SHAG-adelic: Artist Captures Mid-century Vibe

Josh Agle, known professionally as Shag (stylized as SHAG), is a contemporary artist widely known for his distinctive style that captures the essence of mid-century modernism and retro pop culture. With his vibrant colors, bold designs and playful characters, SHAG is an icon in the world of modern art. Recently, his “L.A. Modern (Day),” 2005, sold for $20,000 at John Moran Auctioneers. Growing up in Southern California, SHAG developed an appreciation for the architecture, design and fashion of the 1950s and 1960s. His style draws inspiration from Palm Springs culture, mid-century modern design, Tiki culture, cocktail lounges and vintage advertising. His universe of characters, often depicted in glamorous and whimsical settings, exude an air of sophistication and mystery. Using flat colors and sharp lines, SHAG’s retro-futuristic world feels simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary.

Courtesy John Moran Auctioneers

 

It’s Industrial, By Design

One hundred years before the digital age and a world of apps and devices, electrification was the revolution. Then, America was a mythic Industrial Powerhouse churning out invention and transforming the day-to-day with the outrageous, astounding electrical devices that would make us modern. Before Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, there was the genius of Edison, […]

Innovative Furniture Design From London Artists 

A recent art and design auction highlighted some of the most interesting works from artists working in England in the 1970s to 1980s who explore the notions of design, form and reuse of materials. It was titled “London Calling” and was held in Paris by Piasa. The auction was orchestrated by British designer Tom Dixon. […]

Take a Stand for Stools

A fall auction at Wright in Chicago included more than 100 stools collected by Los Angeles furniture dealer J.F. Chen. Very few auctions of modern stools have occurred in many years. Here is a selection of some of the iconic 20th century stools. A rare rocking stool made of walnut and chrome-plated steel designed by […]

Mid-century Design in Everyday Items

It may be a sleek clock or a sculptural plastic pitcher, but everyday items from the mid-20th century are getting high prices everywhere. They are popular collectibles that are all about the look – simple, streamlined, modern shapes in what were considered “new” materials and vibrant colors. A recent auction at Wright in Chicago focused […]

Kovels On Antiques & Collectibles Vol. 48 No. 4 – December 2021

Christmas Postcards … Meissen Porcelain … Bakelite Jewelry … Old Storage Cupboards …  Mechanical Pictures … Cool Mid-Century Design of Everyday Items … Marks on Dolls … Collector’s Gallery … Prices