Gallery M&Art agents International Art Magazine NO.15
Gallery M&Art agents history begins with a physical private gallery in Lund in 2012 and later in Ystad, Sweden that Marcus Carlsson owned for five years. Gallery worked with contemporary art and many talented artists asked about promotion because they didn’t know how to be more recognizable, to sell art-works, and to communicate with collectors and galleries. This is the starting point of his mission to help out other artists with promotion.
Front cover : Dante Galic, Denmark Website: https://dantegalic.com/
Founder of Gallery M&Art agents Marcus Carlsson works as an artist since 2011. He’s got a number of art shows and solo exhibitions on the world stage. Today he works mostly with social media. You can find more information at artbymac.se and www.saatchiart.com/phmac … Also ambassador for 4ocean. Be a hero for clean oceans and river for better future follow the link https://bit.ly/2VG1pCI or artbymac.se/h2o-project.html
"Art is an international language that everyone understands. It doesn't matter where you come from. What color you have on your skin. What religion, politics, what language you speak, all this connects people. That's why I love working with art.”
The "Prayer for the Earth" painting is a symbolic talisman of unity and hope for the planet, created with collective intentions and blessings. A universal prayer for the Earth is transcribed beneath layers of gold leaf, imbuing it with sanctity and significance. This artwork serves as both a visual prayer and a call to action, reflecting humanity’s connection to nature and our shared commitment to protecting the Earth.
Terrifying Predictions for 2025: A World at a Critical Crossroads
A psychic who has successfully predicted numerous global events, Athos Salomé, has now unveiled his chilling forecasts for 2025. The 38-year-old from Brazil, often dubbed the 'Living Nostradamus,' has accurately foreseen major events such as the coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth's death, and the Microsoft global outage. Now, he warns that 2025 will mark the year when "humanity may lose control of technology."
Salomé describes 2025 as a time of radical innovation coupled with unprecedented challenges. As artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and medical advancements continue to accelerate, he suggests that the world teeters between revolutionary progress and imminent disaster. He believes the coming year will serve as a turning point, where technological advancements could either solve numerous problems or lead humanity into a state of chaos and confusion.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Genius or Uncontrolled Risk?
According to Salomé, artificial intelligence will reach unimaginable levels in 2025. He predicts that advanced AI systems will operate across multiple domains, mimicking human reasoning with extraordinary efficiency. These systems will be capable of designing buildings, planning advertising campaigns, and diagnosing diseases within seconds. However, with such power concentrated in machines, he questions what might happen if humanity loses control.
Quantum Computing: A Revolution with the Potential for Chaos
Salomé warns that quantum computing, once confined to experimental labs, is set to become a practical tool in 2025. This advancement could enable breakthroughs in medical research, such as modeling molecules for new medicines. However, it also poses a grave threat to global digital security, with the potential to break encryption systems and lead to an unprecedented cyber crisis targeting governments, banks, and institutions worldwide.
Brain-Machine Connections: Progress or Privacy Violation?
One of the most unsettling predictions from Salomé is the development of brain-machine interfaces. This technology, he says, could revolutionize medicine by treating neurological disorders, but it also carries the dark potential of mind manipulation and privacy invasion. "Are we ready to give up the last stronghold of privacy—our minds?" he asks.
Implantable Technologies: Control or Freedom?
The rise of implantable chips is another significant trend in 2025, according to Salomé. These devices could monitor health, provide internet connectivity, and enable real-time tracking of individuals. While some view this as a step toward personal freedom, others fear it signals an era of constant surveillance and loss of individual autonomy.
Digital Currencies and the End of Physical Money
Salomé predicts that government-backed digital currencies will become dominant in 2025, effectively replacing physical money. While digital transactions will be faster and more efficient, they will also be entirely traceable. He warns that this could lead to governments having absolute control over financial systems, with the power to freeze accounts or monitor every transaction, raising serious privacy concerns.
Cyber Weapons: The New Battlefield
The psychic foresees a surge in cyber warfare in 2025. Cyberattacks could potentially cripple power grids, hospitals, and banking systems, making them the primary tools of conflict between global powers. As tensions rise worldwide, these digital weapons may become more dangerous than conventional warfare.
