Today’s Google Doodle honors Altina Schinasi, an American artist born on August 4, 1907. In addition to being a talented artist, she is also a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and inventor. This year marks her 116th birthday.
Altina was born in Manhattan, New York to Morris Schinasi and Laurette Schinasi as immigrants. Google Doodle mentions: “Schinasi was born on this day in 1907 in Manhattan, New York to immigrant parents. Her mother was of Salonica descent (then in the Ottoman Empire) and her father was of Sephardic Jewish Turkish descent.
Her passion for art ignited when she moved to Paris after graduating from high school. She studied painting for a short time with her cousin Renē Bensussan and then she joined an art school in New York.
Altina started her career as a window display designer with Salvador Dali for the 5th Avenue shops. She also worked with George Grosz, a famous German artist.
Google Doodle mentions: “After graduating from high school, Schinasi studied painting in Paris, which made her appreciate art. When she returned to the United States, she studied art at The Art Students League in New York and took a position as a window repairman for many shops on 5th Avenue. During this time, she found herself working with and learning. Ask questions from famous artists she admires like Salvador Dalí and George Grosz.”
Source; Google
Her most famous creation: Harlequin frames
While working as a window display designer, Altina looked through an ophthalmologist’s window and noticed that the only frame design for women’s glasses was round frames that lacked glamor.
That’s when she decided to create a new frame design, and after much brainstorming, she chose the Harlequin mask as her inspiration. She saw people wearing these masks in Venice, Italy for the Carnevale festival.
Google Doodle states: Schinasi’s time as a window designer inspired the creation of her now famous ‘cat’s-eye’ frames. At the display window of a nearby ophthalmologist’s office, she noticed that the only option for women’s glasses tended to be round frames with mediocre designs.”
“This observation inspired Schinasi to create another option for women, mimicking the shape of the Harlequin masks she saw people wearing in Venice, Italy during Carnevale. She noticed the sharp edges accentuated her face and started with a paper cut to demonstrate her creative frame design.” it added.
After designing the glasses, Altina approached many manufacturers and all rejected the design. However, she didn’t give up and her hard work paid off when a local store recognized her effort and spirit and helped her out.
As soon as her design came out, it was an instant hit. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Harlequin glasses were an important accessory for women across America.
She was awarded the Lord & Taylor American Design Award in 1939, later recognized by popular magazines such as Vogue and Life.
“Schinasi was awarded the 1939 Lord & Taylor American Design Award for his invention and was recognized by major magazines including Vogue and Life,” refers to the Google Doodle.
Altina’s Appreciation for George Grosz
Later in her career, Altina entered the world of cinema and dedicated a short film to George Grosz in 1960. The film was titled ‘George Grosz’ Interregnum’ and the masterpiece won first prize at the Union. Venice Film Festival. The film was also nominated for an Oscar.
She then went on to publish a memoir titled ‘The Way I Walked’ in 1995. She also served as an art therapist.
Altina is quite quirky and she has gone on to invent unique portraiture chairs and benches which she calls ‘The Chairs’.
Google Doodle mentions: “In the last years of his life, Schinasi did not slow down. She wrote and published the memoir The Way I Walked (1995), volunteered as an art therapist, and even invented unique portrait chairs and benches she calls Chairperson.
Altina Schinasi is a talented artist, filmmaker and designer who has had a significant impact on the world. The famous ‘cat’s eye’ glasses are still trending. Her work continues to inspire and influence people around the world. Google’s birthday celebration is a well-deserved tribute to her legacy.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn