“Hippopotame Bar” Sets New Records at Design Auction, Sells for $31.4 Million

François-Xavier Lalanne’s “Hippopotame Bar” In 1976, celebrated French artist François-Xavier Lalanne designed a distinctive and playful piece known as the “Hippopotame Bar.” This remarkable bar, shaped like a hippopotamus, was a combination of hand-crafted copper, steel, and wood. More than just a stunning visual work, the bar was also practical, featuring concealed compartments that emerged from the hippo’s side, which […]

Indoor Cloud Setup with Colorful Panels Hanging in Space

Suspended within the atrium of the State Docking Building in Topeka, Kansas, the pink fluffy cloud installation titled _Astra_ is a remarkable creation by artist David Spriggs, who is based on Vancouver Island. Renowned for his atmospheric installations that blur the distinctions between 2D and 3D realms, Spriggs has crafted _Astra_ to mimic a genuine cloud or a colossal piece […]

Motivational Concepts from 12 Unique Photographer Portfolios

**Inspirational Insights from 12 Unique Photographer Portfolios** Photography captivates by enabling artists to discover and convey various perspectives of the world. Unique photographer portfolios present a rich source of inspiration, highlighting original methods, techniques, and motifs. Below are takeaways from twelve outstanding photographers whose portfolios serve as an inspirational resource. 1. **Annie Leibovitz**: Renowned for her legendary portraits, Leibovitz’s artistry […]

The Post-Truth Photography of Jeff Wall

**Navigating Photographic Truth in the Age of AI: A Review of Jeff Wall’s Work** In an era where AI-generated imagery and questions about photographic authenticity are prevalent, Jeff Wall’s constructed photographs offer a compelling exploration of reality’s boundaries. The renowned Vancouver-based artist, with over four decades of experience, eschews mere documentation in favor of imaginative compositions that challenge perceptions of […]

A New Approach to Financial Empowerment Through Human-Centric Taxation

Hannah Cole’s new book, “Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed,” is a practical and empowering guide for artists, freelancers, and the self-employed, addressing the challenges of tax season. As an artist turned tax specialist, Cole brings clarity and empathy to a topic often fraught with anxiety. The book goes beyond numbers, aiming to […]

Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave’ Reaches Historic Sale of $2.8 Million

Katsushika Hokusai’s “Under the Wave off Kanagawa,” commonly referred to as “The Great Wave,” is an eminent artwork from Japan’s Edo period. This legendary woodblock print, part of Hokusai’s “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” has captivated art enthusiasts around the world for many generations. Recently, it commanded HK$21.7 million (US$2.8 million) at a Sotheby’s auction, significantly surpassing its estimated worth. […]

Ranking of the 11 Most Challenging Classic RPG Games

**Ranking of the 11 Most Challenging Classic RPG Games** Classic RPGs have long been a test of skill, wit, and perseverance, where overcoming challenging gameplay often defines the experience. Here, we rank the eleven most challenging classic RPG games that have stood the test of time. 1. **”Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna” (1987)** Regarded as one of the most […]

Top Art Books Recommended for 2025

**While 2025 might be drawing to a close, the art books we read this year will stay with us for a long time to come.** In 2025, the art book landscape was vibrantly diverse, expanding beyond the conventional boundaries of monographs and catalogs. Readers indulged in biographies, academic titles, memoirs, zine re-issues, and art novels. Among the standout titles was […]