Silver Space Pillows

Silver Space Pillows has moved

2010-08-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to pack up and move as I've just launched a shiny new site with an integrated blog. To read future posts please visit www.silverspacepillows.com or my Facebook page. See you there!

Fallon Brainfood x VCU Brandcenter: The Engagement Opportunity

2010-07-12T08:42:00.001-07:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Fallon Brainfood x VCU Brandcenter: The Engagement Opportunity

View more presentations from Aki Spicer.

Fun for chores

2010-07-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

An awesome example of the real world / digital world interplay. Here the construct of the role playing game helps you to get your boring 'to do list' stuff done and enjoy doing it. Nice.

Found via PSFK

Nike - Lace Up and Save Lives

2010-07-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

This is such a great initiative and I continue to be blown away by how Nike comms continually raise the bar - you've got bad ass csr, eye watering film after film, they've handed the red campaign to the masses.....not to mention the fact they've utterly stolen the World Cup crown from under Adidas's nose. Pure class.

Stephen Bayley - old school pompousness

2010-07-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

Don't let this charming photo deceive you, this man is on a mission and is likely to take out anyone who gets in his way. I went to a CMW Bacon Club talk last night and was looking forward to a talk from Bayley. Amongst a list of fine accolades he is/has been Chief Exec of the Design Museum, Creative Director of the Millenium Dome, as well as architecture and design correspondent of The Observer etc.

During his talk he failed once to talk about or champion design. Instead it was a vulgar crusade of me, me, me followed by bitch, bitch, bitch. I left the talk feeling disappointed, horrified and somewhat violated in equal measure. Thank goodness I'm not from that school of thought. C_R_A_P.

Unexposed exposures

2010-06-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

You know I love Warhol (hence the name of the blog) and this previously unpublished shot, which ended up on the cutting room floor for his book Exposure, just caught my eye. He shot several rolls of film every week for the book he originally titled Social Diseases.

Found via 100WordsPhotographyMag

Science Museum rebrand

2010-06-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

We all love Science Museum, don't we? So many of us remember knob-twiddling a go-go and sci-fi play as kids. Personally one of my seminal childhood memories was 'becoming' Superman on the green screen - loved it.

Over recent years, Science Museum has been working hard to bring in new visitors and break free of the age old 'science is for geeks' adage. The 'adult-only' lates, for example, have been proving popular. Ooerr.

Science Museum has just announced a rebrand - a continuation in their effort to present a fresh, human and more interesting self. The only thing is, it must have been on a budget...or maybe no budget. Why do I say this? Well it's a hasty visual shortcut to present something new. A new logo, and a new font.

What they needed was a true rebrand. Something which harnesses their values, their value in today's society and brings their story and mission to life.

The cautionary tale is you get what you pay for. And if you don't cough up the big players won't put out...and quite right too. Sadly, the end result just doesn't cut it.

Phyllida Barlow - Serpentine Gallery

2010-06-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a talk by Phyllida Barlow hosted by the wonderful Contemporary Art Society. She spoke of her current work on display at Serpentine, her 'encounter' (rather than collaboration) with fellow artist Nairy Baghramian and of the new decisions and hard choices she's having to make late in her career post teaching.

Untitled: Columns 2010

It was such a great day, the photo above shows one of Phyllida's vast sculptural installations which look robust and imposing but upon closer inspection are actually enormously fragile. Layer upon layer is built up, there's a sense of movement and haste to it all of her pieces. They create a startling contrast to Nairy's work (below) which is so quiet, polished and paired back to be the smallest interruption to the surrounding space.

Sally Mann: The Family and the Land

2010-06-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

I remember Sally's Immediate Family works from when I was at uni. Really beautiful and honest portraits of her 3 young kids. Her first UK solo exhibition is on at Photographers' Gallery. This is a must see.

Early One Morning with Time to Waste, Michael Fliri (Austria)

2010-06-18T03:19:00.000-07:00

This work by Fliri really captured my imagination this morning. The polyethylene boat bobs happily in the open sea....'Real adventures can arise from the imagination', says the artist. A wonderful contrast of nature and waste in a happier contrast than the oil spil and the open sea. I feel uplifted.

Check out other nominated works for the European Sovereign Art Prize here.

Best of BB King

2010-06-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Re-released this week, BB King's very best tracks are soothing my soul this fine summers day. Join me for some foot-tapping at Spotify.

Lisa Snook - Bittersweet

2010-06-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

I absolutely can't wait to see Lisa Snook's show tomorrow night at St.Art. Her highly emotive work speaks of sex, death, fear, loss and love. She loves to work with found pieces that she then reworks to evoke new meanings using embroidery, latex and feathers. Here's a sneak preview of one of her new pieces. Just gorgeous.

