This summer, I’ve been lucky enough to witness so many great friends marry their person.
I can’t help but think back on each special day as somewhat of a portrait of the couple, unique to them and them alone, with each day being so different from one another yet entirely reflective and true to each duo. On each wedding day, the vows were my favourite part, serving as a quick glimpse into the intimate and special bond between two amazing people. And in every case, the words were chosen carefully and intentionally, becoming, in many ways, a verbal portrait of their relationships.
This month, I want to dedicate this edition to all my newlywed pals — I love you all and your love!
🌊 Deep Dive: Artist Love Stories
Love and art have long intertwined, and witnessing so much love this summer had me thinking about artistic couples throughout art history.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, immediately come to mind as an iconic artistic duo, however, their relationship was tumultuous at best. Another relationship at the forefront was that between Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, which also had its challenges, as Pollock maintained the spotlight during their lifetime and similarly to Rivera, found love outside their union.
However, from a market perspective, Krasner is finally getting recognition in her own right with her estate being represented by Kasmin Gallery and her larger paintings regularly selling for over $5m. You can read a bit more about her work in a previous post of mine.
Contemporary Artist Duos
While these art historical couples are without a double influence, as a contemporary gal, I am keen to look towards creative couples working today, and how their work shares an aesthetic bond.
Hilary Pecis and Andrew Schoultz, while the aesthetic of their paintings differ, both Pecis and Schoultz impart vibrant colours and intricate details.
Mark Grotjahn and Jennifer Guidi’s works can be described as explorations of color and repetition.
Jonas Wood often includes depictions of his wife, Shio Kusaka’s, gorgeous minimal ceramics in his interior scenes.
KAWS (Brian Donnelly) and Julia Chiang create paintings with precision in a singular dimension.
While all of the couples above are united by common threads, their works ultimately stand on their own. Much like two individuals uniting in love.
🔥 Trending
Art x Olympics —
’s recent spotlight on contemporary artist-designed Olympic posters was a fun and timely read.High demand for Taco Bell art... yes, the fast food chain. This proves that a mix of theft and nostalgia can create a thriving black market, as works by artist Mark T. Smith who created pieces for 4,000 locations are being spotted on eBay for $9,000+.
If you know me this is a bit of a nightmare… At the Beyeler Foundation, Carsten Höller and sleep researcher Adam Haar have collaborated on Dream Bed (Dreaming of Flying with Flying Fly Agarics), 2024. Visitors can take a nap or stay overnight as long as they journal about their dreams.
💸 Advisory Picks
Specifically, some art I’d love to live with.
Lisa Sanditz
Poppies and, 2024
Michelle Morin
Peony, 2024
Sophia Lapres
Study for a kiss, 2024
👋 Parting Words…
Thanks for reading! I truly love having you all here.
Next month I will be testing some new things, including some curated picks for paying subscribers (more on that soon...). Stay tuned!
Until next time…
XX, B