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    Felines Evoke ‘A Floating World’ in Tùng Nâm’s Whimsical Illustrations

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    All images © Tùng Nâm, shared with permission

    Felines Evoke ‘A Floating World’ in Tùng Nâm’s Whimsical Illustrations

    February 19, 2025

    ArtIllustration

    Kate Mothes

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    Accompanied by delicate insects and social betta fish, the cats in Tùng Nâm’s illustrations (previously) alternate between curiosity, serenity, friskiness, and determination. The artist portrays a diversity of feline natures, merging their likenesses with flowers, waves, foliage, and clouds.

    Nâm’s characters are playfully anthropomorphized, donning patterned kimonos and hair ornaments. The series emerged organically from practice sketches of flowers in the ukiyo-e style.

    “I felt like it was missing something, so I tried to add a cat as the protagonist,” Nâm tells Colossal. “Somehow it still doesn’t feel right, so I think of adding a companion—fishes, butterfly, dragonfly—like they were encountering each other in a specific moment.” Fittingly, he called the series An encounter.

    An accompanying collection, A Floating World, takes further inspiration from the genre, directly referencing the Japanese word ukiyo. The term describes a hedonistic lifestyle in Edo—now called Tokyo—in the 1600s, spawning a style of art that captured the mood and interests of the period. Famed artists like Hokusai or Hiroshige focused on woodblock printing and painting to represent scenes from history, folk tales, kabuki actors, flora and fauna, landscapes, and more.

    For Nâm, ukiyo-e provides the starting point for exploring a range of subject matter. He’s currently exploring ideas for further illustrations that incorporate different animals and visual cultures.

    Find more on the artist’s Behance and Instagram.

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      Matt Roussel’s Textured Woodcuts Metamorphose into Paintings

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      All images courtesy of Matt Roussel, shared with permission

      Matt Roussel’s Textured Woodcuts Metamorphose into Paintings

      February 18, 2025

      Art

      Kate Mothes

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      From elaborate portraits to overflowing florals to playful animals, the woodcuts of Matt Roussel (previously) tell a wide range of enigmatic stories. For his large-scale works, Roussel begins by carving wooden panels, but rather than using the blocks to make prints, he applies acrylic paint to the surfaces to create bold, textured paintings. Portraits of women wearing unique garments are complemented by goldfish that metamorphose into birds and giant scarab beetles cloaked in giant flowers.

      Roussel’s work will be on view in several forthcoming art3f fairs throughout Europe, with Strasbourg, Nantes, and Lyon coming up in late February and March. Find more on the artist’s website and Instagram.

      “Three Flowers Scarab,” acrylic on carved wood

      Detail of “Three Flowers Scarab”

      “Métamorphose,” acrylic on carved wood, 60 x 60 centimeters

      “Fleur de Zhou,” acrylic on carved wood

      “Poisson pipe,” acrylic on carved wood, 60 x 80 centimeters

      “La grande fleur,” acrylic on carved wood, 120 x 80 centimeters

      “Golden dance,” acrylic on carved wood, 60 x 80 centimeters

      “3 cimes,” acrylic on carved wood, 120 x 80 centimeters

      Detail of “3 cimes”

      “La falaise,” acrylic on carved wood, 60 x 80 centimeters

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    • 163 Shares112 Views

      in Art

      An Otherworldly Garden of Lights Emerges from Hemp and Resin by Ross Hansen

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      ‘Of Human Feelings’ installation view. All images courtesy of the artist and Volume Gallery, shared with permission

      An Otherworldly Garden of Lights Emerges from Hemp and Resin by Ross Hansen

      February 12, 2025

      ArtDesign

      Kate Mothes

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      Evoking marigolds, prairie clover, and milk thistle, Ross Hansen’s ongoing series of ethereal lighting fixtures dissect assumptions about design and function. The Los Angeles-based artist and designer’s unique sculptural forms combine hemp, bio-resin, and aluminum to create otherworldly floor lamps.

      Hansen draws on a background in landscape design, inspired by organic textures and forms found in nature. In his recent exhibition Of Human Feelings at Volume Gallery, clusters of lights resemble larger-than-life fungi or microscopic organisms. Strips of cloth are enrobed in plant-based resin for rigidity, and the illuminated bulbs diffuse within the fabric.

      Volume Gallery will present Hansen’s work at Felix Art Fair in Los Angeles next weekend. Find more on the artist’s website.

      Detail of “Milk Thistle”

      ‘Of Human Feelings’ installation view

      “Dalea” (2024), hemp, bio-resin, wood, epoxy resin, paint, and lighting components, 70 x 16 x 16 inches

      ‘Of Human Feelings’ installation view

      ‘Of Human Feelings’ installation view

      “Marigold” (2024), hemp, bio-resin, aluminum, and lighting components, 85 x 18 x 18 inches

      Detail of “Marigold”

      Base detail of “Dalea”

      “Milk Thistle” (2024), hemp, bio-resin, aluminum, and lighting components, 81 x 18 x 18 inches

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    • 138 Shares153 Views

      in Art

      Bees and Irridescent Bubbles Infiltrate Still-Life Traditions in Marc Dennis’ Paintings

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      Detail of “Happily Ever After” (2024), oil on linen, 70.5 x 57.25 inches. All images courtesy of Harper’s, New York, shared with permisison

      Bees and Irridescent Bubbles Infiltrate Still-Life Traditions in Marc Dennis’ Paintings

      February 7, 2025

      Art

      Grace Ebert

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      During the Dutch Golden Age, vanitas grew in popularity as a genre of memento mori that emphasized life’s transience. The opulent paintings were steeped in symbolism and foregrounded the futility of ambition and worldly pleasures.

      Marc Dennis draws on this 17th-century tradition as he refashions the still life for a contemporary audience. In a recent oil painting, “Happily Ever After,” hordes of honeybees and hornets descend on a lush bouquet. Kaleidoscopic bubbles float across the five-foot canvas, reflecting the surrounding colors and distorting clear viewers of nearby flowers and fruit.

      “Happily Ever After” (2024), oil on linen, 70.5 x 57.25 inches

      The insects and glossy orbs add another layer of impermanence to the already fleeting imagery, while also reflecting on the tenuous relationship between the organic and human-made. Similar tensions appear in “Allegory of the Readymade,” which suffocates and warps a seemingly vibrant painting with thick layers of plastic wrap. Each of the works clings to a brief moment in time, capturing both life at its prime and serving as a bold reminder of its inevitable end.

      Dennis’ paintings are on view in I’m Happy You’re Here through March 1 at Harper’s Gallery in New York. Find more from the artist on Instagram.

      “Based on a True Story” (2024), oil on linen, 70.75 x 55 inches

      Detail of “Based on a True Story” (2024), oil on linen, 70.75 x 55 inches

      “Superstar” (2024), oil on linen, 70.5 x 55 inches

      “Portrait of the Artist as a Juvenile Delinquent” (2024), oil on linen, 72 x 58 inches

      “Allegory of the Readymade” (2024), oil on linen, 48.75 x 37 inches

      “Giotto’s Fly” (2024), oil on linen, 72.5 x 96 inches

      “Dracula” (2024), oil on linen, 71.5 x 56 in

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    • 188 Shares198 Views

      in Art

      In London, an Enormous Exhibition of 500+ Works Roots Out the Creative Seeds of Flowers

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      Rebecca Louise Law, “Calyx” (2023). Image courtesy of the artist

      In London, an Enormous Exhibition of 500+ Works Roots Out the Creative Seeds of Flowers

      January 29, 2025

      ArtNaturePhotography

      Grace Ebert

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      In nature, flowers serve as an essential component of the reproduction process. But for humans, scented blooms are ripe with myriad meanings and symbolism that transcend their biological functions.

