The Art Whisperer

(Above) Portrait of Samuel Beckett: Click on any image to see larger view—you'll be glad you did!








SIMON SCHUBERT IS A GERMAN ARTIST WHO FOLDS PAPER. He is better known for his large and visually powerful installations and sculpture. It is interesting for me to see an artist who can think in big terms, like the planning and execution of a large museum space and find equal comfort in sitting quietly with straight edge and burnisher to conceive these paper pieces. Subtle, quiet and delicate—these pieces have the ability to transport us with nary a pen, pencil, ink or traditional marking instrument.

You can see more here.

How to Lose Your Security Deposit

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Surfing the world of Russian Web sites and blogs I uncovered this example of horror vacui, the “fear of blank or empty spaces.” This is an exceptional example of a hyper-obsessive personality, usually borne from mental illness or other personality disorder.

Here is all I have been able to learn, but not confirm, and I am quoting from another site:

“The name of the artist was Mitasov, and he was born in the middle of 20th century and died in a psychiatric hospital in 1999. He had a university degree, was an economist, worked as the head manager of a store. When he got sick, he covered everything with inscriptions in several layers. Right now the apartment is all fixed up. Even today, you can still see some of his inscriptions in various places in the neighborhood. Most of the writing is in Ukranian.”

Here is the link to the photos on a Russian Web site:

http://kolya-s-raena.livejournal.com/13839.html

Mort Künstler: For Men Only

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931)

Sweet Lips Cove, Male illustration, November c. 1963

Gouache on board

16.5 x 19 in.

Signed lower left

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931)

General Mark Clark’s Manhunt for Europe’s G. I. Vice Lord, Stag illustration, February 1962

Gouache on board

16.5 x 2 in.

Signed lower right

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931)

Hit and Run Rocket Raid, cover illustration, c. 1965

Gouache on board showing margins

12 x 17 in.

Signed lower right.

This illustration appeared on the cover of a Magazine Management title, probably For Men Only, c. 1965.

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931)

Putting on Nylons, Men cover, 1970

Oil on board

10.5 x 12 in.

Initialed lower right

This illustration appeared on the cover of the February 1970 issue of Men.

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931)

Fight for the Mine Shaft, Male cover, January 1963

Gouache on board

20 x 15 in.

Signed lower left

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931)

Redhead Swinger, Stag Book Bonus illustration, February 1968

Gouache on board

15 x 18 in.

Signed lower left

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931)

The Sex and Rest Castle, Male illustration, January 1968

Gouache on board

18 x 25.5 in.

Signed lower left

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931) (as EMMETT KAYE)

Trapped in Submarine Freezer, For Men Only cover, May 1969

Mixed media on board, with overlay

12 x 17 in.

Signed lower left.

(Above) click image for larger view

MORT KÜNSTLER (American, b. 1931)

The Marine Who Hid the Pacific’s 12 Most Wanted Women, For Men Only cover, April 1961

Gouache on board

18 x 14 in.

Signed lower left.

This Men Only cover scene was based on the feature, “The Marine Who Hit the Pacific’s 12 Most Wanted Women: a True Behind-Enemy-Lines Submarine Rescue.”

(Above) Actual publication of “For Men Only.” click image for larger view!


MORT KÜNSTLER, BY VIRTUE OF HIS EXTRAORDINARY TALENT, had some of the best illustration assignments I have ever seen. That is, if you like campy illustrations like this. You have to admit, war in the eyes of these men’s magazine editors and writers was more about smuggling hot babes onto submarines than fighting the enemy. With titles like “Sweet Lips Cove” and “The Sex and Rest Castle,” it was a hellava day at the easel.

The early work of Mort Künstler and other top illustrators came up for auction at the 2010 May Signature Illustration Art Auction in Beverly Hills, CA (Auction #7015). You can see the art of Mr. Künstler and numerous others here.

Don’t forget to click to see a larger view!

The Modernist Bird

HERE IS A CARVING OF A BIRD IN OUR COLLECTION. IT WAS IDENTIFIED by a reader as a European Great Spotted Woodpecker. I think it may be 75+ years old. This bird, painted with broad shapes and squiggles to define various areas, is more akin to modernist painting than it’s more realistically painted counterparts of the day. When I see this bird, I think of modernist painters like Arthur Dove (no pun intended), Georgia O’Keefee and others.

Thanks to reader Harry, for the ID.