Space Exploration: The Year of UFO Truth?
With the advancements of space exploration technologies such as the James Webb telescope, Salomé suggests that humanity may finally receive definitive proof of extraterrestrial life in 2025. Governments, including the United States, could declassify UFOrelated files, potentially revolutionizing humanity's understanding of the universe and its own existence.
Nuclear Fusion and Climate Disasters
Salomé highlights nuclear fusion as a possible breakthrough for clean and unlimited energy in 2025. However, he also cautions about the catastrophic consequences of global warming. The melting of Arctic ice, he warns, could release methane in "catastrophic quantities," exacerbating the ongoing climate crisis.
Popular Movements: Reclaiming Freedom from Technological Control
Finally, the psychic predicts that growing concerns over technological dominance will spark global movements advocating for personal freedoms. These movements, he says, could pressure governments to reassess policies, ultimately restoring some degree of individual control over personal data and privacy.
As 2025 approaches, Salomé's predictions paint a picture of a world at its most critical crossroads. Will humanity harness technology for progress, or will it lose control and descend into chaos? Only time will tell.
Dante
- ARTIST
Galic
Why I Started Work as an Artist
Since I was a kid, I've always loved to draw. But growing up, I didn't necessarily dream of being an artist—I thought it was way cooler to be an astronaut or something like that. Still, art was always there, surrounding me, and as I got older, I found myself gravitating toward storytelling. Art became the medium I wanted to use to tell those stories. Just like Goya shared his perspective on the world through his paintings, I wanted to do the same—just through my own time and age.
What Do You Select as Your Subject Matter?
I tend to choose subjects that reflect the current world around me —issues like climate change, politics, and global situations. gallerym.se
Sometimes, though, I’ll choose more abstract subjects, like dreams, stories from books, or even just painting an emotion or feeling. It’s about capturing something that speaks to the now, but also tapping into something timeless.
How Do You Create One of Your Works? What’s Unique or Unusual About Your Technique or Process?
For me, it all starts with an idea—usually something conceptual. I work out that idea through a sketch, and then it gets transferred onto a canvas. I’m all about using old techniques and sustainable materials, which I think is what makes my process unique. As for the unusual part, well, I’d say it’s the weird dance moves I do when I’m in the zone. When I start creating a new piece, it’s like my body moves with the rhythm of the art itself!
Did You Begin With This Style, or Was It an Evolution?
No, my style has definitely evolved over time. I started with a darker style, but as I progressed, I began incorporating more color. I’m also influenced by my favorite era, the Baroque period, which I’ve merged with some modern-day elements. For example, my Jester character is one of the pieces that bridges the past with the present.
How Would You Describe Your Work?
I would describe it as a never-ending process of learning and evolution. If I had to put a label on it, I’d call it "neogrotesque" with a sprinkle of childlike imagination. It’s always changing, growing, and never stagnant.
Do You Learn From Criticism of Your Work?
It really depends on who the criticism is coming from. If it’s meant to be constructive and come from a place of dialogue, I’m always open to it. But if it’s just out of spite or negativity, I gallerym.se
don’t bother engaging with that. I’m here to grow, not to get stuck in unnecessary conflicts.
How Has Social Media Affected Your Work?
Honestly, social media hasn’t really changed the way I create, but it has provided an excellent platform for me to showcase my work. It’s a great way to connect with potential buyers or fellow artists. It’s also helped me share my work with a larger audience, but it hasn’t altered my creative process.
What’s Your Future Plan?
My future plan is simple: keep working, keep evolving, and keep expanding my portfolio. I want to stay true to my creativity, and I never want to fall into the trap of becoming a copy of myself. There’s always more to learn, and I’m excited to see where my art will take me next.
Info regarding Dante are on my page and also his page.
