Patrick Kapty
LightNews LightNews
banner
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Patrick Kapty
@patrickkapty.bsky.social
1.4K followers 1.3K following 1.4K posts
Author, historian, curator, reseller - I sell wearable and other art, and I am fascinated by cultures and artifacts from around the world!
My shop is: California Dreaming Art Jewelry Etc:
https://www.rubylane.com/shop/california-dreamin-art-jewelry-etc
Posts Replies Media Videos
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Turning Point of Thirst
oil on canvas
1934
Victor Brauner
Romanian, 1903–1966

#victorbrauner #art #modernart #surrealism #turningpointofthirst #dated1934 #Paris #france #surrealistart #painting #surrealistpainting #modernistpainting #oilpainting
Upon settling in Paris in 1930, Victor Brauner established a deep friendship with the artist Yves Tanguy, who introduced him to the Surrealist circle. Three years later, Brauner joined the group with the support of Tanguy, and his 1934 solo show at the Galerie Pierre, for which André Breton wrote the catalogue introduction, solidified his position. Like other Surrealists of the period, such as Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, Brauner was inspired by dreams, the unconscious, and mysticism, as well as diverse religions and ancient mythologies. Such influences are present in the artist’s Turning Point of Thirst, one of the works included in his 1934 exhibition. Of this work, Brauner wrote that “representing this personage in withered tatters expresses unremitting solitude and should pound the senses.”
December 4, 2025 at 10:20 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A one of a kind sterling silver abstract brutalist modernist brooch by Dieter Muller-Stach circa 1960s/70s - purchased from the artist's estate.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #oneofakind #sterlingsilver #brooch #pin #brutalistjewelry #dietermullerstach #california #art
A one of a kind vintage 1960s 70s handmade sterling silver brutalist modernist brooch by Long Beach California professor/artist/sculptor/metalsmith Dieter Muller-Stach. Entirely handmade even the pin mechanism at back! Square-shaped openwork lattice design with overlapping irregular-shaped strips of silver that have been given various surface textures by the artist! A big bold brooch that makes a statement! The artist was born in 1935 in Germany where he studied jewelry-making and metal-smithing at the Art Academy in Munich. He taught in Ghana for six years before coming to CSULB in Long Beach California to teach jewelry-making in the Art Department in 1968 where he joined Al Pine among others at the forefront of the studio jewelry movement in California. His work appeared in California Design, American Craft magazine, and in books including Oppi Untracht's encyclopedic book, "Jewelry Concepts and Technology", among other publications, and his sculpture metalwork and jewelry designs are in both private and museum collections. He retired in 2003, and passed away in 2011, and this item was purchased from his estate shortly after. (See my last photo of the artist as a young man, about the time that he started his career in metalsmithing.) An incredible one of a kind design, this brooch will make quite a statement when worn! Measures 2-1/8" across by 2-1/8" tall, and weighs a substantial 19.2 grams total. Unmarked. As noted above this item was purchased directly from the artists studio after his death, and may be a prototype or perhaps from his personal collection. In any case, an outstanding vintage modernist piece of wearable art by an elite proponent of California design in the mid 20th century! Excellent vintage condition.
December 4, 2025 at 10:04 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Rhodonite from
Mina do Morro mine
Minas Gerais, Brazil

#rhodonite #minadomorro #minasgerais #Brazil #gemstone #mineral #mineralspecimen #mineralogy #gemology #gemspecimen #nature #beauty #red #crystal
December 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A quirky one of a kind handmade sterling silver and dangling nut wood orbs Hippie modernist bangle bracelet.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #oneofakind #quirky #unique #sterlingsilver #nutwood #hippie #modernist #bangle #bracelet #wearableart #vintagemodern #modernism
A quirky one of a kind vintage 1960s 70s handmade sterling silver and nut wood Hippie modernist bracelet likely from the Bay Area of California. Entirely handmade hand forged sterling silver band with seven lucky nut wood drops around the rim in various shades of natural brown. Lots of movement when worn, and quite a striking modernist design! Measures 2.5" by 2.25" inner diameters, so will fit up to about a medium woman's wrist, and weighs 30.5 grams total. Unmarked which was quite common among Hippie artisans of that era. Excellent vintage condition.
December 4, 2025 at 9:53 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Wé-Guéré (Ngere) / Wobé mask
wood, pigment, fiber
early 20th century
Ivory Coast

