The Menu
The Essentials
Avant Garde
CULINARY CREATIONS BY CARL KLEINER
I’m always pleased when I come across food art. Simply because it relates the fact that you can use any medium to create compelling art. But what constitutes art nowadays? I’ve been struggling as of late to come up with a functional definition for the word art, Reed broke it down for us pretty well today. Nonetheless, the work of Carl Kleiner is inspiring. Taking on abstract forms, Kleiner’s work allows viewers to draw their own conclusions about the presentation and meaning of his work. Mixing swiss cheese with red peppers, and tortillas with zucchini, Kleiner’s managed to create these colorful creations for your viewing pleasure. I know Melissa and Raji are juiced.
“HUMAN FLIES”
I’m not too big on killing things, but this has got to be one of the most creative things I’ve come across in my time doing this. I wish I could tell you what this artist name was, but alas, his alias is unknown. What I do know, is that to create these pieces, the “artist” had to kill these flies, and let them sit in the sun for an hour to dry. From there, they took a pencil to paper and made these. Extraordinary and peculiar.
MARK RONSON FEAT. Q-TIP & MNDR – “BANG BANG BANG”
I know, I know. I hyped the Breakbot tough. But for good reason. I still think it’s one of the best videos to drop this year. However, this Mark Ronson joint? Is. Fire. But remember I’m biased, and an 80′s aficionado. It’s almost like Ronson saw the Breakbot video and decided to one up it. It’s bad. Cats are raising the bar when it comes to the artistry. Like it, love it, or hate it, can you deny the art? Can you deny the visuals. Can you deny the swag? I for one, cannot.
A CONVERSATION WITH SIGGI EGGERTSSON
During my conversation with Icelandic graphic designer Siggi Eggertsson, I was constantly amazed by the fact that I was chatting with someone from across the world. Lowering the barrier to entry, the beauty of the internet lies in its ability to allow people to share their work with the world. Initially drawn to Siggi’s work through his majestic basketball imagery, I wanted to know where the inspiration came from for his work. Covering a range of topics from his beginnings in graphic design, to his thoughts on LeBron James, I had to remind myself that Siggi was in fact worlds away. The presence of popular culture around the world is amazing. It feels as though art and the internet are bringing us closer together. This interview is proof. Read on for a conversation with Siggi Eggertsson.
BREAKBOT FEAT. IRFANE “BABY I’M YOURS”
I don’t know, but this is one of my favorite videos of the year. I love the vibe, love the colors, love the song. But the creation of the video is what really goes. Composed of approximately 2,000 individual images, each hand painted with watercolors one right after another, this video is a great indicator of how far you can take the music video. I mean come on, a hand painted music video? Wet Wet. Props to Ed Banger Records, Breakbot, and especially Irina Dakava for the visuals.
NEVERLAND LOST: A PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL JACKSON
The more time goes by the more I begin to appreciate the work of Michael Jackson. Not that I didn’t before, but now that he’s gone it’s just kind of like damn, Usher and JT aren’t sniffin this cat.
Recently photographing Michael Jackson, and many of his possessions, international photographer Henry Leutwyler has recently completed his photo book, Neverland Lost. Highlighting the iconic wardrobe of the King of Pop, Henry’s images provide a rare behind the scenes glimpse of Michael. Original photos from the book will be on display at the M+B Gallery in Los Angeles beginning tomorrow. A great exhibition for photographers and fans of MJ. Thanks Neijah.
THEOPHILUS LONDON – “I WANT YOU” (DIRECTED BY VA$HTIE)
Reporter: Romance and love is never far away in your music. There is no doubt that women will like this mixtape. But how about the men…? How do they respond to your music?
Theophilus: It’s been great! They get to -excuse my language- fuck their girlfriends to it.
