Day 4547. Mystical Paintings, Show and Tell, & TBT.

  

"Levels of Survival": digital collage.

  

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Click: Ray Orbison, Only the Lonely. 

 

2GN2S

Rupy C. Tut’s Mystical Paintings

“A River of Dreams” (2024), handmade pigments on linen, 62 x 42 1/4 x 2 inches framed. 

Verdant scenery inhabited by vibrant wildlife and graceful feminine figures center in the work of 

Rupy C. Tut Verdant scenery inhabited by vibrant wildlife and graceful feminine figures center in the work of Rupy C. Tut, whose paintings draw upon her Sikh ancestry and experiences emigrating from India as a young girl. “As an environmentalist and Indian-American woman, she never takes place for granted,” says a statement from Jessica Silverman Gallery, which represents the artist.

Tut’s ethereal works tread the boundaries between abstraction, portraiture, pattern, and traditional Indian painting. Her compositions introduce narratives—often captivatingly mysterious—that highlight enigmatic mystical, elemental, and spiritual phenomena.

“A Place Dear to Me” (2024), handmade pigments on linen,
61 1/2 x 41 1/2 x 2 1/4 inches framed

Tut was a 2024 recipient of the Joan Mitchel Foundation Fellowship, and her work is on view in the group exhibition About Place at San Francisco’s de Young through the end of November. You can explore more on her website and Instagram.

“The First Rain” (2024), handmade pigments on linen,
61 1/2 x 41 1/2 x 2 1/4 inches framed

“Riding my Thunder” (2024), handmade pigments on linen,
61 1/2 x 41 1/2 x 2 inches framed

“Bowing to the Cosmos” (2024), handmade pigments on linen,
61 3/8 x 41 5/8 x 2 inches framed

                 Terracotta figurine *Courtier" 8th century Tang dynasty (618-907)   

The terracotta figurine *Courtier-MA 6106*, originating from the 8th century Tang dynasty (618-907), exemplifies exquisite Chinese craftsmanship and cultural ideals of beauty and elegance. At 47 cm tall, it encapsulates the enduring grace of courtly life, offering an insightful glimpse into the aesthetics and customs of one of China's most renowned dynasties.

The courtier is depicted with demure modesty, her hands gently clasped, and her head softly tilted. Her flowing robes, adorned with remnants of red and black floral designs, showcase the Tang dynasty's admiration for vibrant textiles and artistic detail. Even after centuries, the attire's intricate details remain visible, testifying to the remarkable skill of its creators.

The figurine's distinctive hairstyle, featuring a prominent rounded topknot, is a hallmark of Tang fashion, reflecting contemporary beauty and status ideals. During the Tang period, such elaborate hairstyles and richly colored garments were typical of the imperial court women, highlighting their refinement and societal significance.

Crafted from terracotta, the figurine functioned as a funerary object, intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. These figurines, known as mingqi ("spirit objects"), were commonly placed in tombs to ensure comfort and status continuity in the next world. The serene expression and graceful posture of *Courtier-MA 6106* exude tranquility and eternal presence, embodying the Tang dynasty's spiritual and artistic values.

Housed in the Guimet Museum, this figurine is a lasting testament to the Tang artisans' sophistication and creativity. Its elegant form and detailed decoration enrich modern audiences with profound insight into the dynasty's cultural legacy.

 

  

 

A 3 minute video, Trash/Art, here

 

 

 

  

 

Just because ...

Barbary Partridge

 

Thursday's Smiles ... 

   

by Ukio Ikeda