Pop Culture Like You've Never Seen
This writer receives a LOT of books to read and review. Recently, I got a book that I am so happy about. Chronicle Books has done it again with a wonderful pictorial book by Isabel Samaras, the celebrated artist of today's Pop Surrealist scene. From the moment you open this book, called On Tender Hooks, you'll really BE hooked.
Anyone who grew up in front of a TV in the '60s and '70s will really appreciate this book. Samaras takes popular icons of the day, like Batman and Robin, and adds a sense of the contemporary. Taking liberties from some of the Masters, Samaras adds her own blend of saucy erotica and quirky humor. You MUST see her take on Samantha and Jeannie!
Isabel takes TV sitcoms, such as Gilligan's Island and the Munsters, and paints a picture of what REALLY may have been going on. It's fun, light, and good for a giggle or two. One current note is her painting of Michael Jackson, titled "King of Freaks", which displays what kind of tattoos Michael may have had on his body. Bawdy! And, her take on PeeWee Herman is a hoot!
In sum, I love On Tender Hooks! Isabel Samaras rocks and is quite a talented artist, by the way. This book is a must have for those of us who know the beloved shows of back then and those of us who may want to revisit them in the way we really thought it may have been. OTH is a book to get!
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