Did you know…
I have a real admiration for modern architecture. A friend of mine’s father is a very famous architect that designed three homes in Bridle Path, Toronto and two buildings in New York City. The conversations we and her father have over dinner are very intriguing and enjoyable. More pictures here…
J
I’ve been doing research on photogs around the world for an upcoming project and I was instantly captivated by the riviting images of Jocelyn Bain Hogg. To give you some background on this fellow, he is an eminent British photographer who put together a series called ‘The Firm‘ which is a searing photographic document of the British organized crime world.
Upon it’s launch (some ten years ago) it received instant recognition. Going through hundreds of his images there was one that jumped off the screen as it is identical to the album artwork for Jay-Z’s masterpiece (both sonically and for it’s package design) ‘The Blueprint’ (Roc-a-fella/Def Jam).
I don’t have my jewel case and album artwork with me so I’m wondering if this was inspiration or if Bain Hogg lensed this frame for Jay? I know that MorningBreath was the design agency in charge of the creative for the project…If you know who shot the flicks let me know. Here’s some more info on Jocelyn Bain Hogg and ‘The Firm’.
Over a four-year period Bain Hogg documented different aspects of the underworld, from exile in Tenerife to the broad spectrum of activity in the United Kingdom. Since Brighton Rock in the 1940s, photographers and film directors have been trying to capture the personalities and characteristics of the British urban gangster on film. These are not the faces of criminals who hide behind the facade of respectability or the corruption of political influence. They are, in fact, the real thing, men who hold their head up when challenged, and who seek no false redemption in the face of public vilification. Bain Hogg has captured for the first time in The Firm the weft and warp of these faces to whom violence is common currency and to whom loyalty is above all.
The project is currently being revisited, ten years later now that the old capos have passed away and in the wake of escalating gang crime in the estates of the UK.
S.™
The doc “Exit Through The Gift Shop” is the incredible true story of how the world’s greatest Street Art movie was never made. It follows an eccentric French shop keeper and amateur film maker as they attempt to locate and befriend Banksy - a graffiti artist with a global reputation whose work can be seen on walls from post-hurricane New Orleans to the separation barrier on the Palestinian West Bank - whom has fiercely guarded his anonymity to avoid prosecution and resisted all attempts to be captured on film, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner with spectacular results.
Billed as ‘the world’s first street art disaster movie’ the film contains exclusive footage of Banksy, Shephard Fairey, Invader and many of the world’s most infamous graffiti artists at work on walls and in interview. As Banksy describes it, “It’s basically the story of how one man set out to film the un-filmable. And failed”.
View the trailer here and check it out on the big screen at the Yonge & Dundas AMC theatre May 7th.
I’ll see you in line.
S.™
Writing a new chapter in the history of photography. The Impossible Project started in October 2008 at the last preserved Polaroid plant in Enschede (The Netherlands) with the aim to save anlog Instant Photography from extinction; today it presented its significant result.
After 17 months of research and development, The Impossible Project announced that it succeeded in its task of re-producing a new analog Instant Film for traditional Polaroid cameras. Containing more than 30 newly developed components, Impossible has now introduced a new, monochrome Instant Film - the PX 100 and PX 600 Silver Shade - and is therewith saving millions of perfectly functioning Polaroid cameras from becoming obsolete (as Polaroid discontinued its instant film production early in 2008).
Supported by Ilford Photo, UK (Harman Technology Limited) Impossible is carrying instant film production into the 21st century and proudly presents a new, artistic instant film material. It produces originals of outstanding, unique and never before seen characteristics, pushing analog Instant Photography beyond all traditional limits. Other than the highly standardized, traditional Polaroid film, the Impossible Films offer a new, broad range of possibilities, fresh characteristics and results.
Celebrating the beginning of a new era of Instant Photography, Impossible these exceptional products will be available online at the Impossible Shop and also at selected premium retail partners all over the world.
Being the only company worldwide capable of manufacturing analog Instant Film, Impossible plans to present its first PX Color Film in summer 2010. Furthermore a Silver Shade as well as a Color Version of the larger Integral Instant Film format for usage in all Polaroid Image/Spectra/1200 cameras is planned. In total, Impossible‘s schedule is to present 6 new Instant Film formats within 2010.
