27.01.2022 07:00 Date: January 27, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 180th birthday of Russian artist Arkhip Kuindzhi. By integrating emerging discoveries in physics and chemistry with the contemporary styles of Impressionism and Romanticism, Kuinzhi developed a new painting technique that captured the natural world like never before. Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi was born on this day in 1842 in the coastal town of Mariupol, Ukraine, into a family of cobblers and goldsmiths. To support his family, Kuindzhi worked odd jobs growing up while fostering his early interest in drawing on his off time. Historians believe a bread merchant was the first to notice Kuindzhi’s talent as an artist and encouraged him to apprentice under Ivan Aivazovsky, a popular painter of maritime scenes. Kuindzhi walked over 250 miles from his hometown to Aivazovsky’s studio in Feodosia, Ukraine. Despite Aivazovsky denying him an apprenticeship, Kuindzhi pursued an education at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, where he took classes on the physical effects of light with famed Russian chemist Dmitrii Mendeleev. Due to its limited focus on European painting methods, the academy’s rigid traditions frustrated Kuindzhi. He left the school to paint natural landscapes of the Russian countryside and co-founded an organization for nomadic painters known as the “Society of Itinerant Artists” in 1870. Kuindzhi became known for capturing massive, empty scenes of contemporary Russia, such as the seascape painting “Red Sunset on the Dnieper, 1905-8,” which remains his most famous work to date. Today, his former living quarters in St. Petersburg host many of his paintings and have been opened to the public as The Arkhip Kuindzhi Apartment Museum. Here’s to a painter who shined a new light on contemporary art—Arkhip Kuindzhi! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: , Tags: , , ,
26.01.2022 00:46 Date: January 26, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 124th birthday of Russian-born, Polish avant-garde sculptor and art theoretician Katarzyna Kobro. Her utilitarian and geometric sculptures explored the relationship between expression and the infinitude of space, carving out Kobro’s place as a leading innovator of early 20th century Central European abstract art. Katarzyna Kobro was born into a multicultural family in Moscow on this day in 1898. Following an early interest in arts and sciences, Kobro enrolled in the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture in 1917 where she collaborated with progressive groups re-envisioning Russian art. Her stylistic development was complemented by emerging attitudes in the Polish avant-garde, in which artists believed art could be incorporated into everyday life through mass production. On this creative foundation, Kobro created her first sculpture in 1920—an amalgamation of metal, wood, glass, and cork titled “Tos 75 - Struktura” . She moved to Poland soon after, where she created her most famous works—the 1925–1933 sculpture series “Kompozycja Przestrzenna” and the 1931 philosophy book, “Composition of Space: Calculations of Space-Time Rhythm,” co-written with her husband, Władysław Strzemiński. Kobro further declared her conceptual philosophy in signing the 1936 Parisian “Manifeste Dimensioniste” , which called for the integration of scientific advancements into art. In the mid-twentieth century, art historians began restoring Kobro’s works, which reignited interest in her influence on the social and artistic movements of her time. Much of Kobro’s remaining artworks are currently on display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York’s 2021 exhibition “Collection 1940s–1970s.” Here’s to an intellect who shaped the art world—Katarzyna Kobro! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: , , , , , Tags: , , ,
26.01.2022 00:46 Date: January 26, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 79th birthday of Egyptian actress, singer, and dancer Soad Hosny. Known as a highly versatile performer who became an icon of women’s empowerment, Hosny is remembered as one of Egypt’s most influential actresses. Soad Muhammad Kamal Hosny was born to a large, artistic family in Cairo, Egypt on this day in 1943. Her career in show business began at just three years old as a singer for “Papa Sharo,” a popular Egyptian children’s radio program. She performed her first starring role at 17 in the 1959 Arabic adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, “Hassan and Naima,” a breakout role that marked the start of a prolific on-screen career spanning more than 80 comedies, musicals, dramas, and romance films alongside some of Egypt’s top entertainers. Dubbed the “Egyptian Cinderella,” Hosny helped redefine 1960s popular culture in Egypt by juxtaposing refined glamor and rebellious independence. Hosny's work is said to have been intertwined with many social and political moments in modern Middle Eastern history and has long been recognized for making specific efforts to address gender equality. Her acting, singing, and dancing transcended genre barriers as she delivered nuanced performances in roles ranging from ingenue to bold revolutionary in some of Egypt’s most iconic films over more than three decades. Today, the young and daring characters that Hosny portrayed in films remain a source of inspiration for some of Egypt’s contemporary young feminist activists. Here’s to a star that keeps on shining— Soad Hosny! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Tags: , , , , ,
