Art World Insiders Share Which Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram

Art World Insiders Share Which Artists You Need to Follow on Instagram

Anyone who follows us knows we love Instagram. Of course we enjoy being able to connect with our Oh So Arty followers through the app but it also provides an exciting new way to see what goes on behind the scenes in the art world. Just recently the legendary photographer Cindy Sherman made her Instagram public and gifted the world of social media with a whole new dimension of her work. Her feed overflows with quirky selfies that only she would be capable of producing. Our interest in Cindy Sherman’s page made us wonder what other artists working today had cultivated an intriguing Instagram feed. We wanted to find out about artists from all over the world so we turned to our local insiders for their recommendations and compiled a list of our favorites!  

 

Katarzyna Przezwańska (@przezwa)

This polish artist, recommended by our Warsaw guide Zuzanna Zasacka (@zzzasacka), brings the same luminous imagery to her Instagram as she does to her ethereal works on canvas.  Her feed provides a look at what inspires her art including out of this world manicures, botanical gardens, and quirky postcards.

Broken Fingaz (@brokenfingaz)

Yael Shapira, who runs Alternative Tel Aviv (@alternativetlv), shared her thoughts on one of her favorite artist Instagram pages! “The Broken Fingaz Crew from Haifa, Israel, is the most known Israeli art collective worldwide. They are four men born and raised in Haifa city and today they exhibit their marvelous art pieces at galleries, museums, art fairs and streets all over the world. Be sure to also follow @ghostown04, their independent label based in Haifa, promoting local artists, producing events, a clothing line and merchandise by the BFC."

Oz Barak (@_ozbarak) 

In a world full of constant digital photography it is refreshing to see film photography, even if it’s through the screen of your phone.  That’s exactly what you’ll see in the feed of portrait photographer Oz Barak, recommended by Jenna Romano (@jenna_h_romano).  Barak shares some of his most intimate and romantic works through his Instagram feed and it creates a strong nostalgic sentiment in the viewer.

Jennifer Abessira (@jenniferabessira)

Our London insider, Marine Tanguy (@marinetanguyart), loves the feed of artist Jennifer Abessira.  Jennifer’s feed brought an instant smile to our faces through it’s lively use of primary colors and hashtags.  A few of our favorite hashtags include #bauhausvibes, #SheWantedtoDieButSheAlsoWantedToLiveInParis, and #aGirlsAgunPeowPeow.  With gems like these it’s safe to say the Oh-So-Arty team is #following.    

Laurie Simmons (@lauriesimmons)

As the mother of one of the most provocative personalities of our time, Lena Dunham, it’s expected that Laurie Simmons would have an interesting Instagram.  Simmons is an important cultural figure in her own right and her feed provides a glimpse into her exciting life as a member of the New York art world, which is why our Paris insider Judith Souriau (@untitled_consulting) recommends giving her a follow.   

Elad Rosen (@eladrosen)

Shani Werner (@talkingarttlv) who runs the blog, Talking Art, suggests following artist, Elad Rosen.  Shani told us, "Elad is a painter and ceramics artist based in Tel Aviv and represented by the Rosenfeld gallery. His works are full of dark humor and stretch the boundaries between what is considered raw and aesthetic."

Marian Tubbs (@mariantubbs)

Our new Melbourne insider, Charlotte Cornish (@thehoneymoonsuite_) is a loyal follower of Marian Tubbs quirky feed.  If you like what you see on Tubbs feed be sure to check out her comprehensive website for more of her interesting work.   

The Photo House (@thephotohousetlv)

Venture back in time with the monochromatic feed of late master photographer Rudi Weissenstein, whose work is posted through the platform, The Photo House.  Shani Werner (@talkingarttlv) explained, "The Photo House maintains the archive and heritage of photographer Rudi Weissenstein who worked in Tel Aviv in the early 30s. This is a real delight for all you “oldies” fans out there."

Pipilotti Rist (@pipilottirist)

Our new Zurich insider, Diana Poole (@diana_poole_photography), recomends Pipilotti Rist.  Poole told us, "A pioneer of video art, since the mid-eighties, Pipilotti Rist’s film installations have taken on many guises. She has likened them to handbags: "because there is room in them for everything: painting, technology, language, music, flowing pictures, poetry, commotion, premonitions of death, sex and friendliness.’ Rist draws together inner and outer worlds of kaleidoscopic colour and wonderment."

