Oct 31, 2020 • View in browser

“A Dictionary of Symbols guides us through what unites us across nations, religions, and literary and artistic traditions,” writes Angelica Frey in her review of the reissue of Juan Eduardo Cirlot’s classic 1958 study.

As the Trump administration spends the final days before Election Day denigrating the symbols of America and violating the values that underpin democracy in our divided nation, can we find a united path forward?

This Tuesday we have the choice to mend our damaged symbols, and restore our democracy, by voting for change.

– Natalie Haddad, Co-Editor, Hyperallergic Weekend

Peter Saul, American Gadfly

Before he turned 30, it was clear that Saul had found his subject: an American society deeply rooted in consumerism, pervasive racism, and toxic masculinity.

John Yau

The Evolution of Instagram Activism

Many activist graphics on Instagram are deeply indebted to the visual language developed by W.E.B. Du Bois in his data portraits and the long history of visual activism.

Jonah Kay

Cézanne’s Hard Truths

For Cézanne, stone represented structure incarnate.

David Anfam

Adrianne Lenker Finds Quiet Joy in Sorrow

Lenker indulges no domestic rural fantasies. Her songs instead teem with danger and magic.

Lucas Fagen

Howard Hodgkin Gushes Forth

Howard Hodgkin: Memories — the first show of any importance since the artist’s death — seems to open him up as never before.

Michael Glover

A Dictionary Takes Us Through the Fascinating History of Symbols

Juan Eduardo Cirlot’s A Dictionary of Symbols has been an invaluable resource for decoding symbols since it was first published in 1958.

Angelica Frey

Required Reading

This week, ethical art careers, Vic Berger’s surrealist Trump video portrait, computer-generated influencers, Jeffrey Gibson’s hybrid exhibition, white supremacy and white marble, and more.

Hrag Vartanian

From the Store

Happy Caturday!

Celebrate your love for fine arts and felines with our collection of art-inspired pins with a four-legged twist — they make purrfect additions to any set.

View them all

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