What is The Rose Period?

A newsletter on unusual, special, and unexpected stories of the art world.

Cubists that camouflaged ships in WWII. Dalí’s collab with Elsa Schiaparelli. An unknown NYC lawyer’s private collection that preceded the MoMa.

We’re talking the special, unusual, and unexpected stories of the art world that you (and I) should know about — from French Salons in the 1890s to the best galleries in Soho right now.

This is a newsletter about art you’ll want to talk about. No art history degree or even real “love” for art needed.

Newsletter is aptly named after Picasso’s Rose Period (1904-1906) where he decided to use rosey/orangey tones following his way more famous Blue Period. The TLDR = blue period = Pabs was depressed. Sad emo artsy. Rose period = he found a lover! His first muse Fernande Olivier. She was a babe. His work glowed!

A little about me🌹

Hi! I’m Rose, an art lover that works in fashion in NYC. On the day to day, I oversee brand and content for @alexmillny (I make videos and pictures like this and this). I love my job. In fashion, art is everywhere. At the office we are constantly referencing art history (9th Street women = og cool girls) and art happenings (the Cy Twombly show uptown) to inspire color palettes for future collections, lighting direction for photo shoots, or just to share some interesting antidotes over our lunch from Fish Cheeks.

I have forever been on the hunt for a resource that summarizes it all up - art history stories, cool new galleries, a great figure drawing class in NYC - but I’ve never quite found the right thing. So I thought, why not make it?

I’ve loved art ever since I was little. I’m self taught - duh - see above. I didn’t go to art school (blame my Minnesotan practical roots) but being self taught means this conversation will be v accessible - and fun. No big words or pretentious references. We won’t take ourselves too seriously around here - it’s just art after all. We aren’t saving the world!

We have entered the Rose Period and here’s what you can expect:

• Collections of unusual and unexpected art stories you’ll want to talk about

• Deep dives on artists & works

• How fashion x art combine

• Guests lecturers. Cool people with good taste & their favorite artists.

• Research into current trends (that chair you see all over on insta? We’ll talk about it)

• Inspo ideas from the internet (did you know Twitter has the best textured backgrounds for graphic designers?)

• Answers to any of your q’s (love a good assignment)

What you shouldn’t expect:

• Super frequent posts. I have a full time job!

• Knowing everything - I didn’t go to art school I just love it. I’m on a mission to learn just like you

• Over intellectualizing. This is supposed to be fun and accessible. We aren’t saving the world.

Once my friend Elissa of Movie Pudding accurately described - “you’d be the square in art school and the super artsy kid at your non art school.” I laughed. It’s true. I’m fascinated how art intersects with the everyday. I’m not going to talk with out there words you don’t know. Probably because I don’t know them either. Let’s have fun here.

xr

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