Impermanent Bliss
Cool exhibit alert! I’ll have a guide up with plenty to do this First Friday, but I thought I’d feature one that really caught my eye a day early:
Art in the Age is a cool gallery/store/performance space in Old City. It’s named for an essay (Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction) by a German cultural theorist. The mission and common theme behind each artist is to “bring integrity back to art in the spaces of everyday life.”
In Impermanent Bliss, mixed-media works by Eric Amling, Kirkland Bray and Matt LaFleur examine the fluctuating nature of memory and its effects on our ongoing sense of self and place. By manipulating and transforming man-made artifacts, the artists press the viewer to reexamine the identities of the familiar. We should be approaching our own memories with the same scrutiny that these works demand, as memory often distorts the places, events and emotional states of our past.
Check out some work from the artists:
Kirkland Bray
Matt Lafleur
Eric Amling
Eric Amling’s uses printed matter to create new forms of present space in motion through collage. He is the author two books, Twin Vapor and Split Level Igloo, and his collage and written works have appeared on albums by Dr. Dog and the Bowerbirds. Matt LaFleur’s paintings evoke an imaginative environment filled with cabins burgeoning spectrums of color and contrast. He currently lives and works in Taborton, NY. Kirkland Bray’s recent paintings explore a series of elevated forms of construction on found surfaces of wood and canvas. He has exhibited on both coasts, and co-owns the leather goods brand BillyKirk.
Impermanent Bliss: Examining the Fluid State of Memory
Mixed Media Works by Eric Amling, Kirkland Bray and Matt LaFleur
November 6-29, 2009
Opening: Friday, November 6th, 6-8 pm
Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
116 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia
Halloween roundup 4: ART HISTORY 100 COSTUMES
Halloween is getting closer! It’s, like, this weekend. I’m so excited! So here’s another roundup of potential costumes, this time inspired by that Art History 100 class you took freshman year. But nothing where you’re going to have to carry a giant picture frame around all night, we’re aware that bulky costumes get real old real fast. Here’s some figures from art who are still recognizable when they step out of the frame:
ARTIST: Roy Lichtenstein
WORK: Any of his comic-inspired paintings (although the example we used is “Girl With Hair Ribbon”)
DIFFICULTY: 10
GOOD FOR: Women (or men) who have a lot of patience and don’t touch their face habitually
OK, MAC has posted a bunch of Halloween tutorials and ideas on their facebook page, and while they’re all pretty neat, this one is amazing. I have no doubt that if I were to attempt this it would be smudged within ten minutes, and the costume/hair parts look like a pain a half to procure, but still. That’s great.
Kahlo, Magritte and more, after the jump…
Inspiring Fashion at the PMA
Inspiring Fashion: Gifts from Designers Honoring Tom Marotta presents a collection of runway styles donated by 17 designers in recognition of the creative legacy of the late fashion visionary Tom Marotta, who was vice president of couture at Saks Fifth Avenue. Obtained through the auspices of Saks Fifth Avenue, the garments are all gifts to the Museum and have become part of the permanent collection.
Designers include Peter Som (that’s the purple one above), Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Burberry Prorsum, Badgley Mischka, Ralph Rucci, Nancy Gonzalez, Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Zandra Rhodes, Missoni, Marc Jacobs and Zac Posen.
Neat! And why’s it at the PMA, again?
Tom Marotta (1933-2007) was born and raised in South Philadelphia and spent more than 40 years working in fashion, including many at Philadelphia’s highly regarded Nan Duskin specialty store. He worked in Los Angeles in the late 1950s and early 1960s as road manager for singers such as Fabian and Frankie Avalon; after marrying a Philadelphia native, he returned to his hometown and began his career in fashion. After working in menswear at The Blum Store in Bala Cynwyd, he started work at Nan Duskin, first as a tie buyer, and eventually rising to senior vice president. In 1994 Marotta was hired by the luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue as vice president of couture; responsible for overseeing the buyers of over 50 department stores, he insisted on maintaining Philadelphia as his base.