Samira Yamin (@samirayamin)

LA guide, Sharón Zoldan (@sharonzoldan), says Samira Yamin is an LA based artist on the rise, who has "an incredible eye for details, and her Instagram feed is a perfect extension of the beautiful symmetry she finds in the every day."

Matthew Griffin (@contemporaryary)

Our veteran Melbourne guide, Melissa Loughnan (@utopianmel) recommends New York based Australian artist Matthew Griffin.  This artist's feed is full of tongue in cheek photoshopped works that poke fun at contemporary culture. 

David aiu Servan-Schreiber (@davidaiu)

In 2017 some artists feel that they have a responsibility to be political with their work. David aiu Servan-Schreiber promotes his message to protect the earth from climate change through his art and instagram, which is why he’s a favorite of London guide Marine Tanguy (@marinetanguyart).  His Instagram bio reads, “I am an Artist who cares about the climate change”.  Go beyond his bio for images of his art, inspiration, and personal life.

Tschabalala Self (@tschabalalaself)

Tschabalala Self’s Instagram is as colorful and eye-catching as her artwork.  Our Parisian art guide Judith Souriau (@untitled_consulting) said about Self, “I like her humour and energy.”  That humour and energy both come across in Self’s feed and it’s definitely worth a follow.  

Nitzan Mintz (@nitzanmintz)

Yael Shapira (@alternativetlv) also recommends Nitzan Mintz for some street art inspiration.  Shapira told us, “Nitzan Mintz is a street poet or ‘visual poet’ as she puts it. Her art is a very unique work with letters but it doesn't really fit in the classic category of ‘graffiti’, even though it could be considered as ‘street art’. Her distinct signature fonts cover walls all over the world and she also exhibit studio pieces in various art spaces. Be sure to also follow the artist Dede, her studio mate and life partner (@dedebandaid)”

Max Maslansky (@bathos_country)

LA based guide, Sharón Zoldan (@sharonzoldan) love the feed of artist Max Maslansky.  Zoldan said, “his work is sexy and funny. His figurative painting of 1970s porn stills are instantly recognizable. Following his feed on Instagram is a total kick. He mines the internet to post random photos of outrageous memes and hilarious moments forever preserved on the internet for all to see. His current obsession: crabs.”

Douglas Mandry (@douglasmandry)

Diana Poole (@diana_poole_photography), our Zurich insider, recommends emerging artist, Douglas Mandry. Poole told us, “his focus is on manipulating and distorting the materiality of the photographic medium in order to examine our representations of, and relation with, the natural world. He reworks prints through retouching, puncturing, rubbing, disintegrating, adding light, smoke and texture - often allowing an element of chance, the results are always mesmerizing.”

Jessica Tamar Deutsch (@jessica_tamar_deutsch) 

Jenna Romano (@jenna_h_romano) loves the adorable illustrations that fill Jessica Deutsch's Instagram feed.  Her colorful sketches of street scenes and flowers stand out against the millions of photos on the app.  If you want to see more of her work check out her new book 'The Illustrated Pirkei Avot: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Ethics'.

 

 

 

San Francisco Art Guide - September & October

San Francisco Art Guide - September & October

These are some of the top Gallery and Museum shows that I highly recommend for the end of summer and beginning of fall in San Francisco.

I.

Exhibition title: Begin Anywhere: Paths of Mentorship and Collaboration
Artists: Amanda Boe, McNair Evans, Kevin Kunishi with Jason
Fulford, Todd Hido, Mark Mahaney, Mike Smith and Alec Soth as
mentors
Venue: SF Camerawork
Dates: Until October 14th

 

This exhibition, Begin Anywhere: Paths of Mentorship and Collaboration (which was curated by Monique Deschaines), is the evolution of the artistic practice during the exploration of mentorship, collaboration and sharing of ideas and inspiration. The 3 artists, Amanda Boe, McNair Evans and Kevin Kunishi, all go back to their roots exploring the ideas of home, family, identity and landscapes.  The distinct artistic styles and influence of the well known and respected mentors can clearly be seen in the work created by their mentorees. In conjunction with
the exhibition SF Camerawork released the stunning publication Begin Anywhere.

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II.

