Human Empire is a multidisciplinary design collective that creates playful and iconic works. Beautiful/Decay recently interviewed them about how their collective was started, their influences, and recent projects.
February 9th, 2009
Erin of Design for Mankind has just released a new version of her hand-crafted online magazine, filled to the brim with creative inspiration and beyond. In particular I loved the interview with fellow LA based brand Poketo! Fun spreads, and fun sentiments stamped with Erin’s unique design and creative sensibility throughout. The nice thing is that its digital, so if you find an artist or musician that peaks your interest, click on their name and voila! You are at their site. There’s even a video letter from the editor! Visit her site to pick up a copy.
February 9th, 2009
Bjorn Veno is exhibiting new work at Nettie Horn in London from February 13-March 15th, opening tomorrow evening. I love the idyllic, pastoral scenes in the Romantic tradition, though recontextualized through Bjorn’s bizarre insertion of himself acting out fictive and autobiographical memories, or as he calls it, “automated performance.” He seems trapped in a kind of existential, physical awkward angst that disarms the seeming perfect setting for a sweeping and grand romantic gesture in the tradition of Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte.
February 9th, 2009
Steve Turner Contemporary will be exhibiting Mark Dutcher’s works February 14th- March 21st in a show entitled, “Havilah.” Havilah is taken from the mountain community in Northern Kern County that has a rich mining history- once a city of abundance and big dreams, Halivah is now a sleepy ghost town off the beaten path. I like this concept. The works themselves don’t necessarily reflect the title directly, but I like them for their vibrant colors and controlled messyness- plus they use feathers!
February 4th, 2009
I love Kenji Fujita’s wonky little plaster-cast combinations. They’re kind of weird, but also free spirited, organic and a bit humorous- with titles like “Debris of Life and Mind.” Heavy…..but funny. That’s a lot of debris. Kenji Fujita will be showing his works from the last 9 years at Samson Gallery, entitled “Systematic Gaiety” from February 6- March 21st. A pretty great title to describe Fujita’s controlled whimsical chaos.
February 4th, 2009
I recently found Los Angeles based designer/illustrator Ashkahn’s portfolio. I fell in love with quite a few of these bizarre and quirkly little ideas–they’re deceptively simple, goofy and fun. Somehow “Good Vibes” made out of green shag grass just sums it up.
February 4th, 2009
Jim Gaylord will be exhibiting new work at Gregory Lind gallery, opening Sat. Feb 5th and running til March 14th. Building on his past work as a filmmaker, Gaylord’s work cultivates and abstracts imagery from special effects and action sequences in the movies. With titles like “Study (Braveheart + Jackass: the Movie + Cloverfield + Last of the Mohicans + Home Alone 2), 2009,” Gaylord reveals the humor behind popular culture through the lens of movies.
February 4th, 2009
I love Taylor Davis’ weird little boxes and bizarre constructions. A lot of them remind me of the magic trick paraphernalia I used to play with endlessly as a little girl- like they have secret compartments or something.
