An American Abroad
Unlike the uniform blue and white of Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia or the monochromatic blues of Chefchaouen, Morocco, the colors of Cartagena vary, reflecting the many ethnic and cultural influences on the city. This is a place where whose residents … [Continue reading]
In the fall of 2008, I traveled to Cartagena, Colombia. I found a city that was a delightful mix of Caribbean, Spanish colonial, and South American architecture. There was a riot of vivid colors in the old city, which has been wisely protected from … [Continue reading]
When I was growing up here, I couldn't wait to leave. At seventeen, I lit out for the territories and swore on a metaphorical stack of bibles that I would never ever ever return to Toledo. I managed to stay away for nineteen years before returning. … [Continue reading]
I'm back in Chicago and venturing further outside Hyde Park. On a warm clear spring evening, I went to the Bridgeport neighborhood, where a big old warehouse has been converted to studio space for dozens of artists. On the third Friday of every … [Continue reading]
Last month, I took some photos of unauthorized public art around Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. One of them featured this work: I took this photo because I was attracted to the Betty Boop vibe the original artist painted in. The girl's missing … [Continue reading]
A house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright sits uncomfortably on the campus of the University of Chicago. Robie House was built in 1910 for a Chicago businessman named Frederick C. Robie. Robie lived there only a short time, and the property was … [Continue reading]
I'm leaving Chicago later today, but before I go I wanted to post more street art pix from the Pilsen neighborhood. This series seems to be the most obviously Mexican in origin. … [Continue reading]
Yeah, ain't it the truth? My friend Aaron Nathan directed me to these walls on 16th Street where it crosses Ashland in Chicago's Lower West Side Pilsen neighborhood. I appreciate the advice; I never would have found them on my own. Pilsen is home … [Continue reading]
"Matilda Briggs was not the name of a young woman, Watson," said Holmes in a reminiscent voice. "It was a ship which is associated with the giant rat of Sumatra, a story for which the world is not yet prepared." --The Adventure of the Sussex … [Continue reading]
One of the best books I've read this year is Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. The story is set in a post-plague future where 99% of humanity is dead and the remaining few live mean and difficult lives. But the book is actually about the … [Continue reading]
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