Sometimes simplicity is the best way to point across. Reminders is a collection of just that. Simple photographic messages meant to remind of us of the everyday shit we tend to space on. Austin-based artist Erin Hanson is a self-described Recovering Lazyholic, using the term to title her collection of work, on display here. She describes her art as “something I do for myself to keep me from not doing”, but also as something that can entertain others, or a resource for folks that struggle with the same issues.

Personally, I flop on organization all the time, and I think we all tend to let things slip that we intend to get done. Maybe it’s getting around to that book you’ve been meaning to read. Maybe it’s just letting the most important folks know you care. Or maybe it’s remembering to take a break, and live it up. So maybe we don’t all need to stick colorful letters around the house, but I gotta say, I dig the idea behind it. Staying conscious about how you spend your time. Because it’s as valuable as you make it.

I never put much thought into forming relationships through the internet. Up until recently, I used the internet as an information source and a place to converse with people I already knew. But something changed recently when I came across the work of Maggie Lochtenberg. I was drawn to her immediately. In a way it brought me to a better understanding of art, because I was able to connect with her through her photography. You can taste and smell Maggie’s photos, because they relate the moment so perfectly. I recently had the opportunity to ask Maggie about her life, and her art. And this is what she had to say.

What did you have for breakfast?

Believe it or not, I had vanilla ice cream- in a cone. I was watching my six-year old brother who can be very persuasive.

Do you prefer dreaming by night or dreaming by day?

What a lovely question! I have very strange and upsetting dreams during the night, but in the day I can fantasize about whatever I want. I definitely prefer being a day-dreamer.

Fill in the blanks.

America needs more… Balance.

America needs less…Competition.

I wish people were… Always friendly, but not annoying.

This is cool and all, but I’d rather be…. Living in a Tipi.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Umm I read the Twilight books…

Are you afraid of anything?

I am afraid of conforming.

Why do you think people choose to conform?

People conform for security.

How are you battling your fear of conformity?

I’m battling my fear of conformity by not being liked by everybody.

Do you have a favorite song?

Gosh that keeps changing, My current top three are as follows: Jesus Loves Me – Cocorosie, Fearless – Pink Floyd, Never Coming Back – OMC

It seems like photographs manage to transcend time, taking the viewer back to a distant place that’s neither in the past, or in the future? How did you develop your love for photography, and how would you define your aesthetic?

Wow, that’s a really nice thing to say about my photography. That’s the best comment I’ve ever recieved about it. Wow. Ok, umm I liked looking at old photographs in family albums and online or at flea markets. I wanted to re-make these type of “old feelings” and began buying vintage cameras. So I started taking pictures. I try to convey a sense of mystery and nostalgia in my photos; I like to flirt with the past in my artwork because it interests me. Sometimes I like old times better than our time, just like how sometimes I prefer the people who don’t exist to those who do, like Atticus Finch. But maybe my artwork is actually modern, and I don’t really realize it. I don’t ever try to duplicate the past, I am just interested by it. I don’t know, I’m talking in circles now.

Where do you think creativity comes from?

Someone else has said it better: “True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist” -Einstein. Creativity is an urge, you can’t help it when you want to create something. If I get an idea I will get up in the middle of the night and get to work because im so excited about it. Even if tomorrow I decide that it’s stupid, its always an urge you can’t resist.

What is true love?

True love is being considerate and acting on it. True love is a course of action, not a feeling.

For more artwork from Maggie visit her flickr page.

Photos By Daniel Acker

I feel like for many of us New York is that elusive destination that we all must get to. It’s like the last level of Mario or something. New York’s like Bowser’s castle, hella ominous at first, but hella fun once you get the hang of it. A.K., Jarron and Amanda are out there now, The rest of us will be there soon. In the meantime we can marinate on these overhead shots. A truly majestic city. New York by 2012.

If you’re able to say you introduced Andy Warhol to anything, you’re already winning in my book. As the man who once gave Warhol his first camera (not to mention introducing Warhol to the works of both Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring), Christopher Makos holds an interesting place in the pop art canon. Famous for his Polaroids, Makos’ work serves as a window into the ’70s and ’80s, capturing personal and cultural moments with a one-of-a-kind aesthetic sense. For the art lovers in New York, East Hamptons’ Clic Gallery will be featuring a collection of some of Makos’ Polaroids up until September 5th. For everybody else, peep the gallery below.

It’s crazy how a few snapshots can paint a detailed picture of a place. From everything I hear, the Eastern Congo is a pretty hectic place. Dealing with the fallout from the worst human conflict since World War II can’t be easy. In his latest collection, Quick, photographer Richard Mosse gives us a glimpse of military life in the Eastern Congo, along with some gorgeous shots of the surrounding landscape. Taking a novel approach, Mosse used Kodak Aerochrome infrared film to capture the scenes below, giving the images their distinctive pink tint. So no, they’re not photoshopped, in case you were wondering. Pretty impressive.

