History of Art Snow Globes

There’s something really satisfying about seeing “highbrow” art history movements contained inside that trusty standby of souvenir shops: the “lowbrow” snow globe. The History of Art Snow Globes by Ligano/Reese consist of 20 glass signed and dated snow globes with black bases and acrylic text. Each design is an edition of 50 pieces.

Beginning with Fauvism and continuing through Dada, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Video Art and Superflat, Ligorano/Reese have reimagined twenty of the most influential movements of modern and contemporary art stylistically through their interpretation of each genre in typeface and color. The History of Art snow globes are keepsake monuments in constant recognition and celebration of the magnitude of these movements and their impact on art and culture in modern times.

Taken individually, some of the pieces, like Superflat and New Media, are stronger than others. The Conceptual Art snowglobe might make the most impact, especially at a cost of $400 a piece. Ten completists can also get full sets of the whole series for $7,200. I’m all about educational objects. Maybe a school with an actual art history budget could spring for a set? (It would be a nice acquisition alongside Genis Carreras’ minimalist philosophy posters.) Alternatively, you can make a statement of a different caliber with Ligorano/Reese’s open-edition “Fuck” snow globe priced at just $60.