Daily dose of the surreal

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Poe

I love these illustrations E. McKnight Kauffer did for a collection of Edgar Allen Poe’s works. The surreal subject matter fits well with Poe’s wonderful writing. They’re mysterious and unsettling and quite beautiful. I also like the fact that they’re a bit of a departure from what I’ve seen of Kauffer’s other work, though he worked in a variety of styles. I instantly think of animation when I see these. It would be beautiful to see these brought to life and together to form a dream-story of this world.

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Some Dali for a Sunny Day

Dali Atomicus

One of my favourite pictures of Salvador Dali, by Philippe Halsman. I think it works pretty effectively as a portrait of both Dali himself and his ideas on art.

Here‘s a 2002 essay by Brandon Luhring about the photo, saying effectively that but in a more erudite manner and going into greater detail. It also gives a good history of the photograph itself and of the photographer. Highly recommended, if you’re feeling scholarly today.

Good morning!

Thought everyone could use a little oddity to start off their day. Colette Calascione is an artist who makes strange, beautifully detailed paintings. I love the antiquated feel and the surreal subject matter. I’d love to wander into the world of her paintings for a day and just poke around. It seems like it would located somewhere between a carnival side-show and a Victorian cabinet of curiosities, with just a quiet hint of menace… exactly the thing to appeal to my depraved imagination. Enjoy!

See more of her work here.