OK, then! Cool!
All My Clothes (not to scale)
This post at Space 1026 about a show opening at Hudson Beach Glass Gallery today reminded me of a low-tech version of that iPhone app I mentioned the other day, in which the obsessive among us can compulsively record and catalog every article of clothing in their closet.
Hudson Beach Glass Gallery says:
This month’s wall show is really fun. “All My Clothes (not to scale)” by Alicia Eggert is 343 drawings that chronicle her personal wardrobe. They are sweet and well drawn. Each color penciled drawing measures 4.5″ x 3″ and is signed by the artist. On Friday night each one will cost $10. For the rest of the month they will be $15. So stop by and build yourself an outfit.
An interesting idea! Since this is of her wardrobe circa 2006, don’t judge the ironic eagle t-shirt.
I find it adorable that she took the time to do each pair of underwear and socks. Entertain yourself Where’s Waldo-style at the opening by looking for the laundry-day pair of underwear; everyone’s got at least one, right?
Hudson Beach Glass Gallery
26 S. Strawberry St., Philadelphia, PA
Opening Reception: Friday, October 2nd, 6-9pm
The Wrinkles Just Slip Off
If you love to shop and want to receive daily e-mails about sales from top designers, or hate stores and never want to step foot in one again, Current TV Tech reporter Sarah Lane has some suggestions.
The Ground Report discusses why it might be good to have oily skin after all. This article reminded me of my grandmother, who says that she doesn’t have wrinkles because her skin is so oily, and the wrinkles just slipped off.
There’s a blog that illustrates the New York edition of ‘missed connections’ as featured on Craig’s List. It’s pretty interesting. The New York Times is a fan too.
The Frisky highlights celebs with tattoos, Glamour helps a girl pick out a handbag that costs a small fortune, the New York Times gives a review of Milan’s fashion week, which isn’t as flashy as it once was, and NBC10 asks whether backless dresses are trashy or not.
Teddy Scares
FACT: I want to wear this thing and unsuspectingly roll into a day care’s nap time and see what happens. Would the kids love me or fear me?!
The Teddy Jacket was designed by Sebastian Errazuriz. After looking at this… mound of cuteness again (on around Errazuriz’s website) I realized that this isn’t his first readymade fashion piece. He also has a crazy zipper dress (that was floating around the internet earlier this summer) and a sweet dress and purse set made entirely of white gloves.
Each of his fashion pieces has an interesting idea behind it and a blunt, usually funny, commentary. I like it because there is a distinct theme yet he doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously. He’s so quirky! I think The Teddy Jacket is a tongue-in-cheek commentary about wearing fur, but comes off as more humorous than anything. Perhaps that’s the point?
But… this jacket. What can I say? Take a moment and really look at it. Theme aside, is this not the most hilarious/ awesome/ absurd piece of actual outdoor couture you’ve ever seen? As wacky as it is, it’s not nearly as trippy as Lady Gaga’s Kermit the Frog dress– but it is equally as silly. In my mind, I imagine Sebastian to be a Harry Potter look-a-like getting a cauldron and carefully placing children’s toys, a sewing kit, Teddy Grahams and a bomber jacket inside.. and poof!: something awesome. Go Sebastian!
What the Helvetica? IKEA changes typefaces.
When I think of Ikea, I think of efficient, clean, simple and functional items and design. When I think of the typeface Verdana, I think of making my US History papers look longer in APA Format. This is why my head hurts a little, as a designer, when I think about the fact that Ikea has changed– for the first time in 50 years– the design for their international branding.
I took a look at the new catalog with my roomie (also a designer) and we both sighed a little bit. We wondered out loud,Verdana?! It’s not clean looking! Verdana was made for computer screens, why the heck is it being used for a print catalog? … It doesn’t look right. It’s ugly.
Ikea used a modified version of the typeface Futura called Ikea Sans. It was used on EVERYTHING in the store in different colors and weights. Futura is severely overused by amateur designers, but it’s very sharp and particular, and is visually associated to Ikea. It’s also the only typeface to make it into space.