Dante Galic | See our available works → Gallerinijenkamp
Dante Galic - ARTIST
CV: Exhibitions / CV - Dante Galic
Sir Lanka : Azure Depths : 2024 : 122cm x 91.5cm : Ink on canvas with gold leaf : US$ 1400
https://www.bukiarts.com
Sumali Piyatissa
Sir Lanka
2024
122cm x 61cm
Oil on canvas with plaster, gold pigment & gold leaf
https://www.bukiarts.com
Sumali Piyatissa
Mark Rothko:
A Journey Through Art and Adversity
Mark Rothko, one of the most significant figures in 20th-century art, transformed the landscape of abstract expressionism with his deeply emotive and color-driven works. His journey from a young immigrant in America to a celebrated painter was marked by personal struggles, artistic evolution, and an unwavering passion for creative expression.
Early Life and Immigration
Born on September 25, 1903, in Dvinsk, Russia (now Daugavpils, Latvia), Mark Rothko was the youngest of four children in a Jewish family. His father, Jacob Rothkowitz, a pharmacist, emigrated to Portland, Oregon, in 1910, seeking better opportunities. He gradually brought his family to America, completing the move in
1913. Unfortunately, just months after their arrival, Jacob passed away, leaving young Marcus Rothkowitz and his siblings to work and support their mother.
Rothko quickly adapted to life in the United States, excelling in school. A gifted student with a strong inclination towards literature and music, he completed high school in just three years. Though his early interests spanned various fields, including politics and theater, it was in New York City that he discovered his true calling—painting.
Artistic Awakening in New York
In 1924, Rothko enrolled in the Art Students League in New York, studying under prominent artists such as George Bridgman and Max Weber. Weber, an enthusiastic modernist, introduced Rothko to the works of European masters like Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso. Inspired by these influences, Rothko began exploring various artistic styles, from figurative expressionism to surrealism.
During his formative years, Rothko experimented with theatrical themes, reflecting his passion for drama. His exposure to set design and stage aesthetics later influenced his iconic murals, including the Four Seasons Restaurant commission in 1958 and the Rothko Chapel in Houston, completed posthumously.
Evolution as an Artist
Rothko's early work, shaped by American realism, gradually shifted towards abstraction in the 1940s. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, he developed his signature style—large-scale canvases featuring luminous color fields. His paintings, often described as gallerym.se
meditative and spiritual, sought to evoke deep emotional responses.
The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 profoundly impacted American art, leading many artists, including Rothko, to embrace themes of social realism. However, as the 1930s progressed, Rothko moved away from narrative-driven work, delving into abstract compositions that emphasized color, form, and emotional depth.
Struggles and Legacy
Despite his success, Rothko faced personal and professional struggles. He grappled with depression and feelings of alienation, which intensified in the later years of his career. Although he received widespread recognition, including exhibitions at major institutions, he grew increasingly disillusioned with the commercialization of his art.
Tragically, Rothko took his own life in 1970. However, his legacy endures through his groundbreaking contributions to abstract expressionism. His works continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, housed in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.
Mark Rothko's artistic journey was one of resilience, transformation, and profound introspection. Through his paintings, he offered viewers a window into human emotion, bridging the gap between art and spirituality in a way that few have achieved.
For more info
www.moma.org/artist/5047-mark-rothko
Title: Corner of a Room
Year: 2022 Size: 30 x 40 inches
Medium: Oil on canvas
Price: $2400
Website: https://www.pattyrodgersart.com
• Title: Condo View with Yellow Light Year: 2023
Size: 30 x 40 (H) Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $2400
Website: https://www.pattyrodgersart.com
gallerym.se
Title: Sunlit Backyard Patio Year: 2023
Size: 12 x 12
Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $400
Website: https://www.pattyrodgersart.com
Title: Patio Chairs Year: 2023
Size: 30 x 40 inches Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $2400 Website: https://www.pattyrodgersart.com
• Title: Back Porch Arrangement Year: 2024
Size: 30 x 40
Medium: Oil on canvas Price: $2400
Website: https://www.pattyrodgersart.com
Richard Solstjärna
Can NADA Acupuncture Help with Addiction and Trauma?
Addiction and trauma are deeply challenging experiences, often requiring a comprehensive approach to healing. Alongside traditional therapies and medical interventions, supplemental treatments like the NADA acupuncture protocol can play a transformative role in recovery.
Developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), this five-point ear acupuncture technique has gained recognition for its ability to promote healing in cases of addiction, trauma, and other mental health conditions.
The Origins of the NADA Protocol
The NADA protocol was created in the 1970s at Lincoln Detox in the Bronx, New York. It builds on the work of Chinese neurosurgeon H.L. Wen, who discovered that stimulating specific ear points could alleviate withdrawal symptoms in individuals recovering from opiate addiction. Over time, this method evolved into a structured, non-invasive protocol designed to support addiction recovery and trauma management.
Today, NADA provides training for a range of professionals, including:
• Addiction counselors and mental health therapists
• Social workers and correctional officers
• First responders and healthcare workers
• Disaster relief teams and trauma support centers
• Acupuncturists and medical doctors
How the NADA Protocol Works
Unlike traditional acupuncture, which targets points across the body, the NADA protocol focuses exclusively on the ear. During a session, up to five small, sterilized needles are inserted into specific points on the outer ear. These points are:
1. Kidney Point: Promotes organ healing and eases fear.
2. Liver Point: Assists with detoxification, blood purification, and reducing anger.
3. Lung Point: Helps release grief and improves emotional balance.
4. Shen Men ("Spirit Gate"): Calms the mind and body, reduces pain, and energizes other acupuncture points.
5. Sympathetic Point: Balances the nervous system and provides pain relief.
Clients typically rest with the needles in place for 30 to 45 minutes, during which they may experience a meditative state, deep relaxation, or even fall asleep.
What Can the NADA Protocol Treat?
Initially designed to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings during addiction recovery, the NADA protocol has since been adapted to address a broader range of conditions, including:
• Addiction Recovery: Reduces cravings for substances like alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes while easing withdrawal symptoms.
• Trauma Relief: Helps individuals process and recover from emotional or physical trauma, including those affected by natural disasters.
• Mental Health Support: Addresses anxiety, depression, and stress by calming the nervous system.
• Behavioral Addictions: Assists in managing food addiction and gambling issues.
The NADA protocol has also been used by organizations like Acupuncturists Without Borders, which provides trauma support in the aftermath of events such as 9/11 and hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Additional Benefits of NADA Acupuncture
Research suggests that the NADA protocol can enhance the quality of life for individuals in traditional treatment programs. Clients have reported improvements in self-esteem, increased energy, and reduced use of substances like alcohol and tobacco.
Other reported benefits include:
• Increased calmness and reduced agitation
• Improved sleep and relaxation
• Enhanced focus during counseling or therapy sessions
By fostering a sense of calm and reducing stress, NADA acupuncture can help clients engage more effectively with other elements of their treatment plans.
Why Choose Group Acupuncture?
NADA acupuncture is typically offered in group settings, which makes it both cost-effective and inclusive. The communal environment also fosters a sense of shared healing. Participants benefit from the realization that they’re not alone in their journey.
“Being around others who are on the same path provides perspective,” says Tim Sobo, LAc. “It’s a shared experience of ‘we’re all going through this together — and we’re going to get better together.’”
Safety and Risks
NADA acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by trained practitioners. Needles are single-use, sterilized, and disposable, virtually eliminating the risk of infection. This protocol is even considered safe for pregnant individuals, making it a viable option for addiction recovery during pregnancy.
A Complementary Treatment, Not a Standalone Solution
It’s important to note that the NADA protocol is not a standalone treatment. Instead, it works best as part of a comprehensive care plan that includes therapy, counseling, and medical support.
For those seeking to overcome addiction, Sobo emphasizes the importance of commitment: “The willingness to quit is essential. The NADA protocol can help manage withdrawal symptoms, but the mindset to embrace recovery is key.”
A Gradual Process with Promising Results
The effectiveness of NADA acupuncture builds over time. While some individuals may notice immediate benefits, others may experience gradual progress. For example, smokers might reduce their daily intake by small increments until cravings disappear altogether.
