Since 1934, the Hagia Sophia has been a museum and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985) cherished by Christians and Muslims alike. For over 80 years, it has served as a monument of relative harmony and a symbol of the secularism that was a part of the foundations of the modern Turkish state.
Author Archives: Cher B
National Parks & Full Moons in Art & Life (Ansel Adams, USA)
Full moon! National Parks! = Ansel Adams! This favorite photo reminds me of that spectacular full moon we had this past July 4th weekend—Wow!—and our national parks—top summer vacation destinations.
4th of July = Fireworks. . . or not?? Art & Life (Whistler)
To celebrate the fireworks that we may NOT be seeing this 4th of July due to COVID-19 restrictions, I’m sharing an oil painting of a fireworks display on a foggy night in London by a well-known American artist, Whistler. I enjoy this painting because it reminds me the night sky just as the fireworks are dissolving into the atmosphere.
Pandemic Delight: Patio Dining in Art & Life (Renoir)
Local suburbs are helping restaurants stay afloat during the pandemic by allowing them to carve out patios on sidewalks and streets to increase seating capacity. I love dining in outdoor cafes; it makes me feel very “European” even if I am in a local café. Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party is one such place!
Art for Father’s Day 2020: Honoring Our Father (Michelangelo, Sistine Ceiling, Italy)
Who better to honor on Father’s Day, then our heavenly Father, Father of us all. And what better image than Michelangelo’s creation of Adam (also father of us all) on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, Rome, Italy.
Art for Flag Day: The American Flag (Jasper Johns)
This painting is to recognize Flag Day and honor our USA flag. The American flag was one of Jasper John’s signature emblems; He created the painting to elicit a closer look at our flag because he felt that the flag was a common object that was “seen and not looked at, not examined.”
Four Freedoms: Norman Rockwell
Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms” are as relevant today as they were 80 years ago. The desire for Freedom is born in each of us. This blog shares the 4 original artworks that have become icons .
Art & Tea in the Garden (Frieseke)
The particular painting reminded me of a recent photograph I took of my fabulous sister, sitting in her lush spring gardens—also dappled in sunlight!
Peonies! In Art & in my Garden! (Manet)
I was led to this painting by Manet this week while my own peonies bloomed! I was so excited because my peonies often skip years and this year had a bumper crop.
Golden Rule: Do Unto Others. . . in Art & Life (Rockwell)
Pondering famous art pertinent to the horrendous current events of racism and violence this past week with the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police in Minnesota, this verse and artwork came to mind. If we all applied the Golden Rule to our lives, the world would be a much different place.
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