      During Victorian times, offering a bouquet to someone with your right hand indicated a non-verbal “yes,” while a yellow carnation would reject an admirer. Similarly in art history, wilting flowers rendered as a momento mori remind us of death’s inevitability, and for van Gogh, sunflowers were the perfect stand-in for gratitude.

      Aimée Hoving, “Compost” (2019). Image © Aimee Hoving, flowers by Brigitte Gentis van Dam Merrett

      A massive exhibition opening next month at Saatchi Gallery cultivates a vast repertoire of works that explores how blooms have become an omnipresent entity in human life and creativity. Flowers: Flora in Contemporary Art and Culture brings together more than 500 photographs, installations, sculptures, archival pieces, and other objects to create a rich landscape spanning millennia.

      Anchoring the exhibition is an expansive and immersive work of 100,000-plus dried flowers by Rebecca Louise Law. Smaller pieces include Xuebing Du’s ethereal photos of flowers in natural light, VOYDER’s streaky steam-laden compositions, and lush, vibrant gardens by Faye Bridgewater.

      Opening in time to usher in spring in London, Flowers runs from February 12 to May 5.

      VOYDER, “In Love with the Idea of You” (2024). Image courtesy of the artist

      Kasia Wozniak, “Anemoia #7.” Image courtesy of the artist

      Sandra Kantanen, “Still Life (Flowers I).” Image courtesy the artist and Purdy Hicks Gallery

      Xuebing Du, “Mother of Pearl” (2018). Image courtesy of the artist

      Carmen Mitrotta, “Geometric Leaves.” Image courtesy the artist

      Faye Bridgewater, “En Masse” (2025). Image courtesy of the artist

      Ann von Freyburg, “Floral Arrangement 1 (After Jan van Huysum, Still Life).” Image courtesy of the artist

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    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Art

      Flowers and Butterflies Stitch Messages of Hope into Crumpled Metal and Corroded Barrels

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      Detail of “MEADOWS.” Photo by Ineta Armanavičiūtė. All images courtesy of Severija Inčirauskaitė, shared with permission

      Flowers and Butterflies Stitch Messages of Hope into Crumpled Metal and Corroded Barrels

      January 24, 2025

      ArtSocial Issues

      Kate Mothes

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      On the sides of rusted barrels or crushed steel spheres, Lithuanian artist Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė (previously) applies delicate reminders of resilience. Using cotton thread, the artist cross-stitches vibrant flowers and butterflies onto facets of corroded metal, merging materials that appear to have little in common.

      Where metal is rough, strong, and utilitarian, embroidery is tender, soft, and decorative. Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė taps into these diametric characteristics in her continuing examination of war. A large metal ball titled “OFFSIDE,” for example, represents the world’s cumulative conflicts. “It is like a huge disaster with a small embroidered butterfly that is like a small, fragile sign of hope,” she says.

      “Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)” (2023), metal and cotton thread. Photo by Modestas Ežerskis and Ineta Armanavičiūtė

      The small nation of Belarus separates Lithuania from Ukraine, where the impacts of the ongoing Russian assault reverberate across the region. “The war is very close to us,” the artist tells Colossal, “so we can’t relax and just think about life.” Incorporating insects and blooms, steeped in symbolic references to compassion, generosity, and care, Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė suggests that despite humans’ destructive actions, hope perseveres.

      Find more on the artist’s Instagram.