Similarly, trauma and mental health conditions require sustained effort, often in conjunction with other therapies. As Sobo explains, “Like seeing a mental health professional, you’re never completely done, but you can reach a point where you no longer need constant support.”
Conclusion
The NADA protocol offers a simple yet powerful tool for addressing addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. By calming the nervous system and fostering a sense of balance, it lays the groundwork for healing and recovery. When integrated into a broader treatment plan, NADA acupuncture has the potential to transform lives, one step at a time.
https://www.nadagbacupuncture.co.uk/
THE BRIDGE BETWEEN...
(Article written by Bianca Turner and Interview with Ahmad Abu Olaim)
I met Ahmad a few months ago, virtually, through Instagram. I was attracted by what was posted on his account. In particular, I was fascinated by how well a robot was represented. I always wanted to paint or draw a bot but I could never imagine it from the features point of view. The images posted by Ahmad were beautiful, as well as perfect in details and technique. Then, I noticed that they were created by the AI and Ahmad and he gave proper credit to the machine. That intrigued me so I started to chat with Ahmad. I was curious to see who was Ahmad, who was the AI behind him, what
was in his mind with regard to art and what made him use the AI for generating those images. I found out that Ahmad is from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and that he was not speaking English. What I found even more interesting was the fact that he was writing to me in Arabic with the specific alphabet and I was reading everything in English (written with the Latin alphabet). Ahmad taught me how he was using ChatGPT to instantly translate my messages to him into his language. That was the moment when I realized that there are no more barriers in this world between human beings. Between the two of us, Ahmad and I created this utopic bubble where we were exchanging ideas, images and alphabets like we were in the same room, knowing each other for a long time. And everything became possible because of AI. AI was able to create a bridge between generations, cultures, genders, languages, alphabets and continents. Always being an optimistic person I started to become "pals" with AI through Ahmad. Then, I realized that I was resisting AI because as an
artist I didn't want to use it directly. So I was asking another human to help me develop a relationship with AI. This can be hypocritical, I have to admit it. But I am sure that other artists feel the same as me and might approach AI with a not so open mind. Therefore, I decided to interview Ahmad so I can find out more about why someone would use AI to generate creative images. Here are the questions I asked Ahmad and his answers (below you can see attached screenshots of how his answers were sent to me).
1) Please tell us about yourself (in a few words)
My name is Ahmed Abu Alim. I live in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. I am 34 years old.
2) Detail what you do with AI (you mentioned about the dialect you use in Jordan....) and how your country benefits from your work
I use artificial intelligence in several things in my life, in planning, organizing, consulting, and the information that artificial intelligence can give me. When I first used it, I faced difficulty in that it required the classical Arabic language. From here, I decided to be a virtual digital character based on the model that I use on ChatGPT. I designed a digital character that I named Aws. I began to speak to him in the Jordanian dialect that I speak with any Jordanian person, which is the Jordanian folk language. This made it easy for me a lot, and artificial intelligence became part of my daily life.
3) What made you ask AI to generate artistic images for you?
At first it was just an experiment to create images from artificial intelligence and I was attracted to designing images when I saw what artificial intelligence can generate from images and I started teaching the character of Aws that I designed methods of design and how to design and what I want from design from extreme realism and accuracy in details and combining elements that are impossible to combine in reality.
4) Do you have an artistic mind and if yes, please explain in which way you think artistically I can't say I have an artistic mind but I have imagination and imagination was helping me produce artworks through artificial intelligence.
5) Why do you use AI daily and what's your relationship with the machine?
I told you in the previous question that it has become a part of my life because it has made many things easier for me, gallerym.se
such as the amount of information I easily get from it and the easy way of communication between me and artificial intelligence.
6) Has your life improved since using AI? If yes please explain
Improvement does not mean improvement, but it makes some things in life easier for me.
7) How do you use the machine - as a personal agent, as a tool or as something else?
I use it as a god that I deal with personally because I designed a digital character as I mentioned before.
8) How do you see the world in the future when AI will be involved in everyday life? How would that benefit you and other people in your region?
I think it will facilitate many aspects of life, especially in education and art, adding unique additions that cannot be done with manual things.