Exhibition title: Grinding
Artist: Takis, Kazuo Shiraga, Tom Sachs, Sterling Ruby, Jour
Pour, Oscar Murillo, Petra Cortright, Petra Collins, Mario Ayala
Venue: EVER GOLD [PROJECTS]
Dates: Until October 21st

 

Ever Gold [Projects], based at the Minnesota Street Project, presents Grindings, a group exhibition featuring work by Mario Ayala, Petra Collins, Petra Cortright, Oscar Murillo, Kour Pour, Sterling Ruby, Tom Sachs, Kazuo Shiraga, and Takis.  This vibrant group exhibition includes several young and international artists who all work in various mediums. Although quite young in age many of these artists are quite established and have work in well-known museums and collections all around the world. The works created by the various artists, all distinct in style, play off each other very nicely to create a very interesting and cohesive exhibition.

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III.

Exhibition title: Soundtracks
Artist: Venue: SFMOMA
Dates: Until January 1, 2018

 

Soundtracks is the first exhibition that the SFMOMA has had which explores the role of sound in relationship to contemporary art. This group exhibition is cross-generational and includes artists from around the world. Included in the exhibition are various mediums and several of the works are interactive; making this exhibition fun to explore for all.

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Lisbon Art Guide - September

Lisbon Art Guide - September

September in Lisbon is a time of new openings and end of summer shows. It’s the perfect moment for coming to the city and exploring the local art scene. This month is always full of openings and fresh, inspiring projects. On the one hand we can observe well-known galleries starting autumn exhibition season, on the other hand there are a variety of smaller art festivals and new projects to come out. By being here in September you can observe vibrant Portuguese art in its best moment of the year. 

I. 

Exhibition: Bairro das Artes
Artists: various artists
Venue: various venues
Dates: 21st of September 2017 | 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.


Bairro das Artes (Arts Quarter) is annual event since 2010, which gathers more than 30 galleries. It’s occasion to enjoy the best art during one evening, when institutions prolong their opening hours or prepare a new show to begin that day. Event is located on one of seven hills of Lisbon, so it’s easy and comfortable to stroll around it. Neighborhoods of São Bento, Bairro Alto and Chiado are full of spots for hipster hang outs, so after art there is always something to do. 

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II. 

Exhibition: NEW WORK
Artists: Binelde Hyrcan, Tiago Alexandre, Dealmeida Esilva, Horácio Frutuoso, Nikolai Nekh
Venue: Balcony Gallery | Rua Coronel Bento Roma 12 A, Lisboa
Dates: 21st of September to November 11th 

Balcony Gallery is the newest contemporary art gallery in Lisbon. On 20th of September they will open their doors for the first time. The idea is to promote young Portuguese and international art scene. Gallery will organize six exhibitions per year, both collective and individual, highlighting the first solo exhibitions of young artists and the regular presentation of new names in dialogue with the artists represented by the gallery. NEW WORK exhibition is the first show, in which all the represented artists will participate and create new artworks dedicated to gallery’s space. 

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III.

Exhibition: Portugal em Flagrante: Operation 1, 2 and 3
Artist: various artists
Venue: Modern Collection, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Dates: until 18th November 

“Portugal em Flagrante” is a semi-permanent exhibition of the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian’s Modern Collection designed to offer an introduction to the history of art and culture in Portugal during the twentieth century. The exhibition occupies three floors of gallery and presents institution’s collection for the first time in 25 years. Order of exhibition is chronological and organized with specific forms of expression: paper, painting and sculpture. All the artworks are accompanied with introduction abouttimesthey were made and the cultural background of Portugal back then.
It’s perfect choice for those who would like to understand more about modern and contemporary art in Portugal. 

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Vienna Art Guide - September

Vienna Art Guide - September

I.

Exhibition: Sir
Artist: Fischerspooner
Venue:  MUMOK
Dates: June 30 to October 29


Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner founded their art, music, and performance project FISCHERSPOONER in 1998 in New York. Success came quickly after perfomances at MoMA and their song „Emerge“ which landed a top 40 hit in the British charts in 2002. With their show „Sir“ they present their own queer-lustrous and passionate universe. A site specific installation remodels Spooner´s New York apartment. The installation is an artistic extension of their new album project, produced by Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) Curated by: Marianne Dobner.

Photo: Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner © Mumok | Foto: Yuki James

Photo: Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner © Mumok | Foto: Yuki James


II.

