CONTEMPORARY ART

Contemporary art reflects the complexities that shape our diverse, rapidly changing world. Here are some of the best works in the art market today to inspire your next shopping trip.

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Van Gogh’s Still Life: Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers being auctioned at Christie’s (March 30, 1987). SOLD FOR: £22,500,000.

When a print of his that sold for £75,000 in an online sale in April 2021. 

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Banksy didn’t create prints to make money. His art was sold for low prices to democratize his art and make it accessible. People would buy his art with cash or credit card with no awareness of it’s future value.

Banksy has been selling his art since the 1990s. Alongside his street art, Banksy has been creating works for sale for more than 20 years. The earliest pieces at auction date from 1998, while his earliest commercial prints are from 2002. 

This is the perfect example of who a contemporary artist is. The work of contemporary artists is a dynamic combination of materials, methods, concepts, and subjects that challenge traditional boundaries and defy easy definition. Contemporary art is made (majority are by living artists, but not always the case) to reflect the complex issues that shape our diverse, global, and rapidly changing world.

Diverse and eclectic, contemporary art is distinguished by the very lack of a uniform organizing principle, ideology, or -ism. The most prominent feature of contemporary art is the fact that it has no distinct feature or a single characteristic. It is defined by the artist's ability to innovate and bring out a modern masterpiece.

Below is a carefully curated collection of art to inspire your next purchase, gift idea, or decor piece to compliment your space. Enjoy!

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Dom Perignon Balloon Venus by Jeff Koons ($20,160 GBP)

‘LOVE’ by Robert Indiana ($1,260 EUR)

Zwei Gruppen von 1zu11 by Max Bill ($88,200 USD)

Multipo Pillola: Concetto Spaziale by Lucio Fontana (88,200 EUR)

Concetto Spaziale, Attese by Lucio Fontana (799,000 EUR)

‘Pan’ Contemporary piece by George Condo ($70,000 - $100,000)

Symphony by Alfred Basbous ($15,120 GBP)

Smoker Banner by Tom Wesselmann ($119,700 USD)

Oiseau-Tripode by Jean Arp ($252,000 USD)

‘Donna a Cavallo’ (Contemporary piece) by Fernando Botero (3748,000)

Chum (Orange) by KAWS ($35,000 USD)

Coffee Cup Fragment by Michael Craig-Martin ($1,512 GBP)

Moto-Scultura by Ugo Nespolo (6,000 - 8,000 EUR)

TRANSPORTABLE RICHES

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Mysterious travelers of the earth - the bear keepers, snake charmers, and fortune tellers of the world -are synonymous with gold coins.

Gypsies were one of the very first people to wear their money or gold coins as an accessory.

‘Salome',’ by Henri Regnault (1870) The MET, New York, NY.

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GYPSIES

They did this for two reasons: first, it served as a convenient way to transport their money where they can always see it and secondly, to showcase their wealth along their travels. Gypsies’ love of opulence reflects their culture’s belief system of sharing your success with others including the importance of honor and generosity.

“Not Titled”, (1869) by Émile Vernet-Lecomte

Not everything that shines is JUST gold.

Easily transportable, it’s no wonder jewelry became the first form of currency. Dating back to 3500 BC Mesopotamia, jewelry was being traded for goods, supplies, and services. This bartering system was so successful that it quickly spread to other ancient trade routes outside of Mesopotamia.

Coin design varied from kingdom to kingdom in accordance with their local arts, culture, and leaders.  So, despite the varying shape or size of coins, it was the weight that determined the monetary value.

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TURKEY (Lydian Kingdom)

The first coins of standardized size, weight, and shape were created by the Lydian Kingdom (present day Turkey) around 650-700 BC. The coins were a naturally occurring combination of gold and silver, known as ‘electrum’. Lydians would carve designs on one side of the coin and marked the other side with indents.