Absolut at it again

2010-06-10T02:41:00.000-07:00

Absolut continue to nail distinctive and meaningful art collaborations. Here's an ad campaign they're running in Turin where artist Ron English re-imagines iconic images.

Found via PSFK and Wooster Collective

NYC sTWEET art

2010-06-10T02:35:00.000-07:00

A charming example of street art.

Thelma Golden: How Art Gives Shape to Cultural Change

2010-06-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

Great talk focusing on Thelma's mission to encourage us to view artists (and museums) as catalysts of change in the community. And more specifically for her search for young black artists working 'in this moment' who she hopes will shape a 21st century black art cultural movement.

Retro glam - Alex Prager's Week End

2010-06-08T03:54:00.000-07:00

Alex Prager's first solo show starts 10th June at Michael Hoppen Gallery. Here are a few of her retro inspired Hollywood heroines living out American popular culture from a bygone era.

The Confectioner's Confectioner, Leigh Ledare

2010-06-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

In our world there are few taboo subjects that remain undocumented or unexposed. But I have to say a visit to Pilar Corrias gallery left me knocked sideways.

The show is a collection of photographs, archives and text that document a perverse relationship between the artist and his mother. On the outside this an honest and brutal account of a sexually blurred relationship. On the other hand, it's about director vs subject, control, self-representation and authorship.

After you get over the initial shock factor (which takes a while & for some is permanent), you appreciate the photography, the story-telling, the wit, the beauty of the ageing process and that real can be fantasy.

If art is meant for you to temporarily view the world from another perspective then surely this is 100 out of 10. Fantastic work, mesmerising show and I'm sure his work will go down in history. But I still can't stop thinking...was that him having sex with his mum?

Razorfish - Publishing in the digital age (and other IP)

2010-06-04T01:18:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a splurge of agency & publisher IP in circulation. Here are a few pieces I'll definitely be reading:

1/ Firstly this razorfish report on digital publishing called Nimble
2/ Then a report by PR agency Edelman about social entertainment in the UK & US
3/ And finally, I'll be reading the future of retail study by PSFK

Have a look too.

Jeff Koons' BMW

2010-06-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

Strewth, this takes boy racing to another level. Recently revealed in Paris as the 17th BMW art car canvas collaboration this is what Koons said at the unveiling:

“This car is about this type of life energy, this desire to achieve and this desire to win. This life energy is up against everything and it keeps pushing through with this desire to create.”

Silberblink/Squint @ Modern Art

2010-06-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

I love this image. I can't wait to see this on Saturday - intriguing...

Claridges rebrand

2010-06-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

I'm currently thinking about luxury brands and wanted to share this stunning brand work by design agency Construct for Claridges. They've masterfully executed a logo rebrand, a new font, an updated colour palette and have worked it through every iteration imaginable. Stunning work - I appreciate that they haven't subscribed to the old school rule of repeating over and over again the same elements in the same exacting way. Everyone likes surprises.

Write the future

2010-06-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

Ambition, passion, wit, pace, cultural relevance - this is the real deal. A best in class product of our times:

Art.sy

2010-06-02T04:14:00.000-07:00

Now, this sounds interesting. As a member of several online art and art collecting groups there's incessant buzz about selling art online - how hard it is and how current offerings aren't delivering.

Perhaps new start-up Art.sy, who've just won the TechCrunch Rookie Disruptor Award, hold the key to a new approach to welcoming new collectors to the scene and creating a site that genuinely helps people buy. We'll see.

Found via PSFK

Derelict but not unloved

2010-06-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

I love this immense work by Blu & Os Gemeos covering a once unloved, ugly derelict building in Lisbon, Portugal.

Found via PSFK

Truman Brewery Drive-In

2010-05-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, yes - get me to the drive-in to live out those teenage Grease-inspired fantasies. 20 Volvos with the audio piped through the radio and a mega outdoor screen up front, will be in residence outside the Truman Brewery for 3 nights from 2nd July. I'm in :)

Found via Stylist.

In conversation with Ryan Gander, Lisson Gallery

2010-05-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I headed over to a talk by artist Ryan Gander about his latest solo exhibition 'You walk into a space, any space'. What a dude! Really funny, dry & down-to-earth. I enjoyed that he set out to create a solo exhibition that felt like a group show. He likes stuff that doesn't look like art. In his mind to be a good artist is to be light of foot and not hell-bent on reproducing something familiar or continually focused on one theme.

Like any brilliant communication today, there's the surface layer of playfulness and then, for the 'geeks' (as Ryan puts it), there are multiple narratives that interlink and allude to possible worlds. This wormhole into the artists' mind was great fun - and what a cheeky & fun place it is.