Exhibition : HOT HOT HOT
Artist: Toni Schmale
Venue: Secession
Dates: September 14 to November 05


Toni Schmale´s works in mediums such as installation, performance, sculpture, animation, video and drawing question the gender constructions that exist in social power relations. Objects made of hot-dip galvanised steel with an electrostatic powder coating as well as concrete and moulded rubber refer to subjects such as sexuality and gender, fetishism, sport and physical exertion. 

Photo: Toni Schmale, wildkatze, 2016, Courtesy oft he artist and Galerie Christine König, Photo: Peer Sievers

Photo: Toni Schmale, wildkatze, 2016, Courtesy oft he artist and Galerie Christine König, Photo: Peer Sievers

III.

Exhibition: curated by_vienna: image/reads/text
Artist: Various artist
Venue: Various Galleries
Dates: September 15 to October 14


Curated By is Vienna's gallery festival. Every Year, curated by_vienna is dedicated to a specific theme. The festival´s title „image/reads/text“ was coined by the artist Heinrich Dunst. This year you will find 21 individual exhibitions in 21 Galleries related to this broad horizon.

Photo: Calacatta Gold, 2017 © Hong Zeiss | Foto: Manuel Lopez

Photo: Calacatta Gold, 2017 © Hong Zeiss | Foto: Manuel Lopez

Vienna and Tel Aviv - so different, and yet...

Vienna and Tel Aviv - so different, and yet...

Staying true to custom, like all other Israelis, I found myself spending August not in Israel. Austria was the destination and Vienna was the peak of excitement. Vienna, a city of emperors and palaces and art. What could a street art lover from Tel Aviv find? Not to worry, there was plenty!

First things first, Vienna is a Mecca for art and museum lovers. While I love all things street, edgy and anti-institution, the art history graduate in me had to check some of these marvelous treasure troves off my list. The Albertina Museum, just across the street from the glorious Vienna state opera house, has a permanent display of the Habsburg State Rooms from the 19th century in which one can admire original sketches and pieces by old masters like Da Vinci and Viennese icons of Modernism like Klimt and Schiele. 

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However along with this extravagant piece of history, was an excellent exhibition of contemporary art. Look! New Acquisitions was a unique display of a group of contemporary art recently purchased for the museum’s collection. Surprisingly so, my Tel Aviv street art eye was able to spot a cool connection to the streets of Tel Aviv, even in this distant setting. Burhan Dogancay is a 20th century American Turkish artist who is mostly known for his pieces inspired by walls in the urban landscape of the mid-20th century. During the 70’s Dogancay started a project of photographing walls all over the world. “Walls of the World” actually started in Israel! Graffiti and street art served as a central source of inspiration for this ambitious and innovative project. The pieces in the exhibition have words and letters in Hebrew that can easily be identified.

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The paper pieces Dogancay created based on his photographs in Israel are on display in the exhibition Look! New Acquisitions in ongoing until October 8th at the Albertina Museum.

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After the museum led me to walls I was thinking I should cut the middle man and find some walls for myself. Vienna has a wonderful source of information for this, the website Vienna Murals. A quick look will prove that Vienna is rich in art in the public space just as it is between the museum and gallery walls. I was specifically intrigued by the walls on the canal banks. Vienna, who’s city center or Innerstaad, is located south to the Danube River, is parted by an arm of the river, the Donaukanal. On the banks one can find many restaurants and bars, and one in particular needed to be checked out – The Vienna Tel Aviv Beach. Equipped with sand and lounge chairs, this place serves cold drinks with a beachy ambiance, and is named after the best beach in the world, at least I think so. On the walls of the bank are dozens of large scale murals to enjoy with a drink in your hand.

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Finally after such long walks and such great art, you can’t help but look for a meal. The Vienna Naschmarket is the coolest place to go, offering many small, young and hip places to grab a bite from a variety of different cuisines. If you thought the Israeli street art scene didn’t pop up here – think again. At Neni, they not only serve great Israeli food, but they also have a piece by our local favorite duo – Dede Bandaid and Nitzan Mintz. At night the market booths are closed and their gates are covered in art pieces. If you take a walk around you can’t miss the two large walls they created there.

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Great food, great drinks, great art and all in reference to home. Vienna and Tel Aviv are definitely different but it was great to see Tel Aviv through the Viennese angle.

Book a Street Art Tour with Alternative Tel Aviv here.

Book a private art tour in Vienna with Itai here.