Richard Sapper 1932 - 2015

As virtual gatherings become the new norm, why not elevate your home drinking experience with expert cocktail recommendations from some of the world’s top mixologists? From Guillaume Le Dorner’s meditative Avignon with Cognac and frankincense, to Colin Field’s elegant French-inspired Serendipity, and Erik Lorincz’s timeless Dry Martini and Negroni, these signature “quarantinis” offer a passport to global flavors without leaving your screen. Drawing insights from the books *Regarding Cocktails* and *Where Bartenders Drink*, this guide celebrates the artistry of bartending and encourages us to savor finely crafted drinks that create lasting flavor memories—proving that even in lockdown, a well-made cocktail can bring connection, comfort, and a touch of sophistication to your social whirl.

Stephen Shore’s groundbreaking 1972 series, American Surfaces, revolutionized color photography by capturing the everyday moments and ordinary scenes of small-town America with a fresh, candid eye. Rejecting traditional photographic rules, Shore presented his unframed Kodak prints in a bold grid display, spotlighting humble subjects like meals and motel beds to create a vivid, authentic portrait of American life. Despite initial harsh criticism, his work gained recognition, influencing artists like Nan Goldin and echoing today in the diaristic, self-aware imagery common on Instagram. Revisiting his approach in a 2017 MoMA retrospective and through his Instagram, Shore reflects on the evolving relationship between photographer, subject, and viewer, and the enduring power of discovery in his visual storytelling.

Wolfgang Tillmans, renowned for capturing the vibrant gay scene and club culture of 1990s London, is now rallying support for the very nightlife venues that shaped his career. Through his Berlin exhibition space Between Bridges, Tillmans has launched Solidarity 2020, a fundraiser involving 50 international artists like Thomas Ruff, Elizabeth Peyton, and Gillian Wearing, who have each created exclusive print posters for sale. Priced at £50, $50, or €50—the equivalent of a night out—these prints aim to financially support nightclubs, music venues, and bars threatened by the global lockdown. Tillmans covers production and shipping costs, ensuring all proceeds go directly to struggling venues, providing a vital lifeline to informal cultural hotspots facing extinction amid the pandemic.

Slovenian chef Ana Roš crafts extraordinary cuisine deeply rooted in the wild, foraged traditions of her remote homeland, transforming local ingredients like trout and aged Tolminc cheese into contemporary wonders at Hiša Franko. Alongside her husband Valter Kramar’s expertise in natural wines and cheese maturation, their dishes embody the essence of the breathtaking Soča Valley. Across the Atlantic, Rocky Barnette channels the rugged spirit of Marfa, Texas, drawing on indigenous Mexican culinary techniques and local Mennonite produce to create a unique desert dining experience at the Capri. Both chefs reveal how isolation and a deep connection to place ignite creativity, tradition, and resilience in their exceptional cooking, inviting readers to explore these remarkable culinary landscapes in new books dedicated to their stories.

Philip Johnson, often seen as a precursor to the modern ‘starchitect,’ built his fame not on a singular architectural style, but on his charismatic social presence and wide-ranging connections with cultural icons like Andy Warhol, Lou Reed, and John Cage. His life intertwined with the vibrant New York avant-garde scene, especially through his long-time partner David Whitney, who connected him to the art world’s elite. Johnson’s legendary Glass House in New Canaan became a magnet for the famous and influential, embodying his unique blend of architecture and celebrity. His collaboration with Warhol on the controversial 1964 World’s Fair project, featuring the silvery mosaic of “13 Most Wanted Men,” highlighted both his pioneering spirit and the tensions between art and society. This vibrant social and creative world is vividly explored in the new book *Philip Johnson: A Visual Biography*, offering intimate stories and insights into the man behind the architectural icon.

During the Cold War, Soviet space magazines captured the imagination of a nation by celebrating the pioneers, heroes, and everyday citizens behind the USSR’s technological triumphs. Illustrated with surreal, vibrant artwork infused with Communist ideals, these publications showcased the boldest visions of space exploration and science, featuring talents like pilot-turned-illustrator Konstantin Artseulov, cosmonaut-artist Alexei Leonov, and sci-fi illustrator Andrei Sokolov. These magazines offered Soviet citizens a thrilling glimpse into boundless discovery and the power of scientific progress, embodying a spirit of optimism and national pride. Soviet Space Graphics: Cosmic Visions of the USSR reveals this fascinating artistic legacy, inviting readers to explore over 250 striking visuals that reflect the era’s cosmic ambitions and ideological drive.