PS The chocolate biscuits were amazing :)

Social media home truths

2010-05-18T02:04:00.000-07:00

This slide from a recent Coca-Cola blogger outreach meeting in China sets out the drinks giant's core social media principles. Clearly, they're bang on. During the presentation, Coke detailed their online guidelines along with the do's & don'ts for staff and non-staff spokespeople online.

Found via PSFK

A new race of radically altered beings

2010-05-18T01:07:00.000-07:00

Opening night at White Cube's latest Marc Quinn exhibition 'Allanah, Buck, Catman, Chelsea, Michael, Pamela and Thomas' was a circus with people everywhere and a who's looking at who vibe. Possibly the perfect backdrop for a fully fledged celebration of narcissism.

Centred round the public's obsession with the body, the exhibition shows the extremities to which people are willing to go to transform themselves. There's Pammy with her mega-watt bust, the pregnant man, the man who tattoed his face to look like a cat, male & female porn stars with sexual organs of the opposite sex - basically a whole new breed of altered people. A reminder that today you don't just have to play with the cards nature dealt you.

Whilst beautiful, I felt very detached from the virtuous sculptures and repelled and disinterested in the work to a degree, unable to make a connection. In hindsight, this is probably exactly how the artist wants you to feel as Quinn makes addictive viewing of the ongoing disconnect between body & soul.

PS I've just realised I chopped all the naughty bits out of my photos. Sorry about that :)

Louis Vuitton journeys

2010-05-15T02:55:00.000-07:00

Gone (I hope) are the days of crass celebrity endorsement and a flashy show of fame for shallow commercial gain. In its place we're seeing more sophisticated partnerships matched with more intelligent story-telling. The dawn of a new era.

I've already written about the rise of fashion film...and the latest Louis Vuitton journey shows just how good it can get. The online film experience is so engaging, I was on the site for about 20mins.

There are 3 journeys - the footballing legends (Pele, Madonna & Zidane), the astronauts & Annie Leibovitz with dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. It's a cross-generational sharing of stories and experience with a 'round the campfire' intimacy and friendliness.

Robin Hood Tax

2010-05-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Curtain Road in Shoreditch last week on election night - I love drd (see previous post). I wonder what he's working on now the coalition dream team are in? Ha ha

Pick Me Up

2010-05-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

The UK's first graphic art fair at Somerset House was a great day out and fantastic value for £5. Dalston's print club were in residence alongside the uber talented paper-cutter extraordinaire Rob Ryan who had recreated his studio and camped out there all week. His space was full of personal effects and work, you could photograph anything and everything - it felt really inviting, honest and fun. I think galleries could take some learnings from this immersive and informal experience. I'd love to see more events like this, it's inspiring!

The Promised Land

2010-05-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

This enigmatic and sensitively produced film stars Lois Winstone (Ray's daughter) and was directed by RSA's Michael Driscoll. The trailer brings to life 3 key works from artist Mitch Griffiths' stunning 'The Promised Land' exhibition.

Griffiths' 25 tantalisingly realistic paintings, on show at Halcyon Gallery, parody the ills of modern day Britain. Themes such as consumption, self-obssesion, national identity and vanity take centre stage. His style is both reminiscent of the old masters (for its composition, methodology and art historical references) and modern day advertising (in its immediacy and polish) which may explain his burgeoning following.

Get down to Halcyon Gallery (Mayfair) and check it out - only 2 weeks to go!

Delicate touch

2010-05-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Susie Cowie's embroidery is divine...

Paint

2010-05-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Paint is an exhibition at Rollo Contemporary showcasing the work of 4 painters who have graduated from UK art schools in the last 3 years. In particular, I enjoyed Matthew Atkinson's work (above) for its fantasy appeal, fascinating techniques and ambitious compositions. And Rhea O'Neill's shimmering landscapes (below) for their gentle power and artistic freedom.

In love with Lisson Gallery

2010-05-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

I am totally in love with Lisson Gallery. I've yet to visit but their exhibitions are imbued with a sense of mischievousness which never fails to tickle or delight me. Plus, they're completely on the money in terms of how they communicate. I'm itching to see this Ryan Gander exhibition. See you there.

Bill Montana - River Sounding

2010-05-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Woven into the fabric of Somerset's House's sunken walkways lie Montana's hypnotic sound and video installations. Away from the grandeur of the open courtyard, the working nooks and crannies of this immense building wait patiently. And it is here, tucked away from the open thoroughfare, that you can enjoy snippets of the soundtrack of our glorious River Thames. It is a rare treat to be transported to peace & solitude, to a bygone era, to really revel in the simple, haunting sounds of our most-famed waterway. Very special.

