Papercut Letters by Annie Vought

There was a time, like 15 years ago, when my art teacher asked me and my classmates to make a craft. We got a piece of art paper (A4), 250gr, with a picture of traditional puppets elaborate on it. What we had to do is cut out some parts that have been determined, including the part that is in the center of the image, so detail. My work was finished for about 4 days, using paper knife. Really needed patience to finish it, but at that time honestly I did not understand at all the essence of that craft, other than the result was quite interesting after colored.

Seeing these works by Annie Vought in the present reminds me of that experience, "SO, it was actually papercut!", and how amazing to see there are artists who still do it, that I know, not many.

Unlike Joe Bagley and Hina Aoyama, papercut by Annie looks more focused on typography, form of writings, like handwriting. The handwriting and the lines support the structure of the cut paper, keeping it strong and sculptural, despite its apparent fragility. She says that in these paper cutouts, she focuses "on the text, structure, and emotion of the letter in an elaborate investigation into the properties of writing and expression. Penmanship, word choice, and spelling all contribute to possible narratives about who that person is and what they are like."

Meanwhile, the basic idea of making Typography as her main work is Email, text messages and Twitter provide us with the ability to stay in touch as never before, but with it we lose "fragments of individual histories. In the penmanship, word choice, and spelling the author is often revealed in spite of him/herself. A letter is physical confirmation of who we were at the moment it was written, or all we have left of a person or a time", says Annie.

'Rocking-2-gether chair' by Paul Kweton

The rocking-2-gether chair, idea and design by Paul Kweton (2012).

The rocking-2-gether chair (patent pending) is a hybrid between a rocking chair and dog/cat house. This project initially started in 2011, generating digital 3D models. Several 1:8 scale 3D printed models followed, refining the balance and rocking behaviour of the chair. The prototype 2.1 chair is made out of CNC milled birch plywood. The density and amount of the CNC milled "ribs" can be controlled with differently sized wooden spacers (see photographs), ergo controlling the visual connection between the person and his/her pet. The design process and final full scale prototype of the rocking-2-gether chair showcases the successful combination of digital modeling and digital fabrication.

Prototype Material

CNC milled birch plywood (CNC milled in California)

Source: 

http://www.paulkweton.com

EXPO CHICAGO/2013 Applications now available!

EXPO CHICAGO/2013 Applications now available

September 19–22, 2013

Navy Pier – Festival Hall

600 East Grand Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611

www.expochicago.com

After a successful first year, EXPO CHICAGO returns to Navy Pier in 2013 from September 19 to 22. Download the exhibitor application here. 

The inaugural EXPO CHICAGO presented over 120 leading international galleries, including a section of younger galleries in EXPOSURE, highlighting one to two artists from their programs. In its first year, the exposition drew over 27,000 patrons to Navy Pier, reaffirming Chicago’s place as an international art fair destination.

EXPO CHICAGO’s widely acclaimed floor plan and design was conceived by noted MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang from Studio Gang Architects (SGA). SGA will return for the 2013 edition to further shape the design of the exposition and to refine the space for our exhibitors to present artists’ work.

Several landmark programs were introduced this year and will return in 2013. IN/SITU, organized by noted independent curator Michael Ned Holte, was made up of site-specific and large-scale installations placed strategically throughout the fair, featuring works by artists such as Robert Barry and Tony Feher. The critically acclaimed lecture series, /Dialogues, presented in partnership with the School of the Art Institute (SAIC) drew large crowds during the run of the exposition. Highlight discussions included noted New York magazine’s Jerry Saltz, who exclaimed, “From now on art people should flock to Chicago,” as well as Los Angeles-based artist Sterling Ruby and artist Alec Soth.  

EXPO CHICAGO will again collaborate with local institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Arts Club of Chicago, The Renaissance Society, the Smart Museum and more to organize breakfasts and exhibition openings.  Chicago’s top collectors will once again open their homes for collection tours as part of our VIP program.

“EXPO CHICAGO proved to be an impressive fair that brought the international art world together to celebrate Chicago as a not-to-miss art destination,” said MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn. “The caliber of the galleries and artists represented was phenomenal. The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago was honored to be part of the fair with Vernissage, the hugely successful preview party organized by talented MCA Trustees who also acquired great artworks, some of which are promised gifts to institutions right here in Chicago.”  

Collectors, dealers, patrons and critics alike agreed that EXPO has returned Chicago to its legacy of hosting a prominent art exposition. For more information visit http://www.expochicago.com/.