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ANCIENT CHINA

Alongside the Lydians, Ancient China was also creating their own coins. But before these coins, the Shang Dynasty used sea snail shells called cowries. Then they applied pieces of gold in the letters of Chinese cities on them. Next, knives of different metals were used as currency.

In 220 BC coins as money became popular throughout the country. These Chinese coins feature some sort of square or round hole. This was deliberately added so that coins could be tied to a string or wire for easier transport. 

Jeune Femme de Profil (1915) by Samuel Mutzner

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ROMANS

In Ancient Rome, the Romans set coins as jewelry called ‘Gemme Numari’, which literally translates to ‘coin gems’ or ‘nummary gems.’ These coins were treated as works of art and served as vehicles for creativity for artists in Ancient Greece and Rome. These medallions had figurines of kings, queens, and individuals of greatness. The Romans praised their emperors, placing their faces on the front and their achievements on the back.

‘Priestess of Delphi,’ by John Collier (1891). Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide.

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GREEKS

The Greeks honored the gods on their coins, depicting their image on the face and an attribute on the back. Larger coins were used as medals or awards that were given to individuals who displayed strength of character, courage in a perilous situation, or performed a noble deed. These larger coins were a sign of respect and honor for all to see what he or she has done for others/greater good of all. These coins have given art historians invaluable knowledge on cultural accomplishments especially since these are the only existing form of written form of historic documentation.

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EUROPEANS and PACIFIC REGION

As war waged in the 1940s between Europe and the Pacific region, lonely soldiers and sailors away from home, family, and loved ones began the trend of ‘Sweetheart Coins’ or ‘Victorian Love Coins’. Not knowing whether they would make it back home to their loved ones and lovers, coins would be smoothed, worked, and engraved by hand with meaningful names, dates, designs, or initials.

Other times, the coin would be left intact, and the sentimental message(s) would be engraved on the edges around the images of liberty or royalty.  The messages on the coins could be used as spiritual reminders, family documentation, or sentimental sweet nothings. Coins became lucky charms, jewelry, and works of art. Other methods used to create these ‘Love Tokens’ was to heat a coin into a desired shape, drill a hole, and connected several pieces together to become ‘Sweetheart’ jewelry.

Such jewelry could be transformed into a bracelet, chain for watches, and necklaces. ‘Victorian Love Tokens’, coin jewelry, ornaments, or medallions were worn as bracelets, pins, or necklaces for many years awaiting family reunion. They were mostly found around England, Australia, and other countries where the military was stationed. Coins were also made into brooches, earrings, and cuff-links. Jewelry from coins were also common with people throughout England, Australia, and other countries where soldiers were stationed. It is believed that the love token originated in Great Britain as early as the 13th century with the practice of bending coins.

Sunset on a Rough Sea (1873) by James Hamilton

FIT & LEAN WITH EMS TRAINING

Fit and lean in just 20-minute (weekly) training sessions? Every lazy person’s dream (and stubborn fat’s nightmare)!

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Is there anything more disheartening or frustrating than ‘stubborn fat’? Sometimes, no matter how faithful you are to your workout routine, it’s those last few pounds that just refuse to melt away.

If this is your situation, then adding Electrical Muscle Stimulation (or EMS for short) to your regular workout routine may just be for you. EMS is a type of training method that improves body tone, strengthens muscles, and overall fitness. It involves wearing an EMS device that stimulates muscles with tiny electrodes.

A regular workout routine typically only stimulates fast twitch muscles but with an EMS device both the slow and fast-twitch muscles are activated. Incorporating an EMS device into your routine will also shorten the amount of time spent in the gym. The efficiency of these devices promises results for as little as 20 minutes a day.

Almost every wellness center and gym offer EMS training sessions with their licensed personal trainers. During an EMS training session, the individual wears an EMS device in the form of a suit, vest, and/or shorts that is wired and fits tight (to prevent accidents during the workout) of a which will electrically stimulate distinctive groups of muscles. The individual is instructed to hold different poses for several seconds.

