Since one of the first Edward Kwong pieces I saw involves my very favorite hyphenated phrase, I had to look further.
He has some uniquely detailed work that almost reminds me of stained glass panels.
Never have I seen a “siren” that appears to be made of stone, glass, cement and fish scales…but it works.
See more on his site.
It was 1994. I stayed up past my bedtime, delicately dozing off in front of the TV in hopes of catching the Closer Video. Nine Inch Nails entranced me in a visual universe that became a catalyst for many of my developing interests.
I had a sixth sense for this video. The barely audible sound of that hissing heartbeat could jar me out of the deepest sleep. I had to watch.
My heart goes out to my mother. She got wind of the lyrics and felt her tiny tween was headed for a life of violence, promiscuity and general depravity…none of which I ever even dabbled in. My sober, stable mind was such a wonderland in itself; imagination was all I needed. For all I cared, the lyrics could have been about lollipops and jellybeans.
I came across this great behind the scenes documentary about the video, which may not be for everyone but is a must see for those who love the aesthetics of the Closer video. You’ll see what went into creating images like this:
…and hear director Mark Romanek discuss everything from Mary Poppins to rotting meat.
I just realized that half the tags I use in this blog can apply to this post. Ever feel like something was made for you…even before YOU were aware of it?
Okay, I’ll admit it: I find Andrew McAttee’s paintings disarming. I’m usually not drawn to dizzying brightness, but McAttee does such a magnificent job in his depiction of…what I imagine a Care Bear would see after ingesting massive amount of psychedelics.
In the artist’s own words:
My aim is to provide the viewer with a colourful riot of gravity-less forms set in highly layered, seemingly endless space with a sense of ambiguity, humour and celebration.
These paintings are a sensory orgy of graffiti, comic book, pop art and abstract style. I admire the way he infuses a sense of movement, energy and optimism.
Don’t you just feel alive?
See the rest here.
And…
Nikki Pinder’s collages are layered with gorgeous bits of art, found objects and ephemera. The rustic, muted colors perfectly compliment the subject matter.
I love her Mechanics of Mind series; busy landscapes that fuse and juxtapose human, machine, insect, animal and nature.
Though surreal and whimsical sights, these pieces are narratives, ready to reveal themselves to curious minds.
She also does crafty merchandise.
See more on her site.
Gallery 1988 just featured an absolutely massive collection of TV themed artwork entitled Idiot Box, bound to strike a nostalgic chord with those of us who grew up with popular programs in the 80’s and 90’s. A few of my favorites:
“Marlon Fraggle” by Matt Dangler:
“Cherie’s Fridge” by Gideon Boomer (Wow…does anyone else get this reference?!):
“Uncle” by Doktor A:
“What the Smurf Are You Smurfin At?!!” by Joey D:
See the rest here.
This chromed armadillo skeleton adorns the hood of a random vehicle in Eugene, Oregon. Perhaps the owner is a Texas native.
I’ve always taken an interest in animal symbolism. The armadillo represents emotional and physical boundaries (a sensible meaning, considering the creature’s ability to roll itself into a ball and be completely armored against attack).
Somehow I doubt the hood ornament has anything to do with that.
I also came across the Benevolent Order of Armadillos, founded in 1997 and now boasting over 1,500 members. I love the internet.
Hood ornament source.
I always enjoy when a painter chooses to depict the grotesque with a Renaissance sense of realism. Christian Rex van Minnen is one such artist.
His keyhole portraits are interesting little image conglomerates inside cutout figures.
Van Minnen’s other portraits take on an abstract, surreal quality.
These impossible chimeras embody royalty, pop culture and anatomically anomalous flora and fauna fused together.
Sea creature! Sweet, ambiguous sea creature…
He also does fantastically alien, fleshy landscapes.
Don’t try too hard to understand. Just enjoy.
See more on the artist site.
I tend to realize Easter is coming when I can get my hands on Cadbury Creme Eggs, but otherwise I pay very little attention to this holiday. However, I did manage to gather a substantial collection of evil bunnies to share.
Here is a previous post about bunnies from Thrift Horror Week, if you missed it.
Let’s start with some menacing mascots, shall we?
An old classic:
I get a really unwholesome feeling about this one:
And I sympathize with this guy:
How about a little face painting?
Now for some random lagomorphic horror:
Wow…
I think this poor fellow has the mumps or something:
If you celebrate it, Happy Easter!
1 Light Art Lamps are a collection of unique lamps made from everyday objects. Designer Howard Dernberger has been creating lamps since he was a child, and he incorporates rare vintage objects for a blend of form and function.
Among my favorites are the typewriter and camera lamp:
I’m often struck with the desire to create odd lighting pieces from found objects, and it’s lovely to see the creativity and construction in these pieces.
See the gallery.
And speaking of lighting, don’t miss the Gizmodo post about these Jellyfish lamps:
Thanks to Artie for the link.
SheWalksSoftly 