#weguere #ngere #wobe #mask #africanart #tribalart #ivorycoast #tribal #mask #tribalmask #africanmask #wegueremask #wobemask
December 4, 2025 at 9:42 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A sculptural one of a kind handmade sterling silver and carved wood biomorphic modernist pendant circa 1950s.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#handmade #oneofakind #statementjewelry #pendant #modernistjewelry #modernism #mcm #vintagemodern #wearableart #jewelrydesign #sterling #wood
A sculptural vintage 1950s one of a kind handmade sterling silver and carved dark wood biomorphic modernist pendant. Entirely handmade hand carved dark wood that has been wrapped and pierced with sterling wire that also forms the bail at top! So sculptural and simple, but really makes a statement! Purchased with other pieces of mcm modernist wood jewelry including a signed pendant necklace by NYC artist-jeweler Adda Husted-Andersen, but this pendant is unmarked. Measures 3" long by about 1" at widest. Tested and guaranteed to be as described. From the estate of a NYC collector who travelled the world for her career in publishing and purchased interesting and unique jewelry and objects along the way. Excellent vintage condition.
December 4, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
mmcarthur.bsky.social
René Magritte (1898-1967) :
Perspective II, Manet’s Balcony, 1950

Oil on canvas
84 × 65 cm | 33 x 26 in

Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent, Belgium

This work is based on Le Balcon, the 1868-69 canvas by Édouard Manet (image in comments).
December 1, 2025 at 1:53 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Globe and Banjo
oil on canvas
1930
Jean Metzinger
French, 1883-1956

#jeanmetzinger #france #modernart #modernism #art #artwork #painting #oilpainting #cubist #dada #globeandbanjo #dated1930
December 1, 2025 at 7:43 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A large handmade carved wood and sterling silver wire modernist Boomerang design pendant still on the original black leather cord by Adda Husted-Andersen NYC circa 1950s.

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#addahustedandersen #nyc #biomorphic #boomerang #pendant #modernistjewelry #art
An iconic vintage 1950s one of a kind handmade sterling silver and carved wood boomerang modernist pendant necklace by Danish-American artist/enamelist/silversmith Adda Husted-Andersen (1898-1990). Super rare iconic boomerang mid century modern design entirely handmade hand carved from a dark wood with hammered silver wire pierced the boomerang, and still hanging on the original black leather cord! Purchased with other pieces of mcm wood jewelry that are possibly also by the artist but are unsigned - see my other listings in my Ruby Lane shop. Husted-Andersen taught in NYC at the Craft Student's League and her work was exhibited as part of the 1946 landmark exhibition, "Modern Handmade Jewelry" at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC in 1946 which also featured the work of Alexander Calder, Margaret de Patta, Sam Kramer, Annette Nancarrow, etc. This unique wearable modern art pendant measures 2.75" long by 1.75" wide, and still hangs on the original 36" black leather cord. Weighs just over 10 grams total. Marked at back on the wood with the conjoined AA maker mark for Husted-Andersen. From the estate of a NYC collector who travelled the world for her career in publishing and purchased interesting and unique jewelry and objects along the way. Excellent vintage condition.
December 1, 2025 at 7:40 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
The Red Yogini, Vajrayogini;
pigments on cloth
19th century
Tibet
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

#tantra #tantricart #tibet #19thcentury #pigments #cloth #artwork #tantricartwork #theredyogini #vajrayogini #rubinmuseumofhimalayanart
The vajra is a ritual scepter used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes method, the male aspect of enlightenment, and is depicted throughout Himalayan art. Can you see a vajra in the hand of the Red Yogini, Vajrayogini in the artwork? This deity embodies female power and the wisdom of understanding the ultimate reality as explained in Buddhist tantric teachings. Both a staff (katvanga) topped by three heads, and a scepter (vajra) rests on her left shoulder, symbolizing her absent consort Chakrasamvara.
December 1, 2025 at 7:37 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Untitled sculpture
contemporary glass
Natasha Hermans
Belgium