Museums and galleries may be closed, but the world of art remains vibrant and accessible through E.H. Gombrich’s timeless introduction to *The Story of Art*. In this engaging excerpt, Gombrich challenges traditional notions of “Art with a capital A,” reminding us that art is about artists and personal experience rather than rigid definitions. He encourages us to appreciate all kinds of beauty—from Rubens’ proud portraits to Dürer’s unvarnished realism—and to remain open to new perspectives on color, form, and representation. Through insightful examples and a warm, scholarly tone, he invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, shedding prejudices and seeing art and nature with fresh eyes. This passage celebrates the joy of truly observing and understanding art beyond labels, promising an enriching adventure for all who dare to look deeply.

Soviet Space Graphics: Cosmic Visions from the USSR showcases a captivating collection of illustrations commissioned for Soviet popular science magazines, blending real space achievements with imaginative sci-fi visions from the mid-to-late 20th century. The artwork reflects not only the scientific ambition of the Eastern Bloc but also draws on Russia's cultural heritage, as seen in early depictions of Martian explorers resembling tsarist figures. Later, more scientifically grounded pieces by artist-engineer N. Kolchitsky bring a detailed, realistic touch to alien worlds, merging art and technology. This vibrant visual journey reveals how Soviet artists envisioned the cosmos through a uniquely cultural and progressive lens.

The Impressionists forever changed how we experience art by capturing not just landscapes but the fleeting sensations of light, atmosphere, and modern life. Emerging from their 1874 Paris exhibition, these artists—led by figures like Monet and Pissarro—focused on painting the mood and moment rather than precise topography, challenging traditional expectations with their "sketch-like" style. Monet’s iconic Impression, Sunrise symbolizes this shift, emphasizing the ephemeral effects of color and light over exact detail. The movement also embraced the dynamic urban environment of Haussmannized Paris, depicting its boulevards and bustling life through the detached eyes of the flâneur. Despite initial criticism, the Impressionists gained recognition for their fresh, personal vision of nature and city life, reminding us today of the profound beauty found in everyday moments spent outdoors, whether under the sun or in the soft glow of a café.

In 1991, Yoshitomo Nara created his iconic painting, The Girl with the Knife in Her Hand, introducing the captivating motif of big-headed girls that would define much of his work. Rooted in his childhood in rural northern Japan and influenced by Shinto beliefs and the protective figure of Jizō, Nara’s art intertwines innocence with subtle menace. His portrayal of childlike figures, embodying the complex Japanese concept of kawaii—ranging from pitiable to beloved—brims with dark humor and emotional depth. The girl’s innocent yet unsettling stare, coupled with the small knife she holds, challenges viewers’ perceptions, blending cuteness with an ambiguous threat. Nara’s work aims to evoke empathy and connection, transcending mere aesthetics to probe the tensions between vulnerability and power in contemporary culture.

Once seen as a beacon of future progress, the Soviet Union set the pace in space exploration with groundbreaking firsts—from launching the first satellite and sending the first humans and animals into orbit, to pioneering spacewalks and interplanetary missions. Decades before the US Moon landing, visionary illustrations like B. Dashkov’s 1959 depiction of a lunar space station captured the Soviet ambition and imagination. Featured in the influential magazine Technology for the Youth, these stunning graphics blended scientific achievement with state ideology, charting a bold cosmic vision during the Cold War. Today, the legacy endures as Russia collaborates on cutting-edge lunar mapping projects, revealing that those early dreams might not have been so far-fetched after all.

Visiting beautiful country gardens like Great Dixter may be on hold, but gardener and cook Aaron Bertelsen offers inspiring tips from his new book, *Growing Fruit & Vegetables in Pots*, to help you cultivate fresh produce no matter your space. Whether in a city apartment or a small courtyard, Bertelsen shares creative ideas for container gardening, highlighting easy-to-grow herbs such as basil, chives, parsley, mint, and tarragon. He emphasizes practical advice on how to care for each plant, from ideal sunlight and watering routines to choosing healthy starts over supermarket pots. Perfect for gardeners of all levels, his guidance not only brings fresh flavors and greenery into your home but also encourages sustainable, enjoyable growing all year round.