This N' That: 12/22/20
Danelle Manthey reimagines Christmas kitsch as folk art
For those who celebrate, outings to view neighbors’ extravagant, larger-than-life Christmas decorations are a favorite pastime. However, artist Danelle Mathey has framed this seasonal tradition in a new and deeply thoughtful way, urging viewers of her photography book American Christmas to consider these decked-out houses as a type of installation art.
Mathey’s images capture her subjects posing in front of their decorations; some beam with clear enthusiasm and holiday spirit, others simply offer a calm smile, but the one consistency throughout all of their demeanors is their obvious pride in what they have created. With this project, Mathey works to legitimize their creations as art forms in themselves. Through the interviews she conducted with each pictured artist, all of which are included in the book, she uncovered multiple family legacies that had continued for generations. While Christmas may have now passed, one can still appreciate the displays of lights and themed decorations showcased in Mathey’s book, and use the ample time at our disposal to consider these traditions and the nature of art when the season rolls around again.
Courtesy of The National Archive
Ansel Adams photograph breaks records at Sotheby’s
Deemed one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists, Ansel Adams is best known for creating nature photographs, particularly of the American West’s vast wilderness, which remain as coveted and relevant today as they were during his lifetime. In fact, during a time when climate change and its effects are starker than ever, Adams’ images serve as a reminder of the world we are fighting to preserve. Adams himself was an outspoken environmental activist, and while he worked by writing letters to bureaucrats and government officials, for many his most essential contribution to the cause was his photography.
On December 14th one of Adams’ images made history by selling at a Sotheby’s auction for $988,000, breaking the artist’s own 2014 record of $722,500. The image, entitled The Grand Tetons and the Snake River, depicts towering snow-capped mountains and a winding river with the crystal-clear sharpness and full tonal range that have come to define his work. The sale as a whole, “A Grand Vision: The David H. Arrington Collection of Ansel Adams Masterworks,” included 123 lots, which sold for a wildly successful total of $6.4 million.
Pantone predicts the color of 2021
Come December of every year, color company Pantone names a shade meant to reflect on the current trends and inspire the following twelve months. For 2020, Pantone’s color experts chose “Classic Blue,” commenting on its ability to “instill calm, confidence, and connection.” At this point in the year, all of these aspects seem extremely fitting—although at its surface 2020 has been woefully lacking in these three qualities, despite unprecedented hardship we have found new ways to have faith, stay grounded, and share our lives with one another.
With 2021 fast approaching, Pantone has made an exception based on the circumstances of the past year and chosen two colors: “Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating.” The two hues feel representative of a collective hope that the coming year will be an improvement on the past one. Originally, Pantone had chosen “Illuminating,” a bright and joyful yellow, to stand alone. However, as the year continued to unfold, “Ultimate Gray” was added, not as a gloomy reminder of what lies behind us, but as a symbol of unity and strength.
The Art & Society Census: What are your wishes for the future of the art world?
Artists, curators, serious appreciators, and occasional dabblers alike know by now that despite the invaluable role of art in society, the industry has a great deal of restructuring to go through before it can be accessible in the way it should be. This is precisely why the Art & Society Census, conducted by the Arts and Culture division of the Brooklyn Public Library developed by Laura Raicovich and in partnership with Hyperallergic, is asking participants what they feel is of utmost cultural importance, and what they see for the future of the art world.
Answers will be utilized by groups aiming to forge new methods of publicly sharing and appreciating art in order to best serve the largest number of people possible. They will be working through the winter and the spring of 2021 before hosting a larger meeting to present their ideas—those interested will be encouraged to attend. Take part in the survey here.
