Currently Browsing: Arts: Applied Arts

Fall of Freedom 2026: Join American Artists Defending Democracy

FOF Torch Logo 2026

Last November, FF2 was proud to help spread the word about a new movement rallying America’s artists: Fall of Freedom (FOF).

FOF is a grassroots campaign comprised of world-renowned artists and everyday citizens working together towards a common goal: the defense of democracy. Like many of us, the organization has had enough of the present administration’s censorship and intimidation.… read more.

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Crystal Thompson Engineers Costume Solutions for Met Opera

After reviewing El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego for FF2 Media, I found myself still thinking about the costumes long after the final curtain call. The production’s visual world felt richly-textured and meticulously crafted. Curious about the artists behind it, I reached out to Crystal Thompson, a New York-based installation and video artist who was part of the costume team for NYC’s Metropolitan Opera production.… read more.

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Inside Shirley Kurata’s Technicolor World in ‘I Love Boosters’

In Boots Riley’s latest absurdist film I Love Boosters, clothes do indeed make the (wo)man. The film follows a group of shoplifters (Keke Palmer as Corvette, Naomi Ackie as Sade, Taylour Paige as Mariah, and Poppy Liu as Jianhu) as they target stores stocking the clothes of Demi Moore as prominent designer Christie Smith.… read more.

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Dare to Dream Big Dreams on International Barbie Day

March 9th marks the date of Barbie’s arrival on the toy scene in 1959, making her 67 this year. While Barbie has lived more lives than anyone could in that 67-year span of time, she remains an enduring testament that a life of exploration and enjoyment knows no age barrier.

In all her time, Barbie has had no barriers of entry at all.… read more.

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Art History on Tiptoe: MoMA’s New ‘Starry Night Barbie’

Just in time for December’s gift-giving season, MoMA (NYC’s Museum of Modern Art) collaborated with the Mattel Corporation to produce a “Starry Night Barbie” doll dressed in a gown inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s beloved painting. Having previously written on Barbie’s legacy (directly before the release of Greta Gerwig’s eponymous 2023 film), I am checking back in on this inimitable doll’s current discourse.… read more.

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This Holiday Season, Delight in Feminist-Inspired Toys from MoMA

If you’re looking for last-minute gift ideas for friends who love art, feminism, and/or toys—or if you’ll be doing some museum hopping during your time off over the holidays—the Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan has a few new items in its collection (also available online) sure to tickle the fancy of our FF2 readers!… read more.

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