#handmade #oneofakind #glass #glassart #sculpture #glasssculpture #unique #geometric #postmodernist #art #natashahermans #belgium #contemporaryglass
December 1, 2025 at 7:32 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
A sculptural one of a kind handmade sterling silver and carved ebony wood biomorphic modernist pendant - would look great on a chain, a black cord, or a neckring!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#biomorphic #modernistjewelry #handmade #oneofakind #pendant #wearableart #art #ebony
A sculptural one of a k ind vintage 1940s 50s handmade sterling silver and carved wood biomorphic modernist pendant. An incredible piece, entirely handmade, and really makes a statement! Sculpted hand carved wood in the style of such great biomorphic artists as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Jean Arp, and Isamu Noguchi! Held at center by crab claw-like prongs in a rounded rectangular frame with the prongs piercing the frame and becoming almost like little feet at the bottom, and the top prong becomes the bail at top. Measures 2.5" tall by 1.5" wide, and weighs 10.2 grams total. Unmarked. Tested and guaranteed to be as described. No doubt a one of a kind piece of wearable modernist art jewelry originally sold in an art gallery or fair with accompanying paperwork that has been lost over the years. In any case, you'll never see another! From the estate of a NYC collector who travelled the world for her job in the publishing industry. Would look equally great on a black cord, a silver chain, or a neckring! I can provide a black cord at no extra charge if needed, just let me know when making the purchase. Excellent vintage condition.
December 1, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
mmcarthur.bsky.social
Wassily Kandinsky :
Movement I, 1935

Mixed technique on canvas
116 x 89 cm

The Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia

More 👇
"Movement I," 1935, is an abstract painting by Wassily Kandinsky located at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia. Created with a mixed technique on canvas, the work exemplifies Kandinsky's mature style, which uses abstract shapes, vibrant colors, and dynamic lines to evoke musicality, emotion, and movement. The painting, measuring 116 x 89 cm, showcases his belief in the spiritual power of art to communicate directly with the viewer's senses.
November 29, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
mmcarthur.bsky.social
Salvador Dali :
Apparatus and Hand, 1927

oil on panel
62 × 47.5 cm | 24 × 18.7 in

Salvador Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida

Further description in the alt text 👇
This work of surrealistic art showcases a geometric figure with a tumescent red hand protruding from its head. The figure is composed of cones and triangles. Surrounding the structure are ghostly images of nude female figures and torsos superimposed on a blue, watery dreamscape. This piece was done upon Dalí's return from 9 months of military duty. It was during his military career that Dalí began experimenting with new subjects for his work. The Apparatus in the title refers to the geometric figure which is structured much like the human form. The figure has analogues of human arms, legs, an eye, and a head. The triangular being is propped up on what appears to be a cane, which was a leitmotif in Dalí's work representing the fragility of sleep. The hand atop the figure's head is a reference to Onanism, which was a common theme in his work at the time. This period of Dalí's career is referred to as the Freudian Period. Dali had a great interest in the ideas of Sigmund Freud, and read his books including The Psychopathology of Everyday Life, and The Interpretation of Dreams, which had recently been published. This painting with its dream-like symbols, shows the influence. Dali would join the surrealists in 1929, and this pre-surrealist painting shows the influence that group, who also were inspired by Freud. This was during the Avant-Garde movement which was heavily weighted on the writings of Freud. The female images surrounding the geometric figure are representative of thoughts within the mind of the Apparatus. These images represent the delirious erotic thought processes of the artist, which was also a prevailing theme of his work. To the left of the geometric man is an image of a donkey on its hind legs. The donkey is being consumed by a horde of flies which are attacking its belly. On the right of the structure is a classically posed female, which is set in contrast to the geometric simplicity of the center image.
November 29, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
umadlp.bsky.social
by Andreas Heumann.
November 29, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
umadlp.bsky.social
Gore Vidal, New York, NY, Photo by Arnold Newman, 1947.
November 29, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
gwchilly.bsky.social
Walter Blakelock Wilson, “Nightscape,”
1969. Acrylic on canvas. On view at the Vance Kirkland Museum, Denver, CO, Nov. ‘22 (personal 📷).
Walter Blakelock Wilson, “Nightscape,” 1969. Acrylic on canvas. On view at the Vance Kirkland Museum, Denver, CO, Nov. ‘22 (personal 📷). A tawny moon rises over an earth green foreground and a constructivist escarpment of reddish-brown rockscape.
November 19, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
bluesky2020.bsky.social
Nu, New York, 1955 - Erwin Blumenfeld (1897–1969), photographe allemand célèbre pour ses photos de mode et son style surréaliste. Il aimait jouer avec la lumière et les formes pour créer des images artistiques et originales.
#photographie
#ErwinBlumenfeld
November 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
bluesky2020.bsky.social
La gare centrale de Tunbridge Wells, Royaume-Uni, années 50 - Neil Nevison, photographe britannique du Kent and Sussex Courier, connu pour avoir documenté pendant des décennies la vie du Kent et du Sussex. Discret mais respecté, il a marqué le photojournalisme local.
#photographie
#NeilNevison
November 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
'The Two Philosophers'
oil on copper
1936
Joan Miró
Spanish, 1893–1983