MADVILLAIN – “PAPERMILL”
If there was a time when hip-hop was lacking in weird shit, give these two credit for bringing it back. Keeping busy as usual, Doom and Madlib have been hitting us with a consistent stream of strange, high-quality music over the half-decade since their first collab. So I guess it’s only right for them to reunite for part two. “Papermill”, like most of the tracks from Madvillainy, is about a minute and half of stream-of-consciousness bars over some dusty, groovy shit out of Madlib’s crates. No release date yet for the second album, but this one is confirmed by Stones Throw to be the first leak. For now, we can thank Adult Swim for jooging it.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Download: Madvillain – “Papermill”
SAND SCULPTURE BY OLAF BREUNING
The landscape is changing right before our eyes. You’ve got to see it by now. Ladies and gentlemen, our run is just starting, and your attendance is so very appreciated. You see, longevity will be the mark of success in the years to come. In other words, don’t believe the hype, unless it’s warranted. The work of Olaf Breuning relates this concept well. We’ve told you about him before. But I’m just getting hip to him, and he’s been doing it. Just remember to stay your course. They’ll come around in due time…
Born in Switzerland, Olaf’s work takes on an air of simplicity that leaves it engaging yet accessible. Gaining inspiration from iconic artists such as Jeff Koons and Grace Jones, Olaf has amassed an impressive collection of drawings, sculptures and installations, using cross cultural messages to express himself. The work featured above was commissioned by the Sagamore Hotel in Miami Beach for the 2008 Miami Art Fair. With the ability to create timeless imagery, and an array of mediums at his disposal, I think it’s safe to say that this won’t be the last time you see Olaf on the bowties.
THE MULTI-LEVEL LIVING SPACE BY VERNER PANTON
Photos by Skarpi
The beauty of creativity is that it can come from anywhere and manifest into anything. From bubble gum sculptures, to timeless songs, to innovative furniture, creativity knows no boundaries, which is why it resonates within all of us. While I admit I’m a novice to the interior design game, the work of Verner Panton continues to amaze and inspire, allowing us to imagine what else is possible through his creative yet functional creations. The piece above was done by Panton in 1966 as a prototype for a multi-level living space. With chrome-plated steel frames, and wood and foam upholstery, this piece of furniture doubles as a work of art. I feel like the concept of art is kind of arbitrary. But if you can get someone to even consider your creation a piece of art, you’re winning. Hoop time.
MEET VA$HTIE
If this doesn’t inspire you, I’m not sure what will. For the girls especially, meet Va$htie Kola. Born and raised in New York City, Va$htie has risen to fame as an artist, director, photographer and entrepreneur. In 2007 Kola directed and commissioned the “Us Placers” video, which featured child versions of Kanye, Lupe and Pharrell rapping and acting. The song and video are classics.
In short, Va$htie Kola is the definition of a Renaissance Woman. And trust me, we need more of them now than ever. I know you’re out there too, so for the girls looking for that spark of inspiration, take what you can from Va$htie’s journey. In this short with Cash & Caviar, Va$htie speaks on breaking into the film industry, her cult status celebrations, and her recent Theophilus collaboration. The Renaissance here, and we’re all a part of it. Happy Sadatay.
THE GARDENERS BY OLAF BREUNING
Olaf is emerging as one of my favorite artists across the board. From his photos, to his drawings, to his installations, Olaf has mastered his craft in various arenas creating thought provoking creations that help us rethink what is possible when it comes to art. I fuck with Olaf, because his work is so accessible. Yes, there may be hidden meaning to his pieces, but I find value in works that can appeal to art students and kindergartners alike. His work has a transcending quality to it, that makes it oh so very dope. We’re just getting started with Olaf, so the best is yet to come.
BARBIE JEWELS
It’s said that three Barbie dolls are sold every second in more than 150 countries, still. I mean has there ever been a doll that has symbolized “beauty” in the same way? While the look, feel, and image of Barbie has permeated our society since its creation, designer Margaux Lange has made incredible strides to reinterpret the image of Barbie. Using various body parts to create her pieces, Margaux has created a collection of unique jewelry aimed to utilize elements of Barbie’s figure to enhance one’s individual beauty. Creative might be an understatement.
