a strong melody, thoughtful lyrics, and simple instrumentation. https://youtu.be/pFbjE7NFmUI -
Cold Mountain, movie adapted from the book written by Charles Frazier, directed by Anthony Minghella
Set during the American Civil War, Cold Mountain tells the story of a soldier who abandons his post and is on a journey home. He is trying to get back to the woman he loves, but the story is about more than just romantic love. It is about loyalty, tragedy, strength, friendship, and endurance. https://youtu.be/jmpuAz59EbQ -
Cube 2 by Takashi Murakami
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A young girls stands in the doorway of a house, two days after a member of her family was killed by a grenade said to be launched by a member of Séléka. Bangui, Central African Republic. Photo by William Daniels.
Photographer William Daniels shot this photo for TIME magazine while covering the unrest in the Capital African Republic. When I saw it, I immediately felt the loneliness and despair of this young girl. The sunlight streaming in behind her is a stark contrast to the emptiness inside the home.