#joanmiro #art #modernart #painting #modernism #thetwophilosophers #dated1936 #artwork #20thcenturyart #spain #spanishmodernism #spanishmodernist
November 29, 2025 at 7:01 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
Peridot from
Suppat Valley, Pakistan

#peridot #green #gemstone #gemology #crystal #mineral #mineralogy #geology #suppatvalley #pakistan #nature #beauty #mineralspecimen
November 29, 2025 at 6:57 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
La Virgen de Guadalupe
mixed metals (sterling, brass), wood
circa 1950s
Emaus workshop
designed by Ernesto Paulsen Camba
Cuernavaca, Mexico

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#virgendeguadalupe #emaus #mexicanmodernism #religiousart #hechoenmexico #modernism #vintagemodern #sculpture
A superb vintage 1950s 60s handmade mixed metals silver bronze and red wood on a dark wood base Mexican modernist La Virgen de Guadalupe wall hanging art by the Emaus workshop of Cuernavaca Mexico also known as Emaus and the Talleres Monasticos. Made entirely by hand using silver and bronze overlaid on a rectangular dark wood base, and the 'face' 'hands' and 'feet' of the figure are carved from redwood. Designed by Ernesto Paulsen Camba (1925-2006) who was a Mexican modernist sculptor/architect/designer, and who provided designs for the Emaus workshop in the 1950s. His architectural and design work was a major part of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, and he was a contemporary of Clara Porset, Van Beuren and Shoemaker, among others. Probably one of the most stunning pieces of religious art that I've seen by Emaus! Measures 10" tall by 4.75" wide by just under 1" thickest point. Has a carved inlet at back for hanging, and still retains original label and price tag as shown. Excellent vintage condition.
November 29, 2025 at 6:54 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
'Orca' vessel
pottery, glaze
100 BCE to 800 CE
Nazca culture
Peru