As you exercise (which is already engaging your muscles), electrical impulses from the EMS device force muscles to contract, resulting in more muscle recruitment. These pulses act as resistance, making the seemingly ‘simple’ movements feel much harder to do and leaves you fatigued much faster. 

EMS training does not hurt but the light tingling sensation from the device may take some getting used to. The sensations are completely normal as they indicate the device is working and stimulating muscles. Just like any other training, how sore the body will feel after a session of EMS training depends on multiple factors, such as the intensity of the work out, weights used, and length of time.

Although EMS training sessions are brief, they are quite intense and failing to properly assess the maximum electrical exposure can be dangerous. The German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology and Functional Imagery (DGKN) warns that EMS devices can cause muscle and kidney damage, when used incorrectly.

Before starting, you should have your liver function checked and make sure that you are not suffering from a muscle disorder. The best (and safest) way to add EMS training to your regular workout routine is with a trained physical therapist who is knowledgeable in applying the device and using regulated with FDA-approved units. In moderation and under medical supervision, EMS training is acceptable.

Besides accelerated body toning results, other benefits include improved muscle strength and endurance. The EMS device encourages your body to enter a high metabolic state, helping sculpt even the most stubborn areas of the body such as the waist, hip, and thigh areas. Results will be evident if you use the device for 20-30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

The best EMS machine depends on which EMS device best targets your stubborn areas and is of specific body concern to you. Most EMS devices are made to tone a muscle group or body part.

Here are the most popular EMS devices in the market today.

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SHOP EMS DEVICES

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EMS BOOTY TRAINER AT LE PEACH CLUB FOR $49

Le peach booty trainer stimulates your (booty) muscles for a low effort/ high intensity workout. Just 20 minutes a day get your bum in those perfect peachy curves.

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SLENDERTONE ABS 8 TONING BELT AT AMAZON FOR $130

With 10 toning programs and 100 intensity levels, you can sculpt the midsection of your dreams in just 8 weeks. The SlenderTone ABs & Toning Belt is a comfy band designed specially for the abdominal muscles. Like with any EMS machine, the SlenderTone Belt mimics a workout by flexing your muscles very rapidly.

Out of the 10 programs, 7 are for passive use when you’re on the couch, in bed or lounging. Then when you’re doing any cardio activity or ab exercises, tap into the 3 active programs to amplify your results.

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POWERDOT 2.0 DUO SMART MUSCLE STIMULATOR AT THERABODY FOR $349

More than just an EMS machine, the FDA-cleared THERABODY POWERDOT 2.0 DUO SMART MUSCLE STIMULATOR relieves pain, helps you get a faster recovery and unlocks better performance from your workouts.

The duo version has 2 pod devices for faster results when you target both sides of the muscle group or both sides of your body at once. This EMS machine also includes transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) too. This sends little electrical pulses to the nerves to release pain-blocking chemicals. And that’s renowned for pain relief, especially for menstrual cramps.

Lastly, it’s pretty smart. The app-powered personalized treatments make sure that you place the pads in the right place to get the most from your 20 minutes, once or twice daily session.

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TACTICAL-X ABS STIMULATOR AT SPINPAPER FOR $60

The L(A)B EMS Body Toning System tightens and tones your body with pre-programmed workouts for stubborn fat areas. Use the EMS toning technology that’s always non-invasive and pain-free to sculpt yourself across these 6 unique programs.

Relieve tension and tightness while you target problem areas on your tum, arms, thighs, bum and more. Overall, you can combine these fast and slow-twitch muscle movement stimulation sessions with any regular workouts you’re doing in the gym for even faster results.

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TENSCARE PERFECT EMS & TENS UNIT AT CURRENT BODY FOR $69

The TensCare Perfect EMS & TENS Unit is a reasonably priced entry into the muscle toning and pain relief arena. With its easy-to-use digital display, quickly strengthen weakened muscles and get pain management where you need it most.