Michael Nyman's Cine Opera - digital analogue

2010-04-28T01:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, doesn't time fly...a few weeks back now I went to the AMAZING Vinyl Factory (below the much-loved record store on Poland Street, it's a labyrinth!) to celebrate Nyman's launch of a new art and vinyl edition of his Cine Opera album.

Nyman is one of our greatest living composers and is arguably best known for his Oscar-winning score for The Piano. The beautifully shot film makes for quite uncomfortable viewing but yes, the music is incredible.

Anyway, back to event. The point is that Nyman has taken his 1989 Cine Opera and re-imagined it for the 21st century. Firmly positioning himself at the same time as filmmaker, photographer and artist, as well as composer. Neat huh?

I like the digital analogue approach, i.e. the album has been modernised, Nyman's reinventing himself but the format is intentionally old school and handcrafted. After all this is the FIRST time the album has been pressed on vinyl and the run has been limited to an exclusive 500. Nyman's also showing a specially commissioned film at Tate Modern.

Yes-No

2010-04-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Eberhard Havekost, White Cube

2010-04-23T03:37:00.000-07:00

The German artist Eberhard currently has his third exhibition at White Cube. In particular, I enjoyed the hanging of the multi-canvas painting below called Flatscreen. The artist is interested in our perpetual state of visual tuning - assessing, reassessing, the effect of the colour and texture....an ongoing process of looking and interpreting.

The main body of work is a monumental 9-canvas series of a single tree. Havekost photographed the tree at night, illuminating it in a quick flash before changing perspective. The photographs where used as reference for this haunting series.

I also liked H20. Again the artist is playing with the idea of filters, this time it is the murky, eery green water that creates a peculiar freedom and beauty.

Banksy on Revolutionary Times in the Art World

2010-04-23T02:58:00.000-07:00

Hmmm....revolution seems to be my word of the day! Must be after all that ranting and frustration over last night's political debate. I digress...

Banksy's directorial debut 'Exit through the Gift Shop' was billed as 'the first great art-world disaster movie'. It's a remarkable parody of the quintessential artist of our time. Here's a snippet from his recent interview with Wired.

Banksy: 'Thierry essentially trespassed into the art business, and even in the wild world of vandalism there’s a lot of conservatism — people don’t like to see the rules being broken. The story of Mr. Brainwash should be inspirational, and in the hands of a more cheerful director it probably would’ve been. The film might come across as a bit cynical, but it’s important not to forget these are revolutionary times in art.

There’s a whole new audience out there, and it’s never been easier to sell it, particularly at the lower levels. You don’t have to go to college, drag ’round a portfolio, mail off transparencies to snooty galleries or sleep with someone powerful. All you need now is a few ideas and a broadband connection. This is the first time the essentially bourgeois world of art has belonged to the people. We need to make it count.'

The Flower Power Revolution

2010-04-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

Roll up, roll up. First edition of The Liberated Press - part zine, part poster - is available from Liberty Menswear department. A guide to life, love and rebellion.

Storm Thorgerson: Right but Wrong

2010-04-21T01:35:00.000-07:00

Key artwork of arguably one of the greatest album covers of all time hangs in the window at Idea Generation's Shoreditch gallery. Yes, it's Pink Floyd's 1973 The Dark Side of the Moon.

Storm's exhibition is a retrospective of his 40 year career. A brilliant reintroduction to his seminal work with musicians like Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, 10cc, Muse and Genesis that have set him apart as a truly pioneering commercial artist.

The spirit of Copped Hall

2010-04-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

There's a beautiful Georgian mansion sitting on top of a rolling hill not far from me in Epping. It's not really known or talked about in the area. A few people remember playing in the ruins as kids. That's about it.

In 1995 the house and grounds were saved by a group of self-confessed mad locals who set up a Trust and raised the funds. 60 volunteers are now working together to restore The Hall. It's a kind of haphazard and higgledy-piggledy approach but that's entirely the charm.

I've joined the committee and will be whipping their marketing in to shape sharpish. I can't wait to bring their story to life and to share progress. More news to follow...

Polish Poster Pin Ups

2010-04-20T02:17:00.000-07:00

Right, I’ve been a bit quiet of late because I’ve been very busy writing proposals and meeting people. Brace yourself for a flurry of things I’ve seen & read recently.

First up. I caught the end of the Modern Polish Poster Design exhibition by Warsaw design shop Homework at Kemistry Gallery. The 50 posters on show were totally stunning. Now this is fresh, this is cut through and THIS, my friends, is quality creative engagement.