Source:

http://www.expochicago.com/

http://art-agenda.com

'Continuum of Consciousness' Installation Made of Crystal Glasses by Linda Sim Solay

     In this life I believe that people who devote himself to the positive things, and do it consciously, having an invisible light that emanates from the body, either downward (into the earth) and up (to the sky), no end. But I do not know how to visualize it until I saw an exhibition pamphlet, mentioned Continuum of Consciousness by Linda Sim Solay.

Source: http://fatumbrutum.blogspot.com/

With great curiosity, I decided to come to the exhibition held in the auditorium of the Institute Français Indonesia (located in Bandung, West Java - Indonesia), 12-25 October 2012, to see if this is the visualization of what I mean.

At the entrance I met the curator, Roy Voragen from Roma Arts. He gave me a leaflet containing information about the work being exhibited in the room. I intentionally do not directly read the details of this installation, just to make sure I will react spontaneously and not "intimidated" by what is supposed to be felt. A room with dim light around. Immediately my mind focused into crystal glasses which are glued together, forming a pillar in front of me. Flanked by two round mirrors on the top and the base with pieces of broken glass around, complementing this arrangement as if it's endless. The light shines in the glass at the base, with a particular dynamics.

”The created space can be perceived as a continuum, allowing for both focus and contemplation of its personal experience, without sensory starting- or endpoints. Notably, the very nature of a continuum lies beyond intellectual analysis.” -Linda

If I am allowed to describe what I see beyond what I have seen, this installation lock both energy derived from the material used, the room around, or even the energy carried by the visitors. It feels like there is a vortex of energy, such as fog, in the room that surrounds the pillar as its center. Me myself imagine that pillar is a man meditating with high concentration within, constantly sitting in the middle of a dynamic vortex energy. Physically, this installation makes me a little headache, probably due to the effect of scent, or perhaps even the existence of discrepancies in the energy that we both have. 

Source: http://www.lindasim.com/

At the end of my visit, I realized the existence of the benches around me is part of the installation. Take a sit and dwell on it, become one with the energy in the crystal glasses to feel the effect in more optimal, and you will not have a headache as I have. Well, whether this is a visualization what I mean or not, this 'Continuum of Consciousness' installation has given a spiritual experience, even though for just a moment.

About the artist...

Linda Sim Solay is a Swedish-Austrian artist whose practice in fine art photography and installation focuses on psychological evolutionary thematics and contemporary physics. Her work is orientated around shaping audience-internal atmosphere and potential for perceptive immersion. She has exhibited internationally in numerous solo, collaborative and group exhibitions; framed by extensive travels and artist residencies. Linda earned her BA in Media Arts from RMIT in Melbourne under Dr. Les Walkling in 2005 and is currently studying for her MA researching Scent Art at Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore. http://www.lindasim.com/

INTERVIEW: Fin DAC "I call it Urban Aesthetics..."

ARTIST PROFILE

Name               : Fin DAC       

City/Country     : London, England

Website            : http://findac.tumblr.com/

Twitter              : @findac
Facebook         : finbarr dac

Bio                   : 

In a relatively short urban art career, I have defined and perfected an atypical paint/stencil style that ignores the accepted visual language of street art almost completely - I call it Urban Aesthetics (a modern-day take on a 19th century art movement). Hailing from Cork (Eire), I have lived the majority of my life in and around London. Self-taught and non-conformist, my influences range from dark graphic novels through to the works of Francis Bacon and Aubrey Beardsley.

I have painted/exhibited alongside respected artists such as Goldie, Nick Walker, Jamie Reid and Jef Aerosol. But in general, I shy away from the scene, keep my own counsel and shun the typical life of a street artist. My commercial work includes commissions for The Royal Albert Hall, Armani, G-Star, Red Bull, Jagermeister and London 2012/. I am also Artistic Director at urban/digital art brand Beautiful Crime.

Interview with Fin DAC...

-   How long have you been an artist?

    Just over 4 years

-   Is being an artist a full-time career for you?

      Has been only for the last year or so

-  Tell me about your work? What are you currently working on? How is this different from past projects?

   My work is mainly stencil based but I think I do it in a unique way. It is heavily influenced by all forms of Asian art and I am known for doing urban Asian females. I’ve just started to use paintbrushes and working in a fine art way as opposed to stencils and sprays... it’s simply another step in the evolution of my work.

-     What was your inspiration?

    A previously unhappy life

-    "What is Art?" is certainly too big of a question to ask here, but what do you hope your audience takes away from your art? What statement do you hope to make?

 There are no big statements with my art, no social or political commentary. My work is all about beauty and aesthetics and the need for those in the urban landscape

-     What was the best advice given to you as an artist? 

