![]() ![]() After the first World War Wain's style moved towards abstraction. Wain was chairman of the National Cat Club in 18 and supported animal charities including the Society for the Protection of Cats, actively supported his feline companions working to transform attitudes to the humble cat. The newspaper gave him the platform to fill the pages with illustrations of humanised cats which helped to change people's perception of the curious and delightful cat which soon became a household favourite. His first drawing of anthropomorphic cats was published in the Christmas issue and called A Kitten's Christmas Party. Wain's contract with Illustrated London News in 1886 changed people's perceptions. During the late 19th century cats were seen as pests and certainly not kept as pets by the British public as they are today. Emily was diagnosed with breast cancer just three years after their marriage and Wain found comfort in entertaining Emily with funny illustrations of their darling Peter reading, smoking a cigar or doing the washing up. ![]() It wasn't until he and his wife Emily rehomed a stray cat which they named Peter did Wain's obsession and repetitive depiction of cats start to consume his artistic output. As a freelance artist Wain worked on illustrations usually of animals, countryside vistas and recording events such as country fairs for a number of journals including the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News and The Illustrated London News. His anthropomorphic cat illustrations are completely wacky, charming, and delightfully entertaining. Cats playing the piano, cats playing cricket or even cats drinking cups of tea. Until then, here is, in no particular order, the 36 best action movies ever made.LOUIS WAIN (BRITISH 1860-1939) THERE IS LUCK IN ODD NUMBERS Gouache heightened with white Signed (lower right) 20.5 x 33.5cm (8 x 13 in.)Provenance: Abbot & Holder, London Private Collection, purchased from the above in 197 Gifted from the above, Private Collection, berkshire To enter the whimsical world of Louis Wain is to come face to face with a world dominated by cats. Here’s hoping for more John Wicks, more Raids, and more Atomic Blondes in the future. And international actors and directors are finally getting increased attention (and direction) in a Hollywood overly-saturated with slapstick cinematography and post-production punches. If anything, the fights are becoming more brutal, more carefully choreographed, and more ambitious. And performers like Bruce Lee, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Arnold have changed to Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, and Charlize Theron. ![]() Legend action directors like Ang Lee, John Woo, Robert Clouse, and Zhang Yimou (still going strong) have given way to newer arrivals like Gareth Evans, Chad Stahelski, and Christopher Nolan. The only thing that’s changed are the names and faces. While there are obvious developments in VFX technology, which have allowed for larger set pieces and more realistic thrills, much of what makes a great acton film a great action film hasn’t changed: painstaking choreography, fearless stunt performers/actors, and clear cinematography (and not that Taken fence jumping bullshit.) If anything, we are now experiencing another golden age of ass-kicking cinema. ![]() They are the heroes and the future directors, choreographers, and performers who bring these imaginations to life.Īnd to the incredulity of your father (who insists no movie will ever top First Blood) the action genre hasn’t slipped on it’s roundhouse kick. They all want to punch, draw swords, and run toward the danger. Why? Because no young girl or boy grows up pretending to be a damsel in distress or a sidekick. As long as there are movies, there will be action movies. ![]()
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