It’s easy to place the pads wherever you like on your body and the integrated treatment timer helps you use the EMS and TENS technology to full effect.

 Just follow the program 1-2 times a day with effects that last up to 4 hours after using the EMS machine. It’s discrete and easy to add to your regular daily routine.

MEN’S & MISC.— THE ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

From home decor to apparel to the miscellaneous, these ingenious items are a must-have for every guy. Whether he's a bookworm, shoe fanatic, trend setter, or homebody - this gift guide has got you covered.

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Did you know that there are people who experience heart palpitations, confusion, and fainting (some cases even hallucinations) when they become exposed to objects of great beauty? 

The earliest recorded incident was in 1817 when a French novelist and critic, Stendhal, made himself sick on art. With incidences becoming more common, it officially became known as ‘Stendhal Syndrome’ or ‘Florence Syndrome’.

By the end of the pandemic and start of 2022, the world was bursting with ideas, art, and all forms of creative works in between. Below are some of 2022’s greatest discoveries for men from home décor, apparel, accessories, and books. 

If you sense light headedness, heart palpitations, or confusion while browsing these finds you may be experiencing, “Florence Syndrome’.

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THE HOMEBODY

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ASTELL MARBLE SERVING BOARD AT NET-A-PORTER FOR $117

GRECIAN BUST BOOKENDS AT ANTHROPOLOGIE FOR $58

TOOGOOD DOUGH STONEWARE PITCHER AT MR.PORTER FOR $135

COLD PICNIC BLACK SPARROWS BLANKET AT SSENSE FOR $220

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THE CREATIVE

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GO ANALOG INSTANT POLAROID CAMERA AT NORDSTROM FOR $100

SUPREME SMURFS SKATE DECK AT STOCKX FOR $125

KAWS: COMPANION OPEN EDITITION VINYL FIGURE AT ARTSY FOR $1500

RT81 TURNTABLE AT FLAUNCE FOR $250

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THE SHOE FANATIC

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ADIDAS SAMBA WALES BONNER RED WHITE AT STOCKX FOR $388

NIKE TERMINATOR HIGH SP AT STOCKX FOR $120

AIR JORDAN 1’S : “LOST & FOUND” SNEAKER AT STOCKX FOR $425

NEW BALANCE 990v3 "MOONBEAM" SNEAKERS AT STOCKX FOR $252

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THE BOOKWORM

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ANATOMY IN BLACK BY EMILY EVANS AT AMAZON FOR $48

DAVID HOCKNEY’S BOOK, ‘MY WINDOW' AT TASCHEN FOR $150

COMPLEX PRESENTS: SNEAKER OF THE YEAR AT AMAZON FOR $18

ART OF NATIVE AMERICA: THE CHARLES AND VALIER DIKER COLLECTION AT AMAZON FOR $50

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THE SHADES COLLECTOR

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MOSCOT ‘LEMTOSH’ SUNGLASSES AT MOSCOT FOR $310

PERSOL 649 SUNGLASSES AT AMAZON FOR $267

GUCCI RECTANGULAR FRAME SUNGLASSES AT GUCCI FOR $450

ORIGINAL WAYFARER CLASSIC AT RAYBAN FOR $163

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THE TREND SETTER

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MISMO SHOPPER LEATHER-TRIMMED NYLON TOTE BAG AT MR. PORTER FOR $315

HIGH-FLYING BOMBER JACKET: MIL-TEC CWU FLIGHT JACKET AT AMAZON FOR $103

AIME LEON DORE: UNISPHERE HAT AT AIMELEONDORE FOR $55

SEIKO 5 SRPD63 WATCH AT AMAZON FOR $221

INDUSTRIAL STYLE LIVING

New York City artists of the 60s and 70s didn’t find their art studios – they created them!