Homework has been going since 2003 and has established an enviable list of cultural and creative clients including small theatres and indie film distributors. With exhibitions in Paris, Berlin and now London along with a series of awards on the mantelpiece I doubt this is the last we’ve heard of Homework.

Pick up one of their posters for £40. I’ll certainly be getting one.

Welcome to The School of Life

2010-04-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

Talks, the spoken word and online conferences are totally de rigeur. I was watching an Alain de Botton lecture on Ted.com yesterday, then clicked through to his site and came across The School of Life where he's holding some talks later on this year.

What a fascinating and truly unique concept. It reminds me a bit of a middle-class circus...or is that just the font on their site working it's magic? The School of Life extols an almost mystic, mind-enriching, self-nourishment ethos. Or put more simply, it's a social enterprise offering good ideas for everyday life.

Here are some of the interesting happenings you can be a part of:

Classes - on stuff like 'The art of conversation' and 'How to be Cool'....
Blibliotherapy - a 1 2 1 session where you can review your reading life and get inspiration
Breakfast club - croissants and philosophy all before 9am

and so on..

Quite the modern-day alternative to splashing your cash at the shops & hanging out with your mates talking rubbish.

A force to be reckoned with - Ofili & Adjaye

2010-04-01T01:16:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been to the Chris Ofili exhibition at Tate Britain you must go. Just amazing, I'm a HUGE Ofili fan. His work is expressive, fluid, witty, exciting and multi-layered both in the physical and symbolic sense.

His collaboration with British architect David Adjaye takes an already unforgettable exhibition experience to another level. David constructed a stunning bespoke room within the gallery to showcase a series of paintings.

You enter through a dark, dimly lit wood clad walkway which curves smoothly into the dark. At the end you turn a sharp corner and the rectangular room opens up to reveal an inner sanctum of theatrically lit work.

The space is so considered and so in harmony with Chris's work it makes you feel good that things are so...right. Do you know what I mean?

Anyway, I noticed David Adjaye has a photography exhibition at The Design Museum this summer and found this inspirational clip on their site which I thought I'd share. Enjoy.

Cultural campaigning of the highest order

2010-03-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

A deep intake of breath is happening across the arts world. Suffice to say funding is diminishing left right and centre and it's time to assume the crash position.

Lottery money has contributed to the arts sector enormously, The Tate Modern being the most successful and high-profile project, but revenue is now being diverted to the Olympics.

Added to this, there are the inevitable budget cuts that will hit the arts world. Clearly, the true situation won't become clear until after the election.

Last Thursday, by way of a pre-emptive strike, the heads of our best loved museums, galleries and theatres launched a 'cultural manifesto' urging the government to uphold public arts spending.

The report attempts to qualify and quantify the social and economic impact of culture. They believe the arts can help Britain recover from recession and improve society. Bold claims.

One writer for the Independent criticised the situation saying it's a sad day when 'arts policy is discussed on the basis of its economic value' that 'their final justification rests on human value not economic growth. It's a mistake for them to try to sell themselves as anything else'.

Personally, I think that's an out-dated view and good on them. Surely it's about being smart, using your information wisely and growing intelligence across arts organisations so we can better measure and understand the full impact the arts has on society.

This is interesting stuff and will only help us to grow appreciation of the arts and to innovate. Why should the arts exist in a bubble? That's not very modern or forward thinking. What is there to be scared of? Am I missing the point?

First Spring by Yang Fudong

2010-03-30T01:30:00.000-07:00

Come worship at the temple of Prada. A film so beautiful and contrived it hurts. A collaboration with the young Chinese artist Yang Fudong.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhswOlqbPUU

The High Line vs MoMa

2010-03-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the New York deserted rail line that got turned into an elevated park come walkway last summer? Well, pioneering curator Lauren Ross has attracted 2 million people to walk the High Line which runs through NYC's meat-packing district. And that's just since June. By the end of this year, visitor numbers could feasibly be larger than MoMA's.

Increasingly, it's the work of contemporary emerging and mid-career artists that are winning over the public. Ross commissions work directly from the artist, "The important thing is that we are working with a unique space - it's not a museum or gallery, it's not even like any other park...The pieces have to respond in some way to the uniqueness".

Found via the www.theartnewspaper.com

The Design of the Year Award

2010-03-19T01:53:00.000-07:00

There's been a lot of chitter chatter about the folding plug designed by Min-Kyu Choi. On Wednesday he won the Brit Insurance Design of the Year Award, hosted by the Design Museum. Such a simple redesign of the original 1946 plug - doesn't it seem mad to think we've been lugging round those cumbersome chunks of plastic for the last 50 years. Ha!

