
Who is Gluck? The gender-non-conformist artist celebrated in today's Google Doodle
Head to Google’s homepage today and you’ll see its primary-coloured logo transformed into an elaborate floral display, accompanied by an imposing, androgynous face. This face belongs to the pioneering British artist known only as Gluck, who is celebrated both for their iconic portraits and picture frame designs, and for their bold rejection of gender norms. Google has used its Doodle design to pay tribute to the trailblazing visionary on what would have been their 128th birthday. So what do we know about Gluck? And why was their work so important? Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Gluck was born Hannah Gluckstein in London on 13 August 1895 to a wealthy catering family. However, as they grew older, they rejected their full name – asking to be referred to simply as Gluck. They attended the prestigious St. Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith before moving on to St John's Wood School of Art. During World War I, they moved to the village of Lamorna in Cornwall, which was known for its buzzing artists' community. There, Gluck began to defy gender norms and fashions, donning men’s clothes and sporting barbered hair. According to the Royal Academy of Art, they refused to identify with any artistic school or movement and so exhibited their work solely in “one-man shows”. They also wrote on the backs of publicity photos: “Please return in good condition to Gluck, no prefix, suffix or quotes.” And, as Google notes, when one art society identified Gluck as “Miss Gluck” on its letterhead, they immediately resigned. Still, despite what would have been eyebrow-raising practices at the time, Gluck earned popularity among their peers and the wider public. In 1932, Gluck designed and patented a three-tiered picture frame, which later became known as the Gluck frame. This traditionally matched the colour of the wall on which it hung, giving the illusion that the painting was part of the wall itself. But perhaps their most famous work was a double-portrait of Gluck and their lover Nesta Obermer, called ‘Medallion’. Gluck referred to the 1936 piece as the “YouWe” picture, which symbolised their spiritual, marital union with Obermer. They later explained that, on 23 June 1936, the couple had attended a production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Glyndebourne. Gluck felt that the intensity of the music fused them into one, inspiring the “YouWe” painting as a public declaration of love and commitment. “Now it is out,” they subsequently wrote to Obermer, “and to the rest of the Universe I call Beware! Beware! We are not to be trifled with.” Up until their relationship with Obermer, Gluck was better known for their still-lifes of flowers, which were inspired by arrangements created by their former lover, florist Constance Spry. After this affair ended and their relationship with Obermer blossomed in its place, Gluck’s subjects and style evolved, with the focus shifting to their alliance, which they saw as a true meeting of souls. In 1973, Gluck held their final exhibition, which debuted more than fifty paintings from across their career. As Google points out in the blurb to its Google tribute, Gluck refused to compromise artistically and personally, and their legacy continues to inspire artists to express themselves freely today. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-13 17:15

Who are Frankie Valli's ex-wives? Legendary singer, 89, ties the knot for the fourth time with Jackie Jacobs, 60
'It's terrific to have found love once again at this stage of my life,' said Frankie Valli about getting married to Jackie Jacobs
2023-06-27 17:57

Daniel Lee making new rules at Burberry's London show
British designer Daniel Lee presented his second collection for Burberry at a star-studded show in London on Monday, unveiling summer versions of the famous trench coat and...
2023-09-19 04:16

'Barbie dad' Ryan Gosling admits he struggles to keep up with his daughters' 'complicated backstories' for their dolls
Ryan Gosling also joked about how his daughters' Ken works at a grocery store and is not a fireman
2023-07-02 18:53

'Too Hot to Handle' Season 5: Who is Louis Russell? UK-based model and dapper sweet talker ready to steal girls from Lana’s gaze
UK-based model Louis Russell enjoys fashion, seeing new places, and participating in sports like football and boxing
2023-07-14 13:22

Olivia Dunne showcases incredible softball skills weeks after joint practice with boyfriend Paul Skenes
Videos on LSU Gymnastics' Instagram captured Olivia Dunne's precise hits which surprised teammates and fans alike
2023-11-22 16:18

In ‘Oppenheimer,’ Christopher Nolan builds a thrilling, serious blockbuster for adults
Christopher Nolan has never been one to take the easy or straightforward route while making a movie
2023-07-13 21:57

Fans shocked by Joy Behar's behavior towards Padma Lakshmi on 'The View': 'She was very rude'
Joy Behar seemed to be very curt and dismissive of Padma Lakshmi's sentiments and barely interacted with the guest
2023-08-06 13:45

Dixie and Charli D'Amelio: 5 important business lessons to learn from TikTok stars and sisters
5 business lessons that you can learn from famous D'Amelio Sisters, keep reading to know more
2023-06-04 13:58

Joe Rogan suggests new sport to UFC manager Dana White, offers to be its commentator: 'Let's go'
Joe Rogan said that he is open to commentate on a potential UFC Muay Thai event
2023-09-30 18:16

Jamie Foxx cast as God in Not Another Church Movie
Jamie Foxx will play the role of God in the comedy film 'Not Another Church Movie'.
2023-08-25 17:17

Who was Richard Pfeiffer? Michelle Pfeiffer gets candid about how memories of late dad inspired her unisex fragrance line
Michelle Pfeiffer's decision to choose scents that made her think of her late father triggered an emotional response in her
2023-07-14 16:57
You Might Like...

When will '90 Day: The Last Resort' Episode 5 air? Couples reveal startling details about their intimate life

'You're just trying to make me feel old': 'GMA' host Michael Strahan furious with Derek Jeter for roasting him for his age

Jake Paul set to make OTT debut with Netflix series 'Untold': 'My story has never been told'

Who punched iShowSpeed during FA Cup final? Here's what we know

Dale Mooney: Patriots fan who died during fight at football game had 'a medical issue,' says DA

Stunna 4 Vegas slammed for shouting at Monaleo moments after birth of their first child: 'Stop screaming'

35 Old-Timey Slang Terms for Informants

‘Those fans were like my family’: Travis Scott opens up on Astroworld tragedy, says he always thinks about it