Artists

Artist interviews, profiles, and stories exploring the people and ideas behind the work.

Sandro Botticelli: The Renaissance Visionary Who Painted the Soul

Detail of Botticelli’s Venus and Mars showing a reclining man, a shell held near his head and a small figure beside armor.

Sandro Botticelli, widely regarded as a master of the Italian Renaissance, has been described as the “Dante of painting,” a comparison made by art historian Annalisa Di Maria. Just as Dante Alighieri captured the complexity of human emotions in his poetry, Botticelli conveyed spiritual depth and intellectual ideas through his artwork. Central to his artistic philosophy was the Neoplatonic school, a 15th-century intellectual movement in Florence that deeply influenced his thought. This school, rooted in ancient philosophy, played a critical role in shaping the cultural landscape of Florence during that time.

Hans Hartung Masterpiece Sells for $1.4 Million at Piguet Auction House

Framed T1948-17 by Hans Hartung, with sweeping black lines and coloured forms on pale green.

Piguet Hôtel des Ventes in Geneva, Switzerland, set new benchmarks in the art world this week, as a major work by the renowned abstract painter Hans Hartung fetched CHF 1.2 million ($1.4 million USD) at auction, placing it among the top 10 highest-selling pieces by the artist globally. This milestone, achieved in a somewhat challenging international art market, underscores Geneva’s growing importance as a key destination for high-profile art auctions.

Hundreds Attend Exhibition of Internationally Acclaimed Artist Mateo Blanco at The Butler Institute of American Art

Mateo Blanco smiling in profile in front of an American flag design.

Hundreds of art enthusiasts have gathered at The Butler Institute of American Art to witness the captivating exhibition of internationally acclaimed artist Mateo Blanco. Known for his innovative use of materials and thought-provoking works, Blanco’s latest collection, which features striking interpretations of the American flag, has drawn widespread attention. The exhibition, running from September 29 to December 1, celebrates the diversity and unity that define America, inviting viewers to reflect on the essence of identity, heritage, and patriotism. Visitors have been eager to experience the artistry of Blanco, whose work transcends traditional boundaries.

Who is Joanna Li: A Journey of Emotional Expression Through Art

Joanna Li, The Present Moment, Photography, 2021

Joanna Li, a Taiwanese artist, is rapidly gaining recognition in the international art scene for her distinctive ability to fuse natural and urban landscapes into emotionally rich narratives. Now based in London, where she graduated from the renowned University of the Arts, her work spans both photography and watercolor painting, each piece reflecting her profound artistic depth. With a sharp eye for contrast and composition, Joanna delves into themes of isolation, memory, and connection, offering audiences an immersive emotional experience. Her art transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, communicating universal emotions that resonate with viewers around the world.

Turkish Female Artist Fahr El-Nissa Zeid’s Painting Sells for €152,800, Three Times the Estimate

Detail of Fahr El-Nissa Zeid’s Lever De Soleil, with textured pink, red and yellow brushstrokes and dark green circular forms.

Zeid, one of the first women to attend the Fine Arts Academy in Istanbul, later continued her studies in Paris under Roger Bissière at the Académie Ranson. Over her long career, she held numerous solo exhibitions in major cities such as London, Paris, New York, and throughout the Middle East. After the death of her husband, Prince Zeid bin Hussein of Iraq’s Hashemite royal family, she settled in Amman, where she continued to create groundbreaking work.

Unveiling the Human Condition: Jason Zhenyu Gu’s Art at Aisin Gioro Fine Art Gallery

Detail of Fragmented, Jason Gu’s mosaic on wood depicting stylized human figures.

Jason Gu, known by his Chinese name Zhenyu Gu, was born in Qingyang, Gansu Province, China. His path to becoming an artist is a story of perseverance, passion, and unwavering determination. Coming from a working-class family, Gu’s journey into the world of art was anything but easy. Despite his early fascination with painting, financial constraints hindered his ability to receive formal training. However, his parents, recognizing his talent and drive, made significant sacrifices, using their savings to enroll him in a small local art studio. It was within this modest environment that Gu began to lay the foundations of his artistic vision.

L’APPARTEMENT Art Space in Geneva Presents its Inaugural Exhibition ‘Sound and Silence’, Featuring Works by TAKIS & Yves Dana

Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos.

Art Advisor and Curator Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos is set to unveil L’Appartement, a new art space in the heart of Geneva, this autumn. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Sound and Silence, opens on October 3rd, 2024, in the dedicated space at Geneva’s Eaux-Vives district and runs until December 21st. The exhibition will feature 24 works by the renowned artist Takis, including pieces from the prestigious Emfietzoglou Collection, alongside 18 works by Yves Dana, with some of Dana’s creations debuting in Geneva for the first time.

Exclusive Interview with New Orleans Ceramicist Aurora Daigle | Part 3

Portrait of ceramicist Aurora Daigle photographed by Taja Janel

In this third installment of our exclusive interview series with New Orleans ceramicist Aurora Daigle, we explore the intimate rituals and routines that fuel her creative process. From setting mindful intentions to connecting with nature, Aurora’s practice is a harmonious blend of spirituality, artistry, and personal growth. She invites us into her world, where creating ceramics becomes a meditative and transformative experience. As she shares her passion for therapeutic clay sessions and sustainable practices, we gain insight into her evolving work and exciting future projects that promise to leave a lasting impact.

Behind the Lens: Exclusive Interview with New York Photographer Evelyn Freja | Part 1

Self-portrait by photographer Evelyn Freja

New York-based photographer Evelyn Freja has captivated audiences with her emotive and intimate approach to capturing the world through her lens. From her early days exploring photography on her family’s rural farm to the moments of creative awakening in far-flung places like New Zealand, Evelyn has carved out a unique path in the world of visual storytelling. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her artistic journey, the personal experiences that have shaped her, and the creative process behind her evocative imagery.