I didn’t get any. I just painted. I didn’t think about it, didn’t worry about things working out, didn’t plan much but also didn’t fear the chance of failure. My recent past had put me in a position where I felt I had more to lose by not at least trying to make things work

-     Tell me about your work space and your creative process.

My studio is at my home. I get up early (usually around 7) and start work immediately. I generally stop at about 11 and make myself a cup of tea and maybe something to eat. Then I simply carry on for the rest of the day. Depending on how focussed I am, I sometimes eat at around 5... But I often don’t remember to eat at all. I am online as well checking emails, updating blogs and generally keeping in contact with the world... but this rarely gets in the way of my work. I will work to 11 at the latest but on the odd occasion I’ll finish earlier and relax for a bit... but it is a rarity. The way I work varies from project to project and piece to piece.

-      What has been the biggest challenge in the work you create?

The biggest challenge for me was just being an artist. I used to draw when I was younger but had no confidence in what I did and didn’t think what I did had any validity whatsoever. Those self-doubts plagued me all my life so it wasn’t easy to suddenly start ignoring them.

-    Where do you go online for good art resources, whether to find a new artist, or to see what is going on in the art world locally and otherwise?

I am constantly bombarded by imagery on facebook and tumblr so it’s not something I have to go looking for. I tend not to take too much notice of what other artists are doing and generally keep myself to myself anyway

-     Do you have any exhibits to promote?

Nothing right now I’m afraid

    

***

I was lucky to be able to interview Fin DAC because apparently he is heading to North Wales to paint a portion of a ship that has been dry-docked for a number of years. It is an ongoing project involving a number of artists – some of which have already added their particular style to the many facades of The Duke of Lancaster. Sounds like it’s not the kind of a short time project...

When asked what form he would paint for this project he answered, “I will be painting something Asian influenced obviously but am still undecided as to what form it will take.. I want to let the ship and the texture and colour of the portion I’m painting to dictate how and what I do.”

Curious?? Same here, but I’ll keep you updated of course. While waiting for his new work, it's better to see the other amazing works of Fin DAC. Best recommendation, visit his Tumblr here!

Ditology: Iconic Celeb Finger Puppets by Dito Von Tease

    Two thumbs up! Oh wait, I forgot to tell you that you will see the two famous figures.. Yes, "Ditology" ("Dito is "finger" in Italian) is an art project that raised finger puppets by the Italian artist, Dito Von Tease. He recreated famous characters using only his finger and iconic facial features. Some well-known figures such as the Dalai Lama, Frida Kahlo, Mr. T, to Steve Jobs can be seen in this project. Although shaped more like a cartoon character, this project still reflects, even their personal day-to-day, complete with commonly used attributes. To turn his finger into the latest pop culture persona, Von Tease takes a picture of his finger in the buff and adds the following details with computer software. Even though this kind of project can only be enjoyed through the work of photography, Ditology deserves to be counted as a creative project.

VOTREART REGIONAL GROUPS

Dear all,

I am here representing VOTREART team will introduce our new feature as a media publication that brings you together, artists and art appreciators from all over the world. Since its release in April 2010, we are grateful to have received so much support from all of you, and until now that's what continues to drive us to provide you the best. 'VOTREART regionally-based group' is one of our efforts to make it happen. We have five regional groups which will categorize you based on the area you are from (America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia), as for the first benefit you will get by following one of these group is:

We'll post any information from the galleries (including exhibition schedules) located in your region so it will be easy for you to reach them.

Other benefits will come soon! Now all you need to do is, JOIN US!

Regards,

VA Creative Director 

  To join VOTREART AMERICA, click here!

To join VOTREART EUROPE, click here!

 To join VOTREART ASIA, click here!

  To join VOTREART AFRICA, click here!

 To join VOTREART AFRICA, click here!

*Please make sure you set the notifications you want to receive so that you will feel comfortable and not feel disturbed.

EVENT: SP-Arte/2013

Photo of SP-Arte/2012

São Paulo International Art Fair

New Dates  : April 3–7, 2013
Preview      : For VIP/Press, Wednesday, April 3, Noon–10pm

Pavilhão Ciccillo Matarazzo 2222
Parque do Ibirapuera, Portão 3
São Paulo, Brazil

Hours         :
Thu–Fri, April 4–5, 2–10pm
Sat–Sun, April 6–7, Noon–8pm

Applications
- Galleries that are interested in participating in SP-Arte, are invited to apply, please visit www.sp-arte.com for the online application.

- A complete gallery list will be announced in January, 2013. The deadline is November 15, 2012.

