SPARE BEATS: Happenings Near You

When it comes to Culinary Salon I simply can’t resist boasting about pop-up diner, TY-LÖR BORING DINNERS!
 Ty-Lör Boring,
a NYC based chef and Top Chef: Texas cheftestant is joining us at CITY GRIT to present a five course, farm-to-table meal reflecting his classical training in French and Asian cuisine. This style won Ty-Lör great praises at Spasso in Greenwich Village, where he worked as the opening Chef De Cuisine before becoming a hopeful ‘cheftestant’ on “Top Chef: Texas.” Click for more info.

THE FINN JUHL CHAMBER IN THE UN HEADQUARTER: Celebrates 100-year anniversary of Design design icon Finn Juhl starting 27 January rediscovery the UN Headquarters latest renovations. This major efforts is being overseen by Kasper Salto and Thomas Sigsgaard the winners of the Danish Arts Foundation’s competition to provide new furniture for the UN headquarters in New York. The Chamber was originally designed and furnished by the Danish architect Finn Juhl and is currently undergoing renovations which will be completed in 2013.

 

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk: The first exhibition devoted to the designs of world-renowned French couturier Jean Paul Gaultier will make its U.S. debut at the Dallas Museum of Art in November 2011. This is an unprecedented look at the designer dubbed fashion’s “enfant terrible” from the time of his first runway shows in the 1970s and who has become one of the most important fashion designers of recent decades. Organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with the Maison Jean Paul Gaultier, the exhibition premiered in Montreal on June 15, 2011, and will be on view at the Dallas Museum of Art from November 13, 2011, through February 12, 2012, before traveling to its final stop in the U.S. at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, de Young, in March 2012. The exhibition will be on view at the Fundación Mapfre – Instituto de Cultura in Madrid, Spain, from September 26 through November 18, 2012, and to Kunsthal Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from February 9, 2013 through May 12, 2013, and then travel to Arkitekturmuseet, Stockholm in June 2013.

Check out Jean Paul Gaultier, Fashion’s wild child on CBS Morning News

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01 2012

2012 Participatory Conference Keynotes Talk About Indigenous Design


Live stream videos at Ustream

Sadly, I couldn’t fly off to Australia to attend this year’s Participatory Innovation Conference 2012’s (PIN-C2012), but I’ve been following the pre-speakers events online through Ustream. This is a stellar Keynote presentation all about play, indigenous design, and participatory process. And so far I’ve been very pleased with all that I have heard to date. In the video above Professor Sudarshan Khanna, former Principal Designer-Faculty, and Chairman of Education & Research at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, India. www.sudarshankhanna.com

 

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01 2012

Roger Tucker’s Newest Venture Celebrates Visual Artist

Roger Tucker, educator and former graphic designer is setting his sights high, he’s on a serious mission to make visual artists work more accessible for everyday living. Recently Roger, launched his consultancy Tucker Contemporary Art specializing in the works by painters, ceramicist, photographers, sculptures and mixed media artist are just some of the artist he currently represents.  Listen to art critic Patrick Henry Bass interview with artist Margaret Vendryes as she talk about her latest series of 31 Divas. 

Below is cross section of works by other artists previously on display at Tucker’s private salon held last December.

03

01 2012

Ice Cube Hanging with Designers Charles and Ray Eames

I’m hooked on this: Actor/rapper Ice Cube steps into the world of industrial design, posing in a series of advertisements highlighting the innovative chair designs of mid-century design luminaries Charles and Ray Eames, for the Collecting Eames Collection. Held at the Pacific Time Standard, this event began this October to celebrate the Los Angeles art and design scene’s groundbreaking years between 1945 and 1990.

Besides the series of colorful ads, check the video of Ice Cube talking about the Eames House. You’ll be surprised to learn that Cube at one point tried his hand at architectural drafting while in trade school back in the 1980s.

In the video below, Cube says: “In a world of McMansions—where structures take up all the land—the Eameses made structure and nature one.” He strolls around the grounds of Eames House, rapping about how they were doing mash-ups before mash-ups even existed. Check out the L.A. Ice Cube knows and Loves!