What makes this additionally exceptional is that Impossible has beyond that started collaborations with international photographers (The above image is courtesy of Jake Chessum), who were invited to work with the new film material and therewith created a base for The Impossible Collection – a growing archive of contemporary Instant Photo- graphy artworks. Furthermore, the supporters of The Impossible Project recently placed a binding offer to purchase the International Polaroid Collection, located in the Musée de l‘Elysée, Lausanne. Impossible‘s intention is not only to preserve and protect this unique collection from being sold in parts, but also to re-open and expand it by providing the new Impossible film materials to contemporary artists.
A grand Impossible Project‘s Space, hosting a shop as well as a gallery, will open on April 30, 2010 at 425 Broadway in New York City – celebrating the magic and the bright future that analog Instant Photography is now facing.
S.™
Originally the focus of this post was solely going to be placed on the American Menswear Fashion Book, but after I found out it was published by Assouline the direction changed.
This publishing house has or the past 15 years created fine illustrated books, luxury editions and an exquisite gift line dedicated to fashion, photography, art and design. Renowned for their highly original graphic concept, Assouline books are a work of art that capture culture and brings it to life. The spirit and ’savoir faire’ of these works have contributed to the creation of a unique and eclectic, chic and elegant brand that is immediately identifiable.
They’ve published books about and by the best: Chanel, Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels, Balenciaga, Chloé, Yohji Yamamoto, Marc Jacobs and soon Pierre Cardin. You get the idea.
Now, In the same series as the bestselling American Fashion and American Fashion Accessories, Assouline and the Council of Fashion Designers of America present American Fashion Menswear, the most authoritative and exciting book to date on the evolution of menswear in our country over the past century. From the outset, America was settled by individualists and adventurers who severed ties with the old world to find their destiny in an unknown land, a separation that opened the way for change in a less stratified society. To survive the challenges of a new environment, the American man needed garments that were functional and well-designed, qualities that continue to endure at the very heart of American menswear. From Levi Strauss to the Ivy League, lounge suits to Zoot suits, cowboys to counterculture, American Fashion Menswear celebrates the quintessentially American themes that are emulated throughout the world of fashion, as well as the designers and style icons who have made lasting contributions to the way men dress.
A must have for the coffee table of any self respecting fashion aficianado.
A.™
Deep down I’m a super-big-ultra-grande sized comic book geek. Classic issues from the likes of Miller and McFarlane line my book shelves.
I recently stumbled upon this piece - A retro-tingued take on the X-Men iconography that jumped off the screen at me. I have a weakness for sharp, vivid visuals and I just had to share. What are your thoughts?
S.™
Recently, design studio Triboro Design has released a limited print of their take on the classic maps for the NYC subway system. Printing only 300 runs of these one-colour maps, the design makes use of a dangerous red-orange tone that draws your attention to the crisp lines and attention to detail in the print. The studio continues to produce some really excellent pieces worthy of display in your residence… most definitely.
Staying clean is one thing, keeping it to one-colour is truly another.
Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion, and Architecture documents the iconic French luxury brand’s collaborations with leading international artists, architects, designers, and photographers.
David LaChapelle worked hand in hand with many other well know photographers to put together this book. This collection is jammed with amazing photography as well as editorials from a who’s-who of contributors in the fashion and art world.
This Doc gets steady play on my AppleTV. Directed by Gary Hustwit - you might know of him from his previous Doc - Helvetica or his work with the group Wilco. This film is filled with insight from the worlds upper crust of industrial design, with appearances by Jonathan Ive, Andrew Blauvelt, Marc Newson, and Karim Rashid. It’s about industrial design, and the creativity at work behind everything from toothbrushes to tech gadgets.
It’s about the people who re-examine, re-evaluate and re-invent our manufactured environment on a daily basis. It’s about our relationship to mass-produced objects and, by extension, the people who design them. Objectified is a classic.
“In my experience, users react very positively when things are clear and understandable. That’s what particularly bothers me today, the arbitrariness and thoughtlessness with which many things are produced and brought to market.” - Dieter Rams
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