Fashion

A New Book Traces the Global Origins of Abstract Art

Karmel, a professor of art history at New York University, approaches the field not as a steady tunneling toward nothingness, but as something more dynamic—and much less white, Western, and male….

In his preface to Abstract Art: A Global History—arriving this month from Thames & Hudson—Joseph Low (“Pepe”) Karmel, a professor of art history at New York University, writes that the goal of the book is “to demonstrate different ways of looking at abstraction and to encourage readers to respond to a wider range of abstract art.” A simple idea in theory, it proves a massive undertaking in practice, demanding a complete rethinking of long-established narratives. With Abstract Art, Karmel approaches the field not as a steady tunneling toward nothingness, as figures and other discernible objects fell away, but as something more dynamic—and much less white, Western, and male. There is no such thing as pure form, he insists; abstract art has always been “rooted in experience of the real world,” wherever and whenever it was made. He identifies five major categories of subject matter—bodies, landscapes, cosmologies, architectures, and signs and patterns, tracing each theme over 100 years, from 1915 to 2015—and works to consider the perspectives of women and artists of color not generally included in the discourse. (A work by the Swedish mystic Hilma af Klint claims the cover; while the Indian-born artist Zarina provides the frontispiece and Wosene Worke Kosrof, an Ethopian painter, the back cover.)

Here, Karmel discusses the book, some of his greatest mentors, and the particular challenges (and pleasures) of teaching art right now.

First, I’d love to know how you came to study art—what it was that turned you onto the field, and to contemporary art in particular.

I was an aimless, young college student who thought that I might be a novelist, because my dad was a novelist. So I finished college and I was writing a really, really bad novel that, fortunately for everyone involved, never got published. Meanwhile, I’d been collecting photography, and a friend of mine, an art critic, said, “Hey, you should write about photography for Art in America.” I was like, I have no credentials! I’ve never taken an art course! And he was like, “It doesn’t matter.” So I started writing about photography for Art in America, [and later] about painting and sculpture. Then I got a gig teaching at the School of Visual Arts, and after a couple of years, it kind of crept up on me that I liked this art history thing, and if I was going to do it for a career, I should probably learn something about it. So I went to graduate school at the Institute of Fine Arts, where I had just amazing teachers—I studied with Kirk Varnedoe and William Rubin from MoMA, who was the most powerful man in the art world from the early 1970s until sometime around 1998. He later asked me to help organize the Cubism exhibition at the museum in 1989. And then I really intended to teach, so I got a part-time job teaching when I finished my Ph.D in ’93. Later, Kirk was chief curator at MoMA, and I had the amazing experience of working with him on the Jackson Pollock retrospective that opened in ’98. When that was over, I got the job that I have now, teaching at NYU. That was, like, 20 years ago.

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Fashion

Cardi B’s $60K Birkin Bag Gets The ‘Mommy Treatment’ As Daughter Unleashes Her Creativity

In a moment of relatable frustration, Cardi B took to Instagram to share a funny yet surprising story about her expensive $60,000 Birkin bag, one of her favorite items from her luxury collection. Known for her bold personality and honest social media posts, Cardi revealed that one of her daughters had turned the fancy purse into a makeshift canvas, drawing a heart on it without permission. “Look what my daughter did to my purse,” Cardi said dramatically in her Instagram Story, showing off the iconic bag to her followers. “I literally spent $60,000 on this purse,” she exclaimed, still amazed by the unexpected ‘artwork’ from her little girl.

Although she was frustrated, the mom of three tried to take it all in stride, at least for the moment. Cardi values her hard-earned luxury items, especially her growing collection of high end bags. However, as any parent knows, kids have a skill for creating chaos even in the most cherished parts of life. For Cardi, that chaos includes her high-priced accessories. The post quickly gained attention online, with fans sympathizing with Cardi’s situation. Many found humor in the irony of the event, while others offered support, pointing out that such moments are just part of the unpredictable journey of parenthood. Cardi has previously emphasized that family is her top priority, even if it means dealing with some messiness.

Check out this article: Offset Calls For Peace As He Pursues Truce With Cardi B’s Fans After Drama

But Cardi’s frustration didn’t stop there. She later took to Twitter to respond to comments made by Kanye West regarding her staying power in the spotlight. While she didn’t mention him directly, her tweet, “7 years 1 album… STILL being a topic and STILL being asked about my music!!!” sent a clear message. She confidently asserted her spot in the entertainment world, clarifying that her fans, known as “The Brim,” are not going anywhere. In the end, whether it’s a damaged Birkin bag or dealing with critics, Cardi B repeatedly shows that she remains unfazed by the ups and downs of fame, always staying true to herself and her family.

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Fashion

Kai Cenat Powers Up The BAPE By KidSuper Collection, Bringing Bold Streetwear Vision to Life

The collaboration between BAPE by KidSuper and Kai Cenat has officially launched, and it’s making waves in the streetwear world. Released on April 12, the BAPE by KidSuper collection represents a blend of BAPE’s iconic style from Japan with the vibrant, energetic vibe of KidSuper, which has its roots in Brooklyn. This partnership is particularly significant for KidSuper’s founder, Colm Dillane, who started his journey selling handmade t-shirts outside BAPE stores. Now, he’s a key creative partner with the legendary brand. What sets this collection apart is its deep connection to culture.

Social media star Kai Cenat plays a major role in promoting the collection, bringing a youthful energy that perfectly matches the spirit of the collaboration. The release captures a mix of past influences and modern style, appealing directly to today’s trend-conscious audience. The first look at the collection was revealed during Paris Fashion Week at KidSuper’s Fall/Winter 2025 show, titled “From a Place I Have Never Been.” This wasn’t just a typical fashion show; it was an immersive experience featuring oversized clothing, bright colors, and a comic-inspired theme celebrating youth, memories, and imagination. These ideas are reflected in every piece of the collection, from graphic t-shirts to special sneakers, jackets, and clogs, making each item feel like a unique piece of art.