Source:

www.sp-arte.com
www.art-agenda.com

L'histoire du Palais Garnier à Paris

A statue of Apollo holding a lyre at the Palais Garnier in Paris

The Palais Garnier in Paris is most commonly known as the Paris Opera, and is considered one of the most important structures in Paris. A 2,200 seat opera house, it became the successor to the Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique, which burned down in 1873. This landmark is a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture movement, drawing on the17th century Classical Roman Baroque style of emphasizing drama and grandeur, as well as symmetry.

The Palais Garnier was commissioned during the reconstruction brought on by Napoleon III – civic planner Baron Haussman was given the task to clear enough land to build the opera house in 1858, and architect Charles Garnier's design was chosen from a competition held in 1861.

Palais Garnier model

The building was designed to be an extravagant experience – a lush, richly decorated space with over the top elements such as a six-ton central chandelier, bronze busts of composers, and multiple columns, friezes and statues. The enormous stage could accommodate up to 450 people at one time, an attention to space only matched by the building’s cavernous corridors and stairwells.

Construction began in 1862, and very soon was plagued with setbacks and delays. It turned out the foundation was unwittingly laid upon a swamp, which took roughly eight months to drain. Then the Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent fall of Napoleon III also caused long interruptions between construction periods.

Front view

It wasn’t until the Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique (1821 – 1873) burned down that there was a groundswell of motivation that finally gave Garnier a chance to finish, and he did so by the end of 1874. The Palais Garnier was inaugurated on January 15, 1875. However, the name Palais Garnier is only a recent title – by the time it was renamed as such in 1989 it had gone through two other names. Its first was Académie Nationale de Musique - Théâtre de l'Opéra and was so until 1978 when it was renamed as the Théâtre National de l'Opéra de Paris. 

Palais Garnier became the official name when the Opéra Bastille was built in 1989 to replace the older opera house – luckily, the Palais Garnier stillremains and continues to house performances. The survival of the Palais Garnier is thanks to the public that still considers it to be and refers to it as the Paris Opera.

The Grand Staircase

The Grand Foyer at The Palais Garnier

A view of the stage

The ceiling of the auditorium, decorated by Marc Chagall

 The stage overlooking the seats, the boxes, and the famous chandelier

Source:

http://www.francethisway.com

"Wonderland" by Kirsty Mitchell, The Real Wonderland on Earth

"The Ghost Swift"

Imagination can take us anywhere. Ask me, then I would like to go to Wonderland, not the cartoon version of 'Alice in Wonderland', but the modern version of Wonderland. I was not sure what it seems, until I saw this "Wonderland". A photography project that started in 2009 until now by a photographer named Kirsty Mitchell, born in 1976, and raised in the English county of Kent, known to many as the 'Garden of England'. Inspired by her mother's love, Maureen, who died in November 2008 due to a brain tumour. Maureen was an English teacher who spent her life inspiring generations of children with imaginative stories and plays.

"The Ghost Swift", which you can see above is the latest work from Kirsty for her Wonderland series. Impressive overall, that's what I get from her works. Not just the perfect photo angle in exposing the details, but all the supporting attributes, such as costumes, props, sets, and accessories that complement the theme, in fact made ​​and designed by Kirsty herself, with the occasional help of a few friends. Collaborated with hair and make-up artist Elbie Van Eeden, bring the "Wonderland" to the upper level of perfection!

"The Ghost Swift" Costume

"There are no designers, stylists or wardrobe people involved. The scenes are real locations and are not the result of multiple composites, or photoshop tricks such as cloning or enlarging scales." Not surprising indeed, considering that Kirsty has an educational background related to her career today. She studied until she was 25, taking courses in the history of art, photography, fine art, and then on to train in ‘Costume for Film and Theatre’ at the London College of Fashion. Completing a first class degree with honours in fashion design, at Ravensbourne College of Art in the summer of 2001 and also completed two internships at the design studios of Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan during this time.

"The Ghost Swift" - Behind the scene. 

"Wonderland" was exhibited at the SW1 Gallery, London on September 11, 2012. As well as currently being exhibited at Quaglino's Restaurant in London until November 13th. Visit Quaglino’s Restaurant now! And here are some other works from the Wonderland series by Kirsty Mitchell:

 "The Lavender Princess"

 "Daughter of Narnia"

"The Storyteller"

  "The Last Door of Autumn"

 "Gammelyn's Daughter" 

"A Floral Birth" 

"The White Queen"

With the totality of which she has given, I think "Wonderland" by Kirsty Mitchell worth mentioning as the real wonderland on earth. To know more about Kirsty and her photography projects, you can visit her facebook page here! Or you can visit her website here!