After a few minutes of seeing if it would grow on us, we came to a final verdict: Verdana is clunky and generic looking. Ikea is cheap, but the design and presentation never looks cheap. It would seem that the author of this NYtimes article had similar feelings. I’m over it, and –as an analytical artist, I’ve moved onto other rationale for a switch (functionality).
Either way, I don’t think it deserves a petition. Yes, someone made a petition. The Short Form Blog got pretty sassy about it, too. Um, I say that we save petitions for something other than typefaces. What do you think?
After reading a few more articles while writing this, I’ve decided I agree with Ikea for the switch and not with the thousands red-faced designers across the land. Designers out there are probably raising their T-squares in protest at me, but Ikea has sold me with their rationale:
“….abandoning its own version of the Futura font because it wanted one that would be effective in many different languages and on the Web, and that Verdana was designed for just that purpose.”
I agree. But this still feels like the argument you have when your Mom wants you to get a pair of butt ugly– excuse me– ’sensible’ shoes for school.
Atomic Catwalk Craft Up Session #1!
Hey DIY/ETSY kids, remember that post I did a week or two back about Atomic Catwalk? Well, if you haven’t been in touch with Kim-Thao or anyone from B.A.N.G., this is your chance to connect and be a part of the Philly Fringe Festival! I recieved an email reminder about the first meet up:
This Thursday, the 20th, we will have our first design meetup at the PNA office, from 6PM-8PM. We are located at 251 South Camac Street, 19107 (between 12th and 13th on Spruce).
Bring your ideas, crafts materials, and your most outlandish accessories– be ready to create! Remember, we will provide the actual clothing. Bring your friends– we have a shortage on male models!
We have also just signed on to GreenFest Philly for Sunday, September 13. PNA will have a booth there, and will also be participating in the GreenFest fashion show. Additionally, for all interested artists, select works will be featured in the AxD gallery for a 2010 show.
I hope to see you all there!
Tuesday Morning Links
Incase makes pretty cool laptop cases. This one, which is inspired by Japanese menswear is no exception. The safety pins make the design a little more interesting than plain cases, and a little more tough than a girly design.
Glamour has a slideshow featuring designs that will help you update your wardrobe. Included in the slideshow is Drew Barrymore, who has always been a fave of mine. I was an ET fan first, then I thought Little Girl Lost was an incredible story of recovery, and she’s been a free spirited actress I’ve kept my eye on ever since. The sunglasses Drew rocks in this slideshow are no exception.
These new Ugg-esque boots from the Australia Luxe Collective are sort of out there. I don’t know if I’d have enough cojones to wear them, but they’re definitely interesting.
And lastly, this article from CNN may not have a whole lot to do with style, but it’s an intriguing read just the same.
Changing clothes
Hussein Chalayan is one of those designers who veers into using the medium as a vehicle for contemporary art. (Incidentally, he’s also one of the only designers willing to say on the record that he dislikes celebrity fashion lines, specifically Kate Moss’ line for Topshop, telling Britain’s the Independent: “It’s kind of insulting to us because it’s like saying – and I don’t mean this personally – ‘I can sell more clothes off my name, off my brand, than you can, even though you’re a better designer.’ If I was a celebrity, I would honestly try to inspire people in another way.”)
Chalayan’s totally earned the right to make that statement; in addition to interesting clothes involving just fabric, his lines have involved airplane parts, lasers, video screens, cardboard, furniture acting as clothes and clothes that turn into furniture. I just saw this video of the finale of his 2007 Spring/Summer collection, in which Chalayan seriously freaked out the fashion world with dresses that mechanically morph into other dresses of a different fashion era, and thought it was so neat that I had to share it. It’s almost creepy how they move like they’re alive.
WARNING: THE DRESS OF THE LADY WITH THE BIG HAT AT 2:00 BECOMES NSFW
I can’t help but think that the models look incredibly creeped out, especially the one whose hat changes at 1:10.