14

12 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

 

30

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,

 


14

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

 

14

11 2011

Everyday Design by Maleneb

The debut article of my first By Design column featured in International Review of African American Art, Fall 2011 issue spotlights the fabulous Malene Barnett, carpeting and rug designer.

The Art of Everyday Use
MALENE BARNETT CLIENTS ARE FLOORED BY HER RUGS
Not all carpeting rolls off assembly lines in factories or is imported from exotic places in the Middle East, China or India. Hand-made floor coverings that rise to the level of art are created by Malene Barnett, principal and owner of Maleneb in Brooklyn. She has built a brand specializing in hand-woven carpeting and rugs of original design and high-quality fibers for commercial sites and homes.

At the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Barnett initially majored in fashion illustration but  really longed to paint. Her decision to change majors was clinched when she happened to see a display of  projects by students in the textile surface design department.  As a textile design major, she was inspired by the early textile renderings of Lois Mailou Jones, a young, African American designer who went on to become a major 20th century American artist.

While taking a carpet design course, Barnett won first prize for a Stark Carpets-sponsored, carpet design competition, and committed to this specialized field in textile design.

Barnett graduated in 1996 and worked for a succession of companies, including Afritext where she modernized their line of African prints; and Nourison, an industry leader, developing products for major household brands.

After four years at Nourison, Barnett had an urge to explore the world. She quit her job and, carrying just a backpack with seven outfits, traveled to India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong.  Each environment piqued her curiosity about the indigenous spiritual symbols, patterns and architecture of the cultures that she visited. She sketched this iconography in a small sketchbook as ideas for new designs.

Back in the States, Barnett worked freelanced for her previous employer, Nourison, designing handmade accent rugs and carpeting for some well-established consumer brands such as Bed, Bath and Beyond, Nicole Miller, Liz Claiborne and Macy’s. With her guidance, Nourison profits grew from $1 million to $15 million. Then Barnett was offered an opportunity to start a carpeting line with JLA Homes, a home furnisings company; once again profits increased.

When the economy started to tank in 2008, Barnett decided to launch Maleneb.  “Why would you even think of starting up a studio in such a dismal economy?” I wondered. “The timing was right,” she replied.  In leaving Nourison, she again was following a calling. She defines herself as a visual artist, with a propensity for hand drawing and painting, who loves to design carpeting and rugs. And besides, she explained, “most of my previous projects offered little exploration of my own ethnic sensibility.”

The luxurious residential rugs and carpeting in the Maleneb collection are hand woven designs based on the icons, patterns and colors that Barnett observed during her travels and as she continues to look to  artifacts from various ethnic cultures and the natural environment for inspiration, her work is informed by food rituals, ancient architectural structures, traditional garments, unusual  textile patterns and paintings are a part of the mix.

The collection consists of three distinctive themes: Signature reflects the diversity of everyday life, for example, the Mehndi-inspired rugs of rich burgundy and red wool yarn with linear designs based on a palm decorated with henna tattooing for a wedding. Classical— traditional motifs and icons such as the Adinkra writing system of Ghana. And texture which explores the multiplicity of organic forms in nature. In order to achieve the characteristics of flowing water, mountainous landscapes and tree trunk textures for the Texture theme, Barnett mastered a distinctive technique of creating varying pile heights.

As a member of the Good Weave organization working to end child labor in South Asia, all Maleneb pieces carry the “Good Weave” brand to distinguish them from those made under exploitative circumstances.

Besides designing the collection, Barnett gets numerous requests for commissioned projects. For example, Ken Staves, an architect based in Calgary, Canada, called to request rugs for his new home, based on photography he had shot of magnificent, New York City architectural skylines.  From this imagery, Barnett crafted a series of tapestries that now hang on the walls in Staves’ home. The Carl Ross Design Croup hired Barnett to create special rug tapestries for the lobby walls of the Hyatt Vacation Club Hacienda del Mar in Mexico. Her design for this commission was inspired by the 15th century rock art of the Taino Indians of Mexico.