I also really like this shortlisted work by Jason Bruges originally created for the WWF Pandamonium exhibition. The panda heads swivel and their eyes track your movement through the space. Jason took 100 standard coin-collecting units and rigged them up with thermal sensors and hidden motors.

I love the human engagement, playfulness, simplicity and how the idea shortcuts straight to the heart to make the concept of giving more entertaining and thought-provoking. Nice one.

Billboard hijakers at it again

2010-03-17T05:02:00.000-07:00

Brilliant - this cracks me up! Courtesy of Dr D, David Cameron's getting more unwanted attention.

Found via blog.artofthestate.co.uk

Post-impressionists downunder

2010-03-16T03:43:00.000-07:00

There's something about this story that warms the cockles of my heart.

OK. Imagine you're an Aussie. Canberra isn't the most exciting place on earth. In fact, you probably can't think of a single good reason to visit...not one.

BUT. If you bring over some of the world's best post-Impressionist paintings from Musee D'Orsay in Paris for an exhibition at The National Gallery of Australia - well, godammit you've got a road-block on your hands.

Aussie's are driving for hours from across New South Wales and beyond to visit. And at the weekend are queueing for 3 hours to get a first hand glimpse of a Van Gogh, Cezanne or maybe a Gauguin.

Gallery director Ron Radford said to the press: "We're not used to these huge crowds. No one in Australia is."

Love it. The ability for art to inspire and refresh is incredible. Doesn't it make you realise how lucky us Londoners are.

Found via Sydney Herald and my sis.

Brick Lane's 'hijab gates' go back to the drawing board

2010-03-16T03:28:00.000-07:00

Follow my post on 1st March about the controversial (and in my opinion utterly pointless) 'hijab gates'. I'm pleased to update you that Tower Hamlets have listened to the 158 local objections and have gone back to the drawing board. Phewey!

Found via The Evening Standard.

Ikea Moscow collaborates with contemporary artists

2010-03-15T03:47:00.000-07:00

Swedish giant Ikea continue to democratise design, this time by commissioning multi-million pound installations by major contemporary artists including Piotr Uklanski, Jeppe Hein and Jim Lambie. A series of works will form part of an "airport-sized" Moscow development opening in 2012. A project that is set to fuse of commerce, leisure and culture in unexpected ways.

"We want to create a better everyday life for people." said Hakan Pehrsson, the head of commercial development at Ikea Shopping Centres Russia & CIS. "With this project, we feel that we (can) give extra quality to the life of the whole family."

Found at the artnewspaper.com

Online exposure for LPA members

2010-03-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

The London Photographic Association have added free social media marketing to their list of member benefits. Surprisingly, they are the first online photography and film association to do this.

They promise to market members through social, business & photo-sharing sites as well as through forums and their blog.

An ongoing relationship with PR agency Ginger Media & Entertainment means they'll keep plugging the online trade & consumer audiences to gain greater share of voice for their members.

Collective consciousness

2010-03-12T05:12:00.000-08:00

Kate & Naomi were recently at London Fashion Week raising awareness and funds for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Fashion & social responsibility hand in hand.

Sarah Brown will play fairy godmother a la Michele Obama by patronising emerging UK designers such as Erdem Moraliogu. Fashion and local social responsibility hand in hand.

Globally we are growing more aware of our impact on society and those around us. This collective consiousness and the trend toward a more outward display of beliefs and values is growing. How will this affect the art scene....interesting times lay ahead.

Art & female buying power

2010-03-08T02:51:00.000-08:00

London freebie the Stylist recently (3/3/10) declared that women are looking for more socially conscious ways to invest cash and that art could be the answer.

'..(post-recession) we're looking for more responsible ways to part with our cash. Something with longevity and an ethical background - an investment with soul... A well-chosen piece over the fireplace says you're intelligent, cultured and making investment choices based on your own tastes.'

They comment on the rise in gallery visitor numbers. And galleries being the coolest places to hang out because they're 'budget-friendly, emotionally enriching, culturally stimulating and aesthetically unrivalled'. Hooray, art and craft appreciation is on the rise.

This week sees the Affordable Art Fair in London's Battersea Park where you can browse work from over 120 galleries. All art is under £3,000 but there's a lot in the £50 bracket.

The kind people at Stylist even gave some top tips on art collecting and two for one entry. Magic.

Art isn't just to be bought on holiday! See you there :)

Seth Godin on self-determination

2010-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm an individual - no shiny office, no staff, no reception - just me. I'm starting my company up in the midst of a global financial mess. I'm very excited but have a few 'uh-oh' moments. Then I looked at my inbox and saw a note from marketing royalty Seth Godin....

I posted this eight years ago (!) but a reader asked for an encore.

...are we stuck in High School?

I had two brushes with higher education this week.

