Brava

July 2012

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play in your free time Art Throb Together we can-can! By Pete Lundberg Step back in time to the gaiety of Paris at the turn of the 19th century with a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum's "Posters of Paris: Toulouse-Lautrec and His Contem- poraries." Running through Sept. 9, this collection of more than 100 colorful, and sometimes risqué (at least by 19th century standards), French posters from the era showcases a style that is now iconic. trec and his contemporaries Jules Chéret, Alphonse Mucha and others, were in huge demand. Establishments paid top dollar for artistic creations touting their venues. In an era before television and social media, posters and handbills were the main form of advertising; the competition to create an eye-catching advertisement was fierce. The leader of these artists The works, by Henri de Toulouse-Lau- became Toulouse-Lautrec, whose short life is a story in itself. Born into an aris- tocratic family in 1864, his talents for drawing were evident before he was 10. Afflicted with a number of physical issues, he immersed himself in art, studying at some of the finest Paris art salons. His bold work was both celebrated and scorned. While not widely accepted into some circles, Toulouse- Lautrec was a celebrity in many of Paris' lively haunts. As captivating as it was, Above:This lively poster, commissioned by dancers Eglantine Demay and Jane Avril for their 1896 open- ing at the Palace Theatre in London, was one of many lithographs created by Lautrec in his career. Left: Born in 1864, Toulouse-Lautrec transformed the art and advertising world of Paris in the late 19th century with his colorful creations depicting popular prod- ucts, establishments and nightlife. fore he reached 37. But in his short life he produced more than 1,000 oils and water- colors, hundreds of advertisements and posters, and more than 5,000 drawings— an impressive output from a sometimes- tortured artist who lived large. the nightlife took its toll. Toulouse-Lautrec died be- Pete Lundberg is not only an art lover but owner of Janus Galleries in Madison. Book Club Beautiful Disaster By Laura Spinella When her mysterious ex-boyfriend returns (in quite a precarious state) Mia can't help but rush to his side. Where has he been? And where will this lead? This suspenseful novel will leave you searching for answers—and for love. Published by The Penguin Group, $15 Then Came You By Jennifer Weiner Four women with four completely different motivations become entwined in a story about life, love and survival. Deep messages told with the author's signature wit and innuendo make for a great summer read. Published by Simon & Schuster, Inc., $11 Fifty Shades of Grey By E.L. James It's the dominant book of the year (pun intended). This erotic yet humorous novel will have you enthralled in a passionate affair, cheering for true love and blushing all the way. Published by Knopf Doubleday, $11 Summer Rental By Mary Kay Andrews Four friends, a beach house and a hunky landlord. What else can transpire but a summer story that will have you cracking open a cold one while turning the page for more? Published by St. Martin's Press, $11 It's summertime, and the reading's easy! Simmer under the sun while los- ing yourself in a steamy novel Happening this month: Julius Caesar: Madison Shakespeare Company brings its debut to the outdoors with perfor- mances of "Julius Caesar" at Breese Stevens Field July 26-29 at 6:30 p.m. Pack a snack and enjoy the work of the Bard in a unique, quintessentially Madison setting. Visit madisonshakespeare.org. 72 BRAVA Magazine July 2012

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