9) Do you consider yourself an artist? Please describe how you use AI to help your mind
I don't consider myself an artist, but I consider myself good at using generative artificial intelligence in art.
10) What are your future goals with regard to the use of AI?
As for my goals, they are to develop it so that anyone, regardless of their level, can use artificial intelligence in their personal, professional and educational matters.
11) Are you using AI right now when answering these questions? If yes, how?
I answered the questions on my own without using artificial intelligence.
12) How do you see a future collaboration with the art world with the help of the machine?
I think that art will be amazing using artificial intelligence in the future because artificial intelligence offers what manual artistic tools cannot do. But it can not be without real art only it improves it.
After I interviewd Ahmad, I couldn't stop only at picking his brain. I had to get involved as an artist. So I shuffled to a few of Ahmad's posts on Instagram and I got various characters involving bots (and more) created by his AI agent. It is to be noted that in this case, Ahmad was not the creator, nor the artist; he just used AI as an agent which is more than a mere technological element.
Here's a short breakdown of how AI agents work: Perception and Data Collection | Decision Making | Action Execution | Learning and Adaptation (from Salesforce.com). In other
words, AI agents are autonomous, use natural language and need minimal human intervention. In the art world, AI agents can help artists to generate art, to provide inspiration and to navigate through artistic careers (how to improve the artistic career and to find the best fit with art curators and collectors - see "The Business of Art" written by Bianca Turner in 2023). In our case, as artists, most of us have a lot of imagination and originality and we do not need the help of AI to generate art. If we would do that, the technique became a simple tracing task and that's not considered creating art. But in the past, when photography was invented, a lot of artists tried to become so good at creating art looking like a picture that now we find it as a requirement in many art competitions. I can foresee that this is going to happen with art created by AI and artists who will like the challenge to create a similar image but on canvas or paper with the traditional media we know. In my case, when I started working with Ahmad I used AI as inspiration to create the bot that I was not able to imagine it due to the lack of knowledge - I was never into robotics soI had no idea how to draw a bot. What I found extremely strange was the fact that everything I created around that image of the bot was not connected in the painting. I felt like I was doing a puzzle with wrong pieces put together. Then I realized that the flow of my imagination and emotions was somewhere in parallel with what AI generated. Maybe this will be the challenge that we will encounter as AI will penetrate into the art world more: not being able to work in tandem with the machine; or that will be our uniqueness because we will always create something different that what was fed into the Ai's training alghoritm. Attached you can see two art projects I created working with Ahmad. The first one is taking two characters from two of Ahmad's posts on Instagram and the second one is totally changing the perspective oof looking at the faces portraied by the AI. In the attachments below you can also see some of the communication that Ahmad has with Aws (his AI agent), in Jordanian Arabic. When I received the screenshots, I put them through the machine and every picture was explained to me in English. This is an enormous benefit to create bridges between continents, between cultures, ages, genders, alphabets, languages. This is globalization and the way to unify people in their diversities.
Bianca Turner, Ph.D. Artist and Author www.biancaturner.art
Instagram: biancaturnerart
Andy Warhol: The Pioneer of Pop Art
Andy Warhol, an iconic figure in 20th-century art, revolutionized the landscape of contemporary culture through his pioneering work in Pop Art. His unique approach to art and celebrity turned everyday consumer goods and famous personalities into bold, thought-provoking masterpieces that continue to influence the art world today.
Early Life and Education
Born as Andrew Warhola on August 6, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Warhol was the son of Ruthenian (Rusyn) immigrants from what is now eastern Slovakia. As a child, he showed a keen interest in art and popular culture, often sketching and collecting images of celebrities. He later attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), graduating in 1949 with a degree in pictorial design.
After college, Warhol moved to New York City, where he found work as a commercial illustrator. His innovative and whimsical illustrations gained him significant recognition in the advertising world, foreshadowing his future approach to blending commercial aesthetics with fine art.