The first was at a speech I gave in New York. There were several Harvard Business School students there, invited because of their interest in marketing and exceptional promise....

Anyway, they asked for my advice in finding marketing jobs. When I shared my views (go to a small company, work for the CEO, get a job where you actually get to make mistakes and do something) one woman professed to agree with me, but then explained, "But those companies don't interview on campus."

Those companies don't interview on campus. Hmmm. She has just spent $100,000 in cash and another $150,000 in opportunity cost to get an MBA, but...

The second occurred today at Yale. As I drove through the amazingly beautiful campus, I passed the center for Asian Studies. It reminded me of my days as an undergrad (at a lesser school, natch), browsing through the catalog, realizing I could learn whatever I wanted. That not only could I take classes but I could start a business, organize a protest movement, live in a garret off campus, whatever. It was a tremendous gift, this ability to choose.

Yet most of my classmates refused to choose. Instead, they treated college like an extension of high school. They took the most mainstream courses, did the minimum amount they needed to get an A, tried not to get into "trouble" with the professor or face the uncertainty of the unknowable. They were the ones who spent six hours a day in the library, reading their textbooks.

The best part of college is that you could become whatever you wanted to become, but most people just do what they think they must.

Is this a metaphor? Sure. But it's a worthwhile one. You have more freedom at work than you think... but most people do nothing with that freedom but try to get an A.

Do you work with people who are still in high school? Job seekers only willing to interview with the folks who come on campus? Executives who are trying to make their boss happy above all else? It's pretty clear that the thing that's wrong with this system is high school, not the rest of the world.

Cut class. Take a seminar on french literature. Interview off campus. Safe is risky.

- - - -

Thanks Seth. You've just made my day :)

Beyond display - Wildlife Photographer of the Year

2010-03-05T02:43:00.000-08:00

A show that never, ever lets you down. A jaw-dropping display of virtuoso photography and a staggering reminder of the wonderful world we live in.

The Natural History's jewel in the crown has had its fair share of controversy this year with the winner being disqualified for using a trained animal. In my mind, simply reinforcing the integrity of the competition.

Here are my favourites:

With the photos displayed on raised light-boxes secured to the black walls, it's quite a cinematic experience. At the end of the exhibition there's a slide show style presentation. It seemed terribly basic - a missed opportunity to showcase the incredible work. NHM you can do better than this!

Two large interactive screens allow you to vote for favourite images, view the gallery and forward shots to friends, or comment. This simple digital engagement and the UI & UX were bang on - welcome extensions to the event.

For all this admiration and positivity, I left feeling there was a missed opportunity. Shouldn't the NHM get people to act? The subtext of the exhibition is about sustainability, extinction of rare-breeds and the preservation of the vulnerable.

But there was no way to participate or learn more. I'd have liked to have seen more education and more activism. To pour all that interest into something positive...to change behaviour and shake us out of our apathy. It's time to go further beyond pure display.

Sculpture by the sea

2010-03-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Continuing the Oz theme for a moment, here are a few shots from the much-loved Bondi to Tamarama sculpture coast walk (Nov 2009).

A fine example of making art truly accessible and inspiring local communities to feel proud of their area.

Click here to find out more.

We are all the same

2010-03-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

I spoke to my sister earlier today. She lives in Sydney and has a shiny office over-looking Sydney Harbour.

She had quite a bit of trouble getting into work today...there were 5,000 naked people in front of the opera house. Spencer Tunick is at it again.

Old school glamour at Goodwood

2010-03-01T02:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, this sounds like the event I've always been waiting for. Music - tick. Glamour - tick. Eccentricity - tick. Fun by the bucket load - tick. Fantasy - tick. No boring samey, samey festival, snore, rubbish, off your heads - tick. Something genuinely interesting....at last.

And the icing on the cake it's a celebration of British culture and creativity from the 40s through to the 80s.

Holy crap I'm off to get my ticket for Vintage At Goodwood - a celebration of British Cool.

Found in the Evening S

Brick Lane's 'hijab gates' pushed through

2010-03-01T01:41:00.000-08:00

Will the controversial gates set to stand at either end of Brick Lane get approved this Thursday?

Could Tower Hamlets get approval inspite of 158 objections and a slating from Tracey Emin who called them "bulky, ungainly and unnecessary".

The arches are set to form part of a £2million "heritage trail". But locals have a number of concerns from highlighting Islam over other faiths, to them looking like something from Disneyland.

They sound pretty pointless to me. When arts funding is under the lens shouldn't we be investing funds in projects that make more of a positive contribution?

Plus Spitalfields market has already been corporatised...leave Brick Lane alone.