A lot of times, I’m tempted to read into other people’s artwork, and try to pull out the meaning attached to it by the artist. To a certain degree, I guess that’s what you’re supposed to be doing, but I think there’s something to be said for those pieces that leave it open-ended. “Our lovely model, Chris, has lived on Mercer Street for a few decades by choice,” says artist Julia Chesky, “I’m calling this series The Original Hipster because on most days he doesn’t even look like he’s truly homeless.”

I guess you can read it in a few different ways. On one hand, there’s a tongue-in-cheek, ironic element to the whole thing, as Chesky seems to be poking fun at the “hipster” cliches we know so well. But on the other hand, it’s also just a dope series of portraits about a homeless dude and his style. On the down side, there’s a sense in which it almost trivializes his situation. Either way, it got me thinking. What do you think?

I think Sasha Jones of Good put it better than I can. For all the glitz and glamor, new stadiums and fanfare brought on by the World Cup (mostly as a result of a $6 billion investment on the part of the South African government), we didn’t hear a whole lot about the everyday people of South Africa, or the way they live. Inner Views, a series of six-by-four foot portraits by South African photographer Zwelethu Mthethwa, offers a unique look at the lives and homes of South Africa’s migrant workers, showing a side of the country that doesn’t seem to garner the same kind of press attention. With a keen eye for color and composition, Mthethwa’s talent is pretty undeniable. The Inner Views exhibition is at Harlem’s Studio Museum until October 24th.

In the words of swag doctor Wag, this past weekend went ham. Too ham. Ham and bacon sandwich ham. Seriously, one of those nights to remember. Introducing Theophilus to his L.A. fan base, lots of folks rolled out to take part in the experience. Going through a half hour DJ set into his own performance, Theophilus went in as usual, turning more folks into believers with each track. Hats off to Ian for putting it all together. It’s only getting better.

Photos below by Tiago Sperotto

I’ve heard it said that with sexualized imagery, there’s a thin line between fine art and objectification. I’d counter that by saying that sometimes they actually go hand in hand (T-Rich anybody?). Either way you look at it, Andrew Quesada is a talented dude, who knows how to capture sex appeal. Specializing in, but not limiting himself to portraits of bad ones, Long Beach-based Quesada has a diverse portfolio that speaks for itself, and a style that’s direct and authentic. Check below for more, or here for his full catalog.

Photos By Celso White

Written By Celso White

There is a group of kids in the outer depths of the city of Fortaleza who rock tank tops, strapped sandals, shorts, and boards. I didn’t expect to meet them that Sunday but I’m glad I did. I shared my story of snowboarding in Connecticut to a group of kids who had never seen snow in their life.

They showed me what it means to sandboard in the sand dunes of Fortaleza, Brasil. It means going on a Sunday afternoon with some friends, digging your heels into the sands, building a jump from sandbags and trying the best tricks you can. One of the boarders directed me where to stand to get the best in air picture. I shot as they flipped, indy grabbed, and spun. This was all for pure enjoyment but also in preparation for a competition that would be taking place later that month.

They begin by walking up the mountain with the boards in their hands and supported by their thigh. They then sat down, feet in front of them waiting to strap in. They’de take turns making sure not to repeat a trick. Original. As they prepared for the second set I thought about our connection and how at home I would go through the same process. One jump, some snowboards, and friends. We do it for the departure into air and the trick that proceeds. In that moment we are flying in this sport of liberation. From Connecticut to Brasil.

For more thoughts, stories and pictures from Celso visit his site at Celso’s Stories.

Photos Tiago Sperotto

Yesterday marked the culmination of the World Cup at the Montalban. With the theatre packed to the brim, it was again up to Emily to save the day. Reed, DS, Tiago and I slid in with her assistance, while Hanif went real stealth for his entrance. Nonetheless it was a great experience and an end to one of the more unique branding experiences I’ve been a part of. Big thanks to everyone involved in facilitating the events. Nike is winning.

Photos By Hunter Freeman

It’s tough to step outside of your comfort zone. We call it the comfort zone for a reason. But I think once you step outside yours, it begins to expand. When you take that leap to do some shit you’ve never done before the experience shatters the fear you had for it initially. Lately I’ve been thinking that fear generally comes from the unknown, but let’s save that conversation for another time.

Hunter’s work just got me thinking. His latest photo project appropriately titled astronauts is an ode to the spaceman who’s stuck on earth. Attempting to deal with the normalcy of everyday life, Hunter places the astronaut in a range of ordinary settings, effectively removing the astronaut from his comfort zone, and shooting him back down to reality. It’s not always fun to be an astronaut.