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For decades artists have gravitated towards the nitty, gritty, urban landscapes of city life like New York and Detroit. Remarkably, it was the artists of New York City during the 1950’s and ‘60’s that would birth the revolutionary interior design aesthetic that we know of today as, industrial style décor.

Artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko turned abandoned warehouses and factories into their own personal work spaces, where they created some of the most influential art of the 20th century.

Today, artists and designers alike continue to be charmed by these similar characteristics like exposed brick, concrete, raw and unfinished materials. It’s no wonder that the industrial style aesthetic remains one of the most popular for interior design. Its use of raw materials and focus on functionality and simplicity make it a perfect canvas for creativity.

You don’t have to be an artist like Jackson Pollock or live in an urban landscape like New York or Detroit to live in your dream décor aesthetic. Below are some insights that can help you achieve this aesthetic in your own home.

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MAGNIFICENT SNAP-SHOTS OF LIVED-IN INDUSTRIAL STYLE HOMES

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IMAGE SOURCE: BEHANCE, PINTEREST

IMAGE SOURCE: DORIS LESLIE BLAU ON PINTEREST

IMAGE SOURCE: ONE KINDESIGN, PINTEREST

IMAGE SOURCE: APPOINTFIX ON PINTEREST

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SHOP

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When shopping for items to achieve the Industrial Style aesthetic, think: raw materials, vintage elements, metal finishes, and functional furniture — as these are synonymous with this decor.

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LEATHER & LOUNGE

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When deciding on furniture, stick to the holy trinity of Industrial style aesthetic: they should be simple, functional, and utilitarian. Consider adding a vintage chair or leather sofa for added warmth and unique twist to the room.

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CORNELIA LEATHER CLUB CHAIR AT JOSSANDMAIN FOR $1240

CHESTERFIELD LEATHER SOFA AT POTTERY BARN FOR $4,699

FRESNO UPHOLSTERED DINING CHAIR AT POTTERY BARN FOR $679

BLACK LEATHER OAK CHAIR AT KATHY KOU HOME FOR $1,699

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ENTERTAINMENT & METALS

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Entertain your guests (and yourself!) by incorporating metal finishes to your space. Be creative, select items with metal in fun and unexpected places such as in the lighting fixtures, hardware, and furniture!

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BELMONT METAL CABINET IN BLACK AT BURKE DECOR FOR $2199

SCHMIT ACCENT TABLE AT BURKE DECOR FOR $249

DECMODE BRASS FUNCTIONAL ANTIQUE PHONE AT HAYNEEDLE FOR $152

52-IN TORQUE MEDIA CART AT MODERN INDUSTRIAL FURNITURE FOR $1,750

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TEXTURES

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Add character and depth to your space with textures! Natural elements like plants or wooden accents are just one option to achieve this. Another alternative is to use textiles like wool or jute rugs and cozy throws. The space should feel raw and untouched, yet still warm and cozy.

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DUNMORE NATURAL JUTE RUG AT BALLARD DESIGNS FOR $400

KESTLER INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY WOODEN CRATE AT MR.DARBY’S ANTIQUES FOR $39

ANTIBES, BRONZ ACCENT THROW PILLOW AT COTEIRE FOR $68

FIDDLE LEAF FIG PLANT AT HOUZZ

FOR $64

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LIGHTING

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Choose lighting fixtures with metal finishes such as copper or steel. This is a fun and creative way to add to the overall urban, raw feel of the space.

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JORDAN PENDANT LIGHT AT POTTERY BARN FOR $169

JONATHAN HOMER 13 IN. 1-LIGHT MODERN INDUSTRIAL IRON LED DOME PENDANT AT HAYNEEDLE FOR $183

CHABEI LOFT VINTAGE ROPE MONKEY PENDANT LIGHT AT AMAZON FOR $126

NEWTON HAND BLOWN GLASS MINI PENDANT AT POTTERY BARN FOR $249