26.01.2022 00:46 Date: January 26, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates India’s Republic Day, commemorating 72 years since the Indian Constitution took effect and the nation completed its transition to an independent republic. The Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 and officially enacted on this day in 1950 to coincide with the day the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj or “complete freedom.” Across the South Asian subcontinent, Republic Day is celebrated over a three-day period with cultural events that honor the resilience, history, and diverse social fabric of the world’s most populous democracy. The largest official display of national pride held today is the Republic Day Parade—elements of which are depicted in the Doodle artwork—from left to right, parade animals: an elephant, a horse, a dog, a camel; a red tabla; the parade path; a saxophone as part of the iconic camel-mounted band; doves; and the tricolors of the national flag. Along Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard in the Indian capital of New Delhi, this momentous parade features a float for each Indian state alongside dozens of bands, folk dancers, and government officials. The parade is broadcast live to millions across India who tune in to enjoy the carefully choreographed spectacle and reflect on over 70 years of freedom. Happy Republic Day, India! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , ,
25.01.2022 15:15 Date: January 26, 2022 Today’s Doodle recognizes January 26 with a depiction of the Eastern Spinebill, a species of honeyeater recognizable by its long, down-curved bill and energetic flight patterns. From Cooktown in northern Queensland to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, the Eastern Spinebill can be found hastily collecting nectar from flowering trees across forested areas and suburban gardens. Australia is home to one of the most diverse collections of avian life on the planet. Songbirds, pigeons, and parrots all evolved in the country’s rich ecosystem. Today, there are over 830 native species of birds inhabiting the island continent. From the iconic emu to the elusive night parrot—and of course, the tiny Eastern Spinebill—Australia’s unique avian population makes it a paradise for bird lovers. So if you spot an Eastern Spinebill darting between trees or hear its signature piping whistle, take a moment and appreciate the bird song! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , , , ,
25.01.2022 05:00 Date: January 25, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 83rd birthday of Italian singer-songwriter, playwright, and performer Giorgio Gaber. He is best known and remembered as a pioneer of teatro canzone , a reflection of Milanese society captured through the fusion of music, poetry, and theater. Born into a musical family in Milan, Italy on this day in 1939, Giorgio Gaberscik first developed a love for music while playing the guitar as therapy for a hand injury. He later learned to sing, and in his early twenties, Gaber co-produced Italy’s first rock ’n’ roll song—Ciao ti dirò . During the 1960s, Gaber primarily performed on television, where his purposeful and entertaining songwriting enraptured audiences by intelligently engaging with Milan’s changing cultural landscape. In 1969, he released Com'è bella la città , which remains among his best known works for its focus on contemporary social concerns. To establish a more personal connection with audiences, Gaber transitioned almost exclusively to the theater stage in 1970. His emotional and complex theatrical performances examined Italian society and encouraged an introspective national dialogue. Over the next 30 years, Gaber refined the teatro canzone medium with hundreds of shows per year. This monumental oeuvre demonstrated that music, monologues, and comedy were tools to expand one’s emotional limits while reflecting on shared national realities. In honor of Gaber’s contributions, a historical Milanese opera house was reopened under his name as the Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber in 2003. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