#nazcaculture #peru #precolumbian #prehispanic #pottery #vessel #ancientart #art #ceramic #orca #precolumbianart #precolumbianpottery #nazca #nazcapottery #nazcaart #ancientperu
The Nazca culture, which flourished in ancient Peru from about 100–800 C.E., is known for its large-scale desert geoglyphs (the Nazca Lines), sophisticated underground aqueducts called puquios, and advanced polychrome pottery. The Nazca people developed intricate art, including elaborate ceramics with detailed designs of nature, and a religious system centered around nature, with rituals likely involving processions on the lines and the use of hallucinogenic plants. They used their desert environment to their advantage, creating the lines by removing the dark topsoil, and using the arid climate for preserving their dead. This vessel features a dark red bow and handle, contrasting with the container's black body. The polished finish and precision in detail reflect the remarkable technical mastery of the potters of the era. On each side of the body is depicted a stylized orca (one of the most important and powerful creatures of its iconography. This is not exactly referring to the modern orca, but a mythical being combining traits of real cetaceans with supernatural elements) executed in different shades of color and shown holding a trophy head. This marine being occupies a prominent place within the Nasca iconography, where it symbolizes strength, control of the waters, and ritual power. Motif stylization, balanced composition, and intentional use of chromatic contrast demonstrate a sophisticated handling of visual language. Beyond its possible ceremonial function, the piece functions as a symbolic stand expressing notions of prestige, transformation, and power. The iconography plastered in the ceramics of this great culture reveals the deep relationship between South Coast communities and the natural world, especially the marine realm, which played a central role in its worldview.
November 29, 2025 at 6:47 PM
patrickkapty.bsky.social
The famous 'Cubist Guitar' copper brooch by Francisco Rebajes of NYC circa 1950s - measures 3" long!

Available...

www.rubylane.com/item/1879775...

#franciscorebajes #nyc #rebajescopper #copperjewelry #handmade #wearableart #cubistguitar #brooch #jewelrydesign #vintage1950s #mcm #modernistjewelry
A very large and rare vintage 1950s handmade copper modernist Guitar design brooch pin by Francisco Rebajes of NYC. One of the rarer and more sought-after designs by Rebajes from the period! Constructed of solid copper that has been oxidized (black) in the recesses, and then given a clear coating to prevent tarnishing. 'Frank' Rebajes was one of the earliest self-trained studio metalsmiths in the US, starting back in the early 1930s. He quickly went from selling his idiosyncratic jewelry creations on the street to a posh and stylish showroom on 5th Avenue in the 1940s! He sold his business in 1958, and moved to Torremolinos Spain where he worked on his famous Ovulos sculptures and one of a kind pieces of jewelry and decorative art. This brooch measures 3" long by 1-1/2" wide. Could also be worn as a pendant with the addition of a bail-ring at top. Marked at back, "Rebajes" with his unique stylized mark. Excellent vintage condition.
November 29, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Reposted by Patrick Kapty
mmcarthur.bsky.social
Auguste Herbin (French, 1882-1960) :
Composition, 1938

Gouache on paper
34 x 26 cm | 13.39 x 10.24 in

The Berès Gallery, Paris

Bio in the alt text 👇
Herbin was born in Quiévy, FR, 1882. He moved to Paris in 1901 and began painting in the Impressionist style. His encounter in 1909 with Picasso, Braque, and Juan Gris brought him closer to Cubism. At the 1910 Salon des Indépendants, Herbin exhibited in the same room as Fernand Léger and Albert Gleizes. Two years later, he participated in the important Section d'Or exhibition. In 1917, the artist painted his first abstract canvases, then returned to a figurative style. It was in 1927 that he discovered geometric abstraction. In 1929, he became a co-founder of the Salon des Surindépendants. In 1931, he founded the Abstraction-Création group with Georges Vantongerloo. His painting then became purely geometric, composed of squares, circles, and other shapes in flat areas of pure color. In 1946, Herbin developed his "Plastic Alphabet," an attempt to codify the correspondences between letters, colors, and shapes. Using 26 colors, each associated with geometric forms, he created a new language modeled on everyday speech. He then painted his canvases based on a word, translating it into his new alphabet. He also associated colors with musical sounds, composing his canvases like a symphony. In 1949, he presented his book "Non-Figurative, Non-Objective Art," in which he presented his Plastic Alphabet and his theories of color, inspired in part by Goethe's. This book became one of the major references for abstract painting of this period. In 1953, struck by hemiplegia, Herbin learned to paint with his left hand. The artist died in 1960 in Paris, at the age of 78. One of his canvases remained unfinished and bears the title "The End." Herbin enjoys international recognition today, and his works are exhibited in museums around the world.
November 28, 2025 at 3:27 PM