A spunky seven-year-old girl passion for drawing and painting has become one of the top designers of carpeting and rugs in New York City.

Limited Edition Tap Tap rug, abstract angular colorful shapes, with varying piles based on the colorful, hand-painted local tap tap buses in Haiti, this rug design was featured in the Global African Project exhibition catalog, 2010.

For more information on Maleneb click: maleneb.com 

 

 

“We’re A Culture” Campaign Creates Good Citizen Designers

 

In a wonderful article published on the COLORLINES blog the writer Jorge Rivas shares the critical stance taken by “We’re A Culture, Not A Costume,”  poster campaign initiated by determined group of good citizen design students from Ohio University willingness to tackle such a severe subject surrounding the commodification and objectification of race and identity. This campaign challenges who possesses the cultural ownership of ethnic groups. Apparently, sporting Halloween costumes mocking African, Mexicans, Asians, Native Indians, and Blacks by white college students who in turn post disparaging images on Facebook pages has become the norm. But, these Ohio University design students offer us a refreshing directive that challenge stereotypical perceptions and encourages positive solutions aimed at college population are building brand reflective of social and global design. Who will you be this Halloween? Click here to learn more aboutSTARS students endeavors at Ohio University.

Also featured on the COLORLINES blog, UrbanOutfitters’ Indian Chic, addresses Native Peoples outrage over having their culture pimped by major retailer. As a designer of color who has takes issue with major brands continuously pimping off the ethos ethnic cultures feeling it’s okay to hack scarced symbols and patterns to produce new line of products like flash lighter, tee-shirts, handbags and trash cans. Another major culprit of commodification is Urban OutFitters introduction of products ripping off the iconography from Native American culture. More fuel on “UrbanOutfitters’ Indian Chic.” Please share your thoughts on both Colorlines articles. Make sure to read  Sasha Houston Brown, 24 year old Native American living in Minneapolis published a scathing open letter on Racialicious addressed to Glen T. Senk, CEO of Urban Outfitters, Inc. I’d be interested to find out what you think about both articles, and why people freely feel it’s okay to appropriate another culture.

SPARE BEATS: Happenings Near You

Spare Beats is back with loads of fun happenings in a city near you somewhere on this planet. It’s always fun to trove my city streets, plumb the web, twitter, FB or nag friends for what’s happening in design, fashion, art, urbanism, product design or makers tinkering with technology, or anything that holds my fleeting busy eyes.

The Austrian Pop-Up Store opens this Wednesday, October 5, running through October 19 at the Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street in NYC. While browsing around looking at the stunning art and architecture, and listening to classical music and if you’re crazed for sweets stop by the Austrian Delicatessen section for some tasty treats from the Vienna Cookie CompanyOh did I mention Vienna Cookie Company is owned my good friend Heidi Riegler. For listing of more pop-up events from book reading,films or wine tastings check out: Austria Pop-Up

Double Exhibition Nick Cave/ Ever-After, newest body of work now showing at the Jack Shainman Gallery, and “For Now” features his Soundsuits is showing concurrently at the Mary Boone Gallery. Francesca Granata wrote an insightful review on Nick Cave’s show, which opened during Fashion Week in NYC. Granata boasted Nick Cave’s new show were more interesting than Fashion Week. I tend to agree with Francesca Granata , but perhaps I’m just a little bias. Both shows run until November 22, so check them out I guarantee you’ll walk away smiling.  For more read FashionProjects.org. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


FILMS:
Museum of Art and Design: SION Sono: The New Poet Japanese Film series is happening this month.


Sono makes his mark by mining the much overlooked cultural artifacts if his time. This  film series is running from October 7th through November 11th, MAD is proud to present the first American survey of this complex international voice that continues to break down the marginalization of genre filmmaking to poetically reveal the human heart beating underneath. Click here for the full list of Film Events: MAD Films

03

10 2011