Archive for November, 2011

SPARE BEATS: Happenings Near You

My several pairs of Havaianas, from my travels to Brazil are like gold. And much like everyone else walking around in colorful Havaianas flip flops, I love mine to death. This year’s opening at Art Basel Miami 01 December, will be jamming with artistically styled Brazilian flip-flops brand recently commissioned street artist Finok to create some eye popping murals. Check out some funky graffiti art from the streets in Sao Paulo to Collins Avenue in South Beach at the swanky Shelbourne Hotel. And while your perusing buy a pair limited edition graffiti collection designed by the Brazilian artist Finok, Chivitz and Minhau for $28.00, it’s probably one of the few affordable art pieces at Art Basel.

New African Fashion Book talk @ NYPL: On Wednesday 30 November, Helen Jennings hosts a talk at the New York Public Library as part of its Design & Style book series. She’ll be joined by designers Mataano and Mimi Plange, model campaigner Bethann Hardison and Enyinne Owunwanne of Heritage1960, who will MC the round table discussion. It’s a public event, first come, first served.

The following evening the real fun begins for those lucky souls who snagged a spot at the invite-only NYC launch party for New African Fashion at private members club Parlour. There will be a guest performance by Philly artist Zakee and sounds courtesy of DJ mOma and DJake. Enyinne will preview some of the designers and market finds shortly to be for sale on her beautifully curated site Heritage1960. And there will, of course, be free booze. It promises to be quite a shindig.
Occupy WallStreet Group: Arts and Culture segment of the OCW group looking to open art studio space, until such time they find permanent space chekout OCW’s art installation on Printer Matters Window.

SUPERSCRIPT’s SECOND ART AND ARCHITECTURE BOOK READING: On December 7, join Superscript and MoMA’s senior curator of architecture and design Paola Antonelli as we delve into the world of Philip K. Dick’s classic text, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Most famously the basis for the 1982 film Blade Runner (and the vast majority of science fiction imagery from the last thirty years), this 1968 novel popularized the idea of the cyborg and has had a lasting effect on dreams and fears concerning technology in the public sphere. Guest: Paola Antonelli; Text: Philip K Dick, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Venue: 15 Union Square West; Date: Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Time: 7pm Introduction; 7:15-8:15pm Discussion, Q&A

 

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11 2011

Why Justo Botanica Is Good for the Soul

Knowing my affinity for spiritual iconography a few weeks ago longtime design buddy, Gail Anderson introduced me to Jorge Vargas, owner of the popular Justo Botancia a longtime fixture in East Harlem neighborhood. For over a year Gail has researched, interviewed and documented owner Vargas’ on the symbolic meaning of the package designs he’s created over the years for numerous religious Santeria products such as candles, oils, scents, and more sold in his shop.

A short excerpt from Justo Botánica Is Good for the Soul by Gail Anderson

The only connection most people have to Santería is Ricky Ricardo pounding on the conga drum in old I Love Lucy reruns. “Babalú, Babalú Ayé,” chants Cuban icon Desi Arnaz, bow tie loosened. Four decades after my first Lucy episode, I have learned that Babalu Aye is the name of the West African orisha, or intermediary between God and man, that translates to “Father, lord of the earth.” Ayé is renowned for the control he exercises over disease and healing, and he is among the most powerful deities in the African and Caribbean spiritual traditions. Babalú is not just a nostalgic TVLand reference. He is an essential figure in Santería.  Read more: Justo Botánica Is Good for the Soul — Imprint-The Online Community for Graphic Designers,

 


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11 2011

Romare Bearden Stamps


This is a significant moment in time for the United States Postal Commission to select the works of Romare Bearden, one of the 20th century’s most distinguished American Artist. Not many visual artist works are selected for stamps, this auspice moment is unique being it is not just one stamp, but four paintings of Bearden’s work reproduced on stamps. The works selected are Prevalence of Ritual: Conjur Woman, (1964), Conjunction (1971), Odysseus: Poseidon, The Sea Gold—Enemy of Odysseus (1977), Falling Star (1979). This series portrays Bearden’s affinity for capturing the lifestyle of black Americans or syncopated beats of jazz musicians and literature,  infused with mixed media collages.

The United States Postal Service issued the stamps on September 28, 20011, which coincide with the 100th anniversary of Bearden’s birth September 2, 1911.  For more information about Romare Bearden Foundation and the centennial events:  http://www.beardenfoundation.org

 

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11 2011