22.01.2022 00:15 Date: January 22, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 65th birthday of Pakistani social activist, architect, and urban planner Perween Rahman, who devoted her life to uplifting marginalized communities. Perween Rahman was born on this day in 1957 in Dhaka, Pakistan . Following the partition of Pakistan in 1971, she relocated with her family to Karachi. Rahman studied architecture and went on to earn her master’s in housing, building, and urban planning from the Institute of Housing Studies in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Rahman’s personal experiences of displacement inspired her to pursue a career advocating for housing security, and in 1982, she began working as an unpaid intern for the Orangi Pilot Project . This organization focused on sanitation, housing, and healthcare in Orangi Town on the outskirts of Karachi, one of the world’s largest informal settlements. Here, many residents could not rely on legal protection to maintain rights to their homes and were frequently evicted for construction projects. From meticulously documenting property boundaries and ownership information to spearheading education and community engagement initiatives, Rahman’s work soon became integral in protecting the region’s precarious community. Rahman’s dedication to helping Orangi Town’s 1.5 million residents protect their land rights led to her appointment as head of the OPP’s housing and sanitation programs. With Rahman at the helm, the OPP partnered with the government to set up 650 private schools, 700 medical clinics, and 40,000 small businesses. She has been given numerous accolades for her achievements, notably the Sitara-e-Shujaat , and her efforts have played an instrumental role in defining how Pakistani settlements are developed today. Special thanks to the family of Perween Rahman for their partnership on this project. Below, Perween Rahman’s sister Aquila Ismail, and brothers Khurshed Khair and Anis Khair reflect on their sister’s life and legacy: Perween, the youngest of us four siblings was the touchstone of our family. A fierce believer and upholder of the rights of humanity and nature - the elderly, the youth, the differently abled, man, woman, the transgendered, people of all sexual orientations, trees and flowers, birds and bees, moths and butterflies, cats and dogs. Most compassionate, highly spirited, feisty. Devoted daughter, faithful friend, soul sister and a combination of it all to her two nieces. Perween filled our lives with light and laughter. It was hard not to be affected by her spirit. She lived life with passion, doing things that made her happy. From roaming the bazaars of Bhitshah and Uch Sharif delighting at the song of the blind singer in the compound of Sachal Sarmast’s mausoleum to immersing herself in Sufi thought and tradition; from being enamored by people’s creativity—the beautiful handicrafts, jewelry and art in every form - to being deeply saddened by people’s ability to be destructive and unjust. She was inspired by life and everything it encircles. She enriched our lives, and the lives of many others with her beliefs about the wondrous natural universe and her tireless belief in the goodness in every living being. We are deeply touched by this gesture from Google. It is life-affirming to see that Perween’s contribution to Pakistan, the values she stood for and her legacy are being celebrated today. May we all strive to be just in our actions and continue to find inspiration in life itself, like our beloved Perween. Perween Rahman at work Photo courtesy of Perween Rahman family Perween Rahman in the field Photo courtesy of Perween Rahman family Perween Rahman Photo courtesy of Perween Rahman family Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , , , , ,
20.01.2022 19:30 Date: January 21, 2022 Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Save lives. As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the world, help stop the spread by finding and following . about resources to help you and your communities stay informed and connected. Location: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Tags: , , , , ,
20.01.2022 00:15 Date: January 20, 2022 Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Save lives. As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the world, help stop the spread by finding and following . about resources to help you and your communities stay informed and connected. Location: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Tags: , , , , ,
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17.01.2022 12:01 Date: January 17, 2022 Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Brooklyn, New York-based guest artist , celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This United States federal holiday commemorates a day of service and reflection on the life and work of Dr. King—the civil rights leader who worked as a lifelong advocate for racial equality and the end of segregation. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929. He began his career of service in Montgomery, Alabama as a pastor and community leader in the NAACP, which aimed to establish legal protections for the Black community across all aspects of social and institutional life. Members of the NAACP elected Dr. King to fight segregation by leading a historic bus boycott in 1955. As the first, large-scale, peaceful demonstration of its kind, the Montgomery Bus Boycotts marked a turning point in the American civil rights movement and inspired generations to fight for civil rights. Through influential demonstrations, speeches, and written works, Dr. King spread his message of racial justice and economic equality. His efforts culminated with the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, a landmark piece of legislation that decreed the end of legal public segregation and discrimination in the United States. In commemoration of Dr. King’s birthday, the third Monday in January was declared a federal holiday in 1983 and observed for the first time in 1986. Dr. King’s legacy lives on in the work of his children and in the millions inspired by his impactful rhetoric to continue pushing the arc of the moral universe to an equitable society for all. Happy MLK Day! Guest Artist Q&A with Olivia Fields Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Brooklyn, New York-based guest artist . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A. My life has been shaped by the activism that took place in the past and continues to be formed by the movements that exist today. It cannot be understated how much is owed to individuals like Dr. King who have fought to make a better life for everyone. Not just to survive, but to thrive and to live fully. It should always be acknowledged. Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A. I was very excited and humbled to be considered. Creating a Google Doodle has been something I've always wanted to do, and to depict one of the most prominent figures of the civil rights movement in American history was a great honor. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A. The quote, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." influenced the initial conception of the doodle. I decided to focus on the visual of an arc to establish the movement in the piece. And everything moves, looks on, in the same direction....forward. Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A. Although it is future-focused, I hope people consider the importance of connection, especially in this present moment. It goes without saying how significant support is. Think about how necessary it is to reach out and to take hold as well. This is something I hope the Doodle inspires. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: , Tags: , , , , ,
17.01.2022 02:16 Date: January 17, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Spanish cartoonist, author, television writer, and film director Antonio Fraguas de Pablo–better known by his pen name Forges–who is widely considered among the nation’s most significant graphic humorists of his era. In his signature style of simple, thick, black outlines, Forges provided the Spanish public with a satirical yet compassionate lens into some 50 years of the country’s history. Antonio Fraguas de Pablo was born in Madrid, Spain on this day in 1942, and from a young age, he knew he wanted to become a cartoonist. At 14, he began to work as a technician for the public broadcaster Televisión Española, and while there, he published his first cartoon in the newspaper Pueblo in 1964. He continued to publish his cartoons over the following years, and in 1973, he finally left his job to realize his childhood dream of becoming a full-time cartoonist. Forges quickly rose in popularity, filling newspaper pages with a subversive cast of cartoon characters who helped the public to process an unfolding evolution in Spanish society. Over the decades that followed, he put out many thousands of cartoons that explored everything from new technology to the discovery of the Higgs boson particle. A true creative powerhouse, Forges also directed films, wrote scripts for television comedies, published books of cartoons, and even wrote a novel. Forges received countless accolades throughout his career, including Spain’s Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 2011. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , ,
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15.01.2022 21:00 Date: January 16, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Indonesian children’s entertainer and educator Sandiah, better known as Ibu Kasur by her fans. Renowned as a patient and loving motherly figure, Kasur taught generations of Indonesian youth moral values and lessons for the future on a variety of platforms—most famously as the host of the popular children’s show “Taman Indria.” Ibu Kasur was born with the name Sandiah in Jakarta, Indonesia on this day in 1926. She joined the Indonesian Scouts, where she met her future husband, Pak Kasur. Driven by a dedication to children’s education that blossomed in junior high, Kasur and her husband opened an early education school called the Mini Kindergarten in their own home in 1965. This school formed the foundation for the Kasurs’ lifetime of service to Indonesian youth education. Kasur extended her educational programs across Indonesia as a host of children’s programming on Radio Republik Indonesia and as the head of the Setia Toddler Foundation, which established four kindergarten branches nationwide by the 1990s. Kasur also edited a children’s magazine, produced a children’s film, and composed dozens of nursery rhymes. If you listen closely to Kasur's typically short compositions, you can hear that they exclude the letter “r” to make songs for children that are easy to both remember and pronounce. On National Children’s Day in 1988, Kasur was awarded the Presidential Award for her achievements as both a creative and a dedicated educator. Today, many of Kasur’s 150 children’s songs, such as “Kucingku” or “Bertepuk Tangan” , are still sung by young people across Indonesia. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , , , ,