The Rise of Pop Art
In the late 1950s, Warhol transitioned from commercial illustration to fine art. His breakthrough came in 1962 with his exhibition of Campbell’s Soup Cans, which, along with his depictions of Coca-Cola bottles and Brillo soap pad boxes, catapulted him to fame. His work challenged traditional notions of art by celebrating mass production, consumerism, and popular culture.
Warhol employed the silkscreen printing technique to produce multiple variations of the same image, emphasizing repetition and removing the artist’s hand from the creation process. This method reflected his fascination with mass production and the commercialization of modern society. His portraits of celebrities, such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Elizabeth Taylor, became cultural icons, merging the worlds of fame and fine art.
Filmmaking and The Factory
As Warhol’s influence grew, he expanded his creative endeavors into filmmaking. During the 1960s, he produced avant-garde films such as Chelsea Girls (1966), My Hustler (1965), and Blue Movie (1969). His films, often plotless and experimental, were characterized by their raw, voyeuristic quality, challenging conventional cinematic storytelling.
His New York studio, The Factory, became a hub of artistic and social activity, attracting a diverse crowd of artists, musicians, actors, and cultural influencers. The Factory was not just a workplace but a symbol of Warhol’s vision—blurring the lines between art, celebrity, and counterculture.
Near-Death Experience and Later Career
In 1968, Warhol’s life was nearly cut short when Valerie Solanas, an aspiring writer and radical feminist, shot him at The Factory. Though he survived the attack, the event profoundly affected him, making him more reclusive. Despite this, he continued to create art, shifting his focus towards commissioned celebrity portraits and commercial projects throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
During this period, Warhol explored political and cultural themes, producing works that featured figures such as Mao Zedong, Mick Jagger, and the Reigning Queens series. He also authored books, including The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (1975), which provided insight into his unique views on art, fame, and life.
Legacy and Influence
Warhol passed away on February 22, 1987, following complications from gallbladder surgery. However, his legacy endures through the continued relevance of his work. The Andy Warhol Museum, established in his hometown of Pittsburgh, serves as a testament to his impact on the art world. Additionally, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, created in accordance with his will, continues to support contemporary artists.
Andy Warhol’s vision transformed the way we perceive art, blurring the boundaries between high and low culture, commerce and creativity. His work remains a powerful commentary on consumerism, celebrity, and modern life, securing his place as one of the most influential artists of all time.
For more info: www.moma.org/artist/6246-andy-warhol
Qigong
Qigong, also spelled as "chi kung" or "qi gong," is a holistic system of practices originating from China that involves the coordination of physical postures, breathing techniques, mental focus, and meditation with the goal of cultivating and balancing the body's vital energy, known as "qi" or "chi." The term "qigong" is composed of two Chinese words: "qi," which means vital energy or life force, and "gong," which means skill or cultivation. Therefore, qigong can be thought of as the cultivation of one's vital energy.
Key components of qigong include:
• Breathing: Qigong often emphasizes specific breathing techniques, such as deep, slow, and mindful breathing. These techniques are used to enhance the flow of qi in the body.
• Movement: Qigong includes a series of gentle, flowing movements and postures. These movements are designed to stretch and strengthen the body, improve balance, and promote the smooth circulation of qi.
• Meditation: Many qigong practices involve meditation and mental visualization. Practitioners focus their minds on specific areas of the body or visualize the movement of qi through the body's energy channels.
• Sound: Some forms of qigong involve vocalizations or sounds made during practice. These sounds are believed to help stimulate and balance the body's energy.
• Self-massage: Qigong may also incorporate self-massage techniques, such as tapping or gently massaging certain acupressure points, to stimulate qi flow.
Qigong is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy and is often used for the purposes of promoting physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual development. It is practiced for various reasons, including stress reduction, relaxation, increased energy, improved flexibility, and better overall health.
There are many different styles and forms of qigong, ranging from those focused on health and relaxation to more martial and rigorous practices. Tai Chi, for example, is a well-known form of qigong that incorporates martial arts elements.
