Art and Design History in Mainstream Media: A Look Back at 2025
Art and design history made a significant impact on popular visual productions in 2025. The year saw various instances of renowned artworks and designs being featured in mainstream media, showcasing the enduring influence of the art world on broader culture. From paintings by Renoir in a Wes Anderson film to references to John Everett Millais on a Taylor Swift album cover, these crossovers highlighted the integration of art and design into entertainment platforms.
One notable example was painter Ronan Day-Lewis's debut film, "Anemone," which brought his moody canvases to life on screen. The storyline followed a character named Ray, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, as he navigated an isolated existence in the aftermath of the Irish troubles. The film's visual elements, inspired by Day-Lewis's own artistic practice, emphasized haunting depictions of Ray's world, incorporating mythical beings from the artist's paintings and sculptures.
In another instance, production designer Mark Friedberg recreated paintings from Spike Lee's personal art collection for the film "Highest 2 Lowest." The movie centered around a wealthy record executive named David King, played by Denzel Washington, and featured works by artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kehinde Wiley as part of the character's lavish surroundings. Lee's collection added a cultural depth to the film's narrative, reflecting the character's affluent lifestyle and artistic sensibilities.
The intersection of art and architecture was also evident in the third season of FX's show "The Bear," where the protagonist, Carmen Berzatto, explored Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park home and studio. The meticulously crafted space provided a moment of tranquility for the character, showcasing the architectural brilliance of Wright's early work. The show's incorporation of Chicago's architectural history highlighted the city's rich cultural heritage, with the Oak Park home making its TV debut in this episode.
Taylor Swift's album cover for "The Life of a Showgirl" drew inspiration from John Everett Millais's painting of Ophelia, featuring Swift submerged in a tub reminiscent of the iconic artwork. The album's lead single, "The Fate of Ophelia," reimagined the tragic narrative with a modern twist, incorporating elements of art history into Swift's storytelling. The cover art and Swift's appearance on the New Heights podcast reflected her engagement with art and culture beyond music.
The integration of art history into popular media was further exemplified in HBO's "The Gilded Age," where a character based on portraitist John Singer Sargent was introduced. The fictional Sargent painted a portrait of Bertha Russell's daughter, reflecting the artist's historical practice of capturing society figures during the Gilded Age. Sargent's portraits have played a significant role in documenting the fashion and personalities of the era, adding a layer of authenticity to the show's narrative.
Lorde's music video for "Man of the Year" featured a setting reminiscent of Walter De Maria's artwork "New York Earth Room," showcasing the singer's exploration of gender and artistic creation. The video's reference to the iconic artwork highlighted the enduring influence of De Maria's piece on contemporary artists, sparking discussions about art, gender, and creativity. Lorde's interpretation of the artwork added a new dimension to the visual storytelling in her music.
Director Wes Anderson's film "The Phoenician Scheme" transformed its set into an art museum, featuring masterpieces borrowed from nearby institutions to enhance the characterization of the protagonist, Zsa-Zsa Korda. The inclusion of artworks by René Magritte, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Floris Gerritsz van Schooten added a layer of sophistication to the film's visual narrative, reflecting Korda's affluent and refined persona. The art curator, Jasper Sharp, highlighted the authenticity of the artworks amidst the film's fictional world, emphasizing their intrinsic value in the storytelling process.
In conclusion, the integration of art and design history into mainstream visual productions in 2025 underscored the enduring influence of the art world on popular culture. From films and music videos to television shows and album covers, these crossovers showcased the rich tapestry of artistic references that continue to shape contemporary visual storytelling. Art and design's presence in entertainment platforms not only adds depth and cultural significance to the narratives but also highlights the interconnectedness of creative disciplines in shaping our collective visual experiences.