This one’s kinda a must watch. I’ve got a lot of questions about this one. Perhaps you do too. All insights welcome.
The Menu
The Essentials
Culture
CHILDREN OF ENLIGHTENMENT (TRAILER)
You could just as easily title this one The Children of the Renaissance. Whatever you want to call it, it’s happening. The Renaissance is taking shape and it spans far beyond our borders. They think we’re crazy for following our dreams, but what they fail to realize is that the journey will set you free.
The Children of Enlightenment seeks to tell the stories of kids just like you and me. Who know in their heart that they were meant to do more than find a job and play it safe. This is a story of kids on the other side of the world, following their heart and being creative. Documenting the rise of Japan’s youth counterculture movement, The Children of Enlightenment serves to highlight the changing mindset of Japanese youth today. Hit the MORE for a full synopsis of the film.
NIKE STADIUMS PRESENTS HEROES OF SPEED
Gearing up for this summer’s World Cup in South Africa, Nike brings us yet another incredible creative project. This time, Nike Stadiums teamed with Croatian visual artist Danijel Zezelj to bring to life some of football’s most exciting moments over the years. Heroes of Speed is a mixed media project, including videos animated by Zezelj celebrating some of the game’s most “mercurial” figures. Up first, fittingly enough is Ronaldo. Say what you want about Nike as a whole, but they set the bar high for creative marketing. Hit the link above to see what’s really good with Heroes of Speed.
THE ISLAND OF LOVE
I think we can probably categorize this one as peculiar and extraordinary. Found on the Jeju Island of South Korea, the Island of Love is an extraordinary park dedicated to the physical pleasures of love. Commissioning some of Korea’s top designers and sculptors, the island attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year, looking to take in the sights, and perhaps bring a little chemistry back to their relationships. So now we’ve got money trees in England, Bald Uakari’s in Brazil, and Erotic Playgrounds in Korea. I wonder what we’ll find out next.
HOW TO EAT AN ELEPHANT (GRAPHIC)
Perspective. It’s important. While I think we gain the most from our own experiences, we can also gain perspective from the lives of others. Not too much to say here except for the fact that shit is not the same for all of us. Hopefully this will make you think twice about what you say to yourself the next time your refrigerator’s empty, I know I will.
“STOP THE VIOLENCE” BY FRANCOIS ROBERT
Once upon a time, many moons ago, Francois Robert purchased a group of metal lockers at an auction. When he opened the lockers to view what was inside, Francois was amazed to find dozens of real human bones, saved in pristine condition. Quickly coming with a plan, Francois decided to create different shapes using the bones to raise awareness for the violence caused by wars. Titled, “Stop the Violence,” the shapes are mostly inspired by elements of war, from guns and grenades, to religious symbols and knives. Creativity with a cause. Now that’s the 2010.
STAY FLEXIBLE
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M.I.A. – “BORN FREE”
Okay, this one’s pretty important. When Maya dropped the first single from her upcoming album last week, it was already taking a typically revolutionary stance. Instead of the electro hip-pop of “Paper Planes” listeners were greeted with raw, abrasive punk rock, complete with M.I.A. screaming “I’ll throw this shit in your face when I see you, ’cause I’ve got something to say”. Already, the track constituted a strong, if vague affront to consumer culture, capitalism and social authority. With the video, however, M.I.A. and director Romain Gavras just outdid themselves. It’s graphic, it’s 8 minutes long, and almost every second is compelling. There’s a lot to touch on here, but I’d recommend just watching, and then trying to make sense of it all.
EYJAFJALLAJOKULL: THE ICELANDIC VOLCANO
Photos by Skarpi
Out of sight, out of mind. That phrase has been fuckin with me lately. Mainly because it hits home hard. Too many times I fail to consider the impact of events simply because in the moment, things are settled for me. “Damn, Katrina looked kinda bad,” well off to go hoop. “Damn, 100,000 Iraqis killed in the war,” I think I’m gonna go make a sandwich… It’s like it’s so hard to really grasp what’s going on in the world, if it’s not knocking at your doorstep. Case in point, the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull (yeah I dunno either) was nearing the back of my brain as well, until Michelle brought these images to my attention. And then I understood… Pictures. It’s all about pictures. We must all take pictures. Sometimes it’s the closest thing we’ve got to reality. Hopefully, these images are as stunning to you as they are to me. If not, I’ve got something else for you. Stay tuned.
BANKSY IN SAN FRANCISCO
Is there any pop culture figure with a reputation cooler than Banksy’s? The international jetsetter who travels the world, creating thought-provoking art in public spaces. And yet, as prominent as he’s become in the global street art community, no one gets to see his face. The world might not have a Peter Parker or a Bruce Wayne to count on, but at least we have creative folks like Banksy to make us look at things in a new light. Lately, he made his mark in San Francisco, a place near and dear to my folks. Nothing too extravagant, but a clever couple of pieces nonetheless. Thanks Banksy.
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.
CULINARY FLAGS
With art like this, it’s hard to know what to say. Usually my mind just kind of pauses for a second, before thinking, “Someone actually thought of this and decided to make it happen. That’s pretty cool.” In this particular case, the folks at WHYBIN/TBWA, an international ad agency were behind the idea, coming up with culinary flags as a creative way of advertising for last year’s International Food Festival in Sydney. Using native cuisine from each of the places represented, their team of artists turned food into flags. And now they’re on the Bowties.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: LUXURY CRUISE LINERS STILL DOCKING IN HAITI
Photos By New York Times
Amanda sent this story over a couple days ago. I don’t really know what to make of this. Hopefully someone can lend their insight to this story. As always, your thoughts are appreciated.
“I just can’t see myself sunning on the beach, playing in the water, eating a barbecue, and enjoying a cocktail while [in Port-au-Prince] there are tens of thousands of dead people being piled up on the streets, with the survivors stunned and looking for food and water.”
BABIES
It’s hard to overstate the importance of your childhood. Where you come up, the people around you, the culture you’re a part of… It all forms the foundation on which you build your life and shape your perceptions. The crazy thing about it, is that all of our experiences our different, and yet we all inhabit the same, interconnected world. Director Thomas Balmes documentary, Babies will offer a unique look at that idea, tracking the first year of four babies’ lives in Mongolia, Namibia, Tokyo and San Francisco, respectively. Definitely a cool way of looking at culture in the modern world. And if that doesn’t do it for you, it’s always fun to watch some babies.