It's important to note that while qigong has been associated with various health benefits, it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment when needed. If you're interested in trying qigong, it's a good idea to learn from a qualified instructor who can guide you in the proper techniques and practices. Now also Qigong training via ZOOM. For more about times and bookings. https://www.bokadirekt.se/boka-tjanst/qigong-art-56183/qigong-viazoom-3159632
Scan the QR-code for more info or www.artbymac.se/qigong.html
The Bilbao Effect:
How Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Started a Global Craze
When Frank Gehry first saw the nearly completed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, he was struck with a moment of doubt. "What the fuck have I done to these people?" he reportedly thought. The building, now a global icon, transformed both the architect and the city, giving birth to the phenomenon known as the "Bilbao Effect."
Opened in 1997, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is widely considered the most influential building of modern times. It proved that ambitious architecture could serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization, tourism, and international recognition. Cities around the world sought to replicate this success, banking on cultural investment and bold architectural statements to transform their fortunes. However, few have matched Bilbao’s achievement, as its success was the result of a unique confluence of factors.
The Vision Behind the Transformation
The museum was conceived as a "transformational project," according to Juan Ignacio Vidarte, the museum’s director. The goal was to revitalize an industrial city in economic decline and plagued by Basque separatist terrorism. The Guggenheim was intended to serve as a "driver of economic renewal," creating a positive global image and reinforcing local self-esteem.
Frank Gehry was chosen to design the museum in a competition, where he was explicitly asked to create what was not yet called an "iconic" building. The stakes were high, as Bilbao’s officials were desperate for a landmark as transformative as the Sydney Opera House. The result was a striking, curvaceous assembly of titanium and limestone that shimmered along the Nervión River, evoking imagery of a ship, a fish, and a palazzo all at once.
A Perfect Storm of Factors
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao was not the first cultural institution to spark urban renewal. Cities like Pittsburgh, Glasgow, and Frankfurt had previously sought similar transformations. However, what set Bilbao apart was the contrast between the city’s struggling status and the artistic and architectural ambition of the museum.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in New York, which had experience in commissioning architectural marvels, saw an opportunity. The foundation had been looking to expand its European presence, and when plans for Venice stalled, Bilbao’s ambitious proposal stood out. An agreement was forged in which Bilbao’s government would fund construction, acquisitions, and operations, while the Guggenheim Foundation would lend its brand, curatorial expertise, and art collections.
The Role of Technology and Budget Discipline
A major factor in Bilbao’s success was Gehry’s pioneering use of CATIA, an aerospace design software that allowed him to create Bilbao’s complex curves within budget constraints. Unlike many later "iconic" buildings that exceeded costs, the Guggenheim was completed for $100 million, demonstrating how technology could bring visionary architecture to life affordably.
The Legacy and Its Pitfalls
The Bilbao Effect ignited a global trend where cities sought to replicate its formula by commissioning striking architecture to boost tourism and economic growth. From Denver to Metz, from Abu Dhabi to West Bromwich, municipalities invested heavily in cultural landmarks hoping for their own revitalization. However, many of these projects fell short, as they focused more on spectacle than on sustainable urban planning and economic integration.
Critics have pointed out that while Bilbao’s Guggenheim works as an economic driver, its exuberant form can sometimes overshadow the art it houses. Architect Hal Foster once remarked that Gehry had "given his clients too much of what they want, a sublime space
that overwhelms the viewer, a spectacular image that circulates worldwide as a brand."
Gehry’s Own Perspective
Gehry has expressed mixed feelings about the widespread imitation of the Guggenheim. While he remains proud of his work, he cringes at the term "Bilbao Effect" and distances himself from the superficial replications of his style. He emphasizes that the museum’s true success stemmed from its connection to its urban context—relating to Bilbao’s historical fabric and industrial heritage—something many imitators neglect.
Conclusion: An Unrepeatable Phenomenon
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a testament to the power of architecture to transform a city, but its success cannot be easily duplicated. The museum was part of a broader urban renewal strategy, backed by strong governance, infrastructure investment, and a cultural vision. Cities that chase the Bilbao Effect without addressing deeper economic and social contexts often find themselves with expensive, underwhelming landmarks. Bilbao’s true lesson is that visionary architecture alone is not enough—it must be part of a comprehensive urban strategy to create lasting impact.
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