      “Offside” (2024), metal, and cotton threads. Photo by Enrika Samulionytė

      Detail of “Offside.” Photo by Enrika Samulionytė

      “OFFSIDE” (2024)

      “MEADOWS” (2023), metal barrels and cotton, 360 x 40 x 20 centimeters. Photo by Ineta Armanavičiūtė

      Detail of “MEADOWS.” Photo by Ineta Armanavičiūtė

      “Timeless Fragility” (2022), oil barrel lid and cross stitch, 60 centimeters diameter. Photo by Ineta Armanavičiūtė

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    • 125 Shares159 Views

      in Art

      Nosheen Iqbal Translates Pakistani Craft Traditions into Vivid Sculptural Embroideries

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      All images courtesy of Nosheen Iqbal, shared with permission

      Nosheen Iqbal Translates Pakistani Craft Traditions into Vivid Sculptural Embroideries

      January 13, 2025

      ArtCraft

      Grace Ebert

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      Equipped with vibrant cotton thread and wooden panels, Nosheen Iqbal stitches sculptural embroideries that draw on her Pakistani and Islamic heritage. Architectural arabesques and Punjabi craft traditions influence her mixed-media motifs, including phulkari, or floral folk embroideries, and woodblock printed reliefs known as bagh.

      Iqbal utilizes half-circles and semi-precious beads to add depth and visual intrigue to the works. Creating shadows and catching the light, these meticulously planned details allow a shift in perspective depending on the viewer’s position. The sweeping lines of color create “saturated pathways that reveal their intensity and depth,” she adds, “allowing my work to offer a shifting experience of light, color, and connection.”

      By emphasizing dimension and the interactions between materials, Iqbal hopes to push the medium in new directions while honoring broader making traditions. She says:

      Craftsmanship holds a profound significance in Pakistani culture, where artistry is revered as a lifelong discipline that shapes identity and community. This respect for meticulous craftsmanship is integral to my own practice. By selecting thoughtful materials—wood, semi-precious beads, and thread—I aim to honor this tradition. Each piece is a reflection of this cultural value, merging refined textures with precision to invite a tactile, immersive experience for the viewer.

      Born in London, Iqbal lives and works in Dallas and recently left a long career in design and art direction to become an artist full-time. You can find available pieces on her website and follow her work on Instagram.

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    • 125 Shares169 Views

      in Art

      Nature Alights on Cheerful Faces in Abi Castillo’s Ceramic Sculptures

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      All images courtesy of Abi Castillo, shared with permission

      Nature Alights on Cheerful Faces in Abi Castillo’s Ceramic Sculptures

      December 3, 2024

      ArtCraft

      Kate Mothes

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      Whether sprouting flowers for spectacles or summoning bluebirds, Abi Castillo’s playful characters mirror our inner selves, one another, and the world around us.

      “When I was little, they called me ‘Big Eyes,’ a name I received with pride, since it is an inheritance from my paternal grandmother, whom I barely knew but who stood out for her big eyes and powerful gaze,” Castillo (previously) says in a statement. “Carrying this legacy makes me aware of the importance of knowing where I come from and where I belong.”

      Through standalone sculptures and functional objects, Castillo emphasizes the act of seeing. Eyes are everywhere, looking back at the viewer as a reminder to reflect on what the artist describes as “this ephemeral, hectic, and hostile life.” She adds, “Each of my characters also holds a reflection of myself, of my connection with nature and of that little girl that I still carry inside…”

      Castillo is looking forward to moving to a larger studio soon, and she is currently busy making new sculptures, experimenting with different techniques to explore new shapes and formats, like jewelry. Find more on her website, and stay up-to-date on Instagram.

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    • 113 Shares169 Views

      in Art

      Yumi Okita’s Butterflies and Botanicals Metamorphose from Colorful Thread

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      Yumi Okita’s Butterflies and Botanicals Metamorphose from Colorful Thread

      December 2, 2024

      ArtCraftNature

      Kate Mothes

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      From vibrant thread and wire, Yumi Okita conjures thrillingly lifelike moths, butterflies, and flowers. The Raleigh-based artist (previously) meticulously embroiders insects’ colorful wings with an eye for realism, so until you’re up close, they appear as though they could flutter away at any moment. And in her more recent series of otherworldly botanicals, petals, leaves, and roots curl to look as though they were just plucked from their habitats.

      Okita often adds original sculptures to her Etsy shop, and you can also follow updates on Instagram.

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