Through the Lens of LoMonaco

The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) was a golden age in Chinese history, a time when creativity and tradition flourished hand in hand. This period produced some of the most exquisite art, showcasing a balance between innovation and craftsmanship. Zhang Daqian's  Panorama of Mount Lu,  Li Tripod Cloisonné Incense Burner, and  Spirit Path to the Tomb of the First Ming Emperor are three remarkable works that beautifully showcase the depth and brilliance of this era. Zhang Daqian's Panorama of Mount Lu Zhang Daqian, Panorama of Mount Lu , 1981–83, wall mural in portable scroll format, ink, color on silk, 178.5 x 994.6 cm ( National Palace Museum, Taipei ) Zhang Daqian,  Panorama of Mount Lu  (detail), 1981–83, wall mural in portable scroll format, ink, color on silk, 178.5 x 994.6 cm ( National Palace Museum, Taipei ) Have you ever looked at a painting and felt transported to another world? That’s exactly how I felt when I saw Zhang Daqian’s Panorama of Mount Lu . This bre...

Digital entertainment has revolutionized how we engage with narratives, art, and even our own imaginations. Video games, in particular, have transformed the world of Art by immersing players in worlds that feel as tangible as our own. Ruled by the Supreme Court as an Art Form in 2011, video games have taken the digital entertainment and art form world by storm. From the magic of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) to the expansive landscapes of Skyrim (2011), and the deeply woven tale of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015), each of these games marks a significant leap in the evolution of digital artistry and immersive storytelling. These games reflect the cultural and artistic shifts of the post-modern era, where realism, emotional connection, and customization shape the experience. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) " The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. " Nintendo, 1998. Directed by Shigeru Miyamoto, art direction by Yusuke Nakano Created by Nintendo with ...

The early 20th century was an era like no other, marked by dizzying advancements in technology, massive shifts in social norms, and devastating global conflicts. People’s lives were constantly shifting under the weight of change, creating a sense of uncertainty and dread, known as the “Age of Anxiety.” Artists at the time channeled this tension into their work, creating pieces that reflect this collective unease. Three powerful works, Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory (1931), Hannah Höch’s Cut with the Kitchen Knife Dada Through the Last Weimar Beer-Belly Cultural Epoch in Germany (1919-1920), and Pablo Picasso’s Guernica (1937), capture this anxiety in different but equally unsettling ways. Through surrealism, Dada, and cubism, each artist conveys the chaos, fragmentation, and anguish that defined this era. Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory Salvador Dalí, The Persistence of Memory , 1931, oil on canvas, 24.1 x 33 cm (Museum of Modern Art, New York) Dalí’s The Persis...