Design out crime - new pint glasses

2010-03-01T01:24:00.000-08:00

Every week there are 100 glass related assaults. However, police suspect the figure is 7 times higher. Conservatively, this equates to a £2.7 billion a year burden on the NHS...and that's not to mention the victims and their families.

The Designer Technology Alliance were recently called upon to come up with creative solutions to reduce drink related violence.

In response, Design Bridge has created 2 prototype pint glasses that will protect future victims from injuries such as this:

The new designs will feel comparable to the old pint glass but using bio-resins and ultra-thin glass so they won't shatter in shards.

This is an awesome example of cross-field collaboration to solve social issues. And a great showcase of UK design, innovation and technology.

Found via Design Council

Data visualisation gone green

2010-02-25T03:46:00.000-08:00

Seriously this artist must have a severe case of OCD and the patience of the Dalai Lama. Artist A.J.Bocchino collected the NY Times from 1990 to 2005. Then assorted the headlines chronologically and into colour-coded subject groups. The end result is a stunning piece of upcycled wallpaper at $1,000 a roll.

Found via PSFK

Hidden aura

2010-02-25T03:36:00.000-08:00

A great example of interactive art from Shantell Martin's latest project "Hidden Aura". This self-styled live-story-telling VJ interprets the personalities of people who strike a pose front of the projector. Great way to bring illustration to life

Did they do a job lot on sunglasses too?

Found on PSFK.

Social media - end technique over intellect

2010-02-25T03:23:00.000-08:00

Planner Richard Madden's article in Marketing Week is an interesting and entertaining read. The challenge to us marketeers is to stop forcing existing content to punters through social media. Lazy exploitation he states. Instead consider having something interesting to say that has relevance in this social space.

Have a read - I love the Michelin/Michelin Guide analogy. His call to arms is, stop putting the social media cart before the horse.

A magazine worth waiting for

2010-02-22T07:20:00.000-08:00

Adobe and Wired are collaborating on an innovative, new way to bring to life editorial content.

Found via PlayFool.

Good Brands Report 2009

2010-02-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

Find out which brands PSFK think lead the way in 2009 in terms of innovation, environmental consciousness and social policy.

Have a read...

Ideapreneurs in the making

2010-02-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

I saw my first Pecha-Kucha talk at a D&AD event a few years ago. A truly great presentation format. A strict 20 images in 20 seconds. Some of the presentations are now available online so take a look.

I just watched a presentation by Richard Adams who talks about the re-opening of The School of Communication Arts. It's a forward-thinking approach to finding and attracting new talent to the advertising and marketing worlds. Ideapreneurs he's calling them. The people who will lead the industry in 3 years he's says.

There are several interesting angles to this idea:
1. They're looking for students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds
2. Multiple mentors play a key role in the students education
3. Students will have the opportunity to work on real briefs, courtesy of the mentors
4. Curriculum content is open source - submit suggestions online
5. Students can pitch business ideas Dragons Den style at the end of their course

A potentially brilliant idea to recruit a more representative group into the advertising industry. Great news, especially at a time when it's hard for students to find work when they leave education. An awesome blurring of education, business and individuals. A fab incubator for fresh thinking.

Lets hope that these are all good intentions and that certain industry types aren't about to go exploiting a young and unpaid workforce. The jury is out...

Joining the dots

2010-02-19T10:26:00.000-08:00

We all do it, don't we...have some time away from it all and suddenly we're over-flowing with start-up ideas. I've just been travelling for 7 weeks & I'm just the same.

Lonely Planet Guides are brilliant. So straight-talking and informative. But as a culture vulture, art loving, nosy-parker I want to get straight to the killer art spots and get inspired. Which got me thinking it'd be great if there were more publicised art/culture/creative networks & trails that you could tap into.

I've been thinking about joining up some of the cultural dots in the UK. Some new forms of guides, train deals and so on. And what about taking some like-minded visitors round your own city...and of course get them to reciprocate.

Wallpaper guides are capitalising on our love for design but to be honest they look pretty...but all in all they're pretty dull. There's definitely space in the market for something else. Watch this space.

Just in the last week I've come across a few groups who are helping folk join up the nuggets in an easy to enjoy way. Take a look at....

Creativetourist.com - a collaboration of 9 Manchester museums and galleries who share a common goal - 'to stage intelligent, thought-provoking exhibitions and events. And to celebrate the city in which we live, work and play'. Quite right we could all do with a bit more pride in our local area - like it! Keep up the good work

Then on the Newspaper Club I noticed a fabulous looking paper they'd picked up in Margate promoting their winter arts scene. The regeneration in the area, thanks in part to Turner Contemporary, is really picking up pace. I can't wait to head down there. Anyway, great content brilliantly shared.