World Art - by Craig Hill

Popular culture Exhibitions & Performances - World Art

Recycling Astro Boy is the Ticket.

October 24th 2008 03:05

Astro Boy goes Underground.

Astro-Boy Recycled

For those of us of a certain generation Astro-Boy was a visual revolution. Long before Anime/Manga became a bedrock of modern western pop culture, the story of the lonely robot boy with obscene power and a loving heart to match invaded our imaginations. (See also Kimba The White Lion, Speed Racer and Battle of the Planets/Gattchaman for more early breakthroughs)

The Japanese style of animation was vastly different to the action cartoons of the time. A wonder of black and white artistry the early episodes of the series intrigued my young mind with the asthetric differences and the substance of the stories carried a weight beyond its western counterparts.

Astro Boy flys into the subway

An inspiration to many, including a group of volunteers who recently embarked on the epic task of constructing a Astro muriel for the grand opening of Tokyo's new Fukutoshin Subway Line. The image above is a 3.2 by 2.1 metre pixel art that was painstakingly renedered from 138,000 recycled Tokyo Metro Train Tickets.

Zooming into Astro

A feat in itself this latest work was compendium to last years Mona Lisa completed using 320,000 tickets. It's easy to appreciate the patience and sactifice that goes into these images, the results themselves evolving the originals into an alternate medium.

So next time your sitting on the train wondering what to do with that pesky stub, spare a moment to ponder what this usual piece of garbage could become.

Story idea from hemmy.net

For nostalgia purposes here is the original opening sequence of Astro Boy. It's a treat to hear the familiar tune sung in its original language.

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Popular culture, Exhibitions & Performances

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Swan Lake – A Timeless Suite

September 24th 2008 00:05

The Ballet of Grace

Swan Lake

Premiering in Moscow on February 7 1877, the ballet of Swan Lake has become easily recognised and possibly the most seen ballet ever choreographed. The effecting musical score written by Tchaikovsky can take some of the credit for its seemingly universal appeal.

The art of inspiration

It is interesting that the version we now see in theatres and opera houses round the world is based on the 1895 revisionist performance that modified some of the music.

Based on Russian folklore and a bit of ancient German mythology, Swan Lake tells of a beautiful princess who is turned into a swan by an evil curse. The only way to break the hex is naturally to find true love.

The dance

Part tragedy and all romance, the themes and scenarios have become ingrained into audiences minds the world over. Like the Mona Lisa once you begin tracing the history of how it came to be the whole thing becomes even more enigmatic.

There is no definitive account of exactly who can lay claim to the story itself, but “the scenario, initially in four acts, was done by Vladimir Begichev and Vasiliy Geltser”

Danced repeatedly over the years one the most famous revivals having to be the unforgettable pairing of Rudolph Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn de Arias. Fontaine nearing the end of her epic career while Nureyev was just entering his equally historical peak, you can watch it below.

Poster for the famous performance

An email from a friend over seas triggered this post. What she sent was footage of an Asian ballet performing an astonishingly nimble and acrobatic rendition of the timeless choreography.

Still retaining the graceful appeal of the form this more gymnastics/Cirque de Soleil experience carries the necessary gravity of its source. The finale is a feat of balance and physical control, a marvel of stunning execution and spectacle.

Nureyev and Fonteyn – 10 Minute Swan Lake

Acrobatic Swan Lake Part 2

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Star Wars Renaissance Paintings

September 4th 2008 03:31

The Force was with us a Long, Long Time ago

Yoda regails the Nymphs

The 14th century renaissance period in Europe, so named because of its “rebirth” of artistic and intellectual expression was arguably the richest time in human history for art, religion and science.

The Venus De Leia?

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, (Earth in 1977) a film called Star Wars came along and triggered a renaissance of its own. One that reignited cinema audiences appreciation of the classical 1930/40’s serials and adventure romps.

Da Vinci goes Wookie

Taking traditional mythologies and inserting them into a contemporary, lived in future opened many eyes to the possibility that a postmodern approach to the past was desirable.

Grievous on the Throne

As with most successful ventures, the hand was eventually overplayed and illustrated by the disappointment that many feel for the continuation of the saga in the last decade.

Vader taller than Napoleon but the dark Side is strong

It seems logical then that the Photoshop competition site worth1000.com would embrace this renaissance idea with a call for gurus to create images that draw on George Lucas’ massively influential space opera. Images that draw on the philosophical revolution from centuries ago to reinvigorate its historical significance with a motif leaning towards cleansing the decaying quality of wasted opportunity into real world context.

The horrors of a trooper facism

I have included just a few examples from the worth1000 site that I found pleasing, to view the complete body of entries into the competition please click HERE.

Look closer and use the force

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Art reviews, Film reviews, Popular culture, Exhibitions & Performances

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The Art of De Niro

August 23rd 2008 06:56

Robert De Niro salutes his Fathers Art

Robert De Niro stands with his fathers Art

“Don’t call me Junior” - Frowning, scowling and punishing Actor Robert De Niro has his artistic genealogy coming in part from his father, Robert De Niro Snr. A dedicated abstract expressionist painter, the De Niro Senior currently has an exhibition of over 25 works displayed at the BBK in Bilbao, Spain.

Joined by his wife and brood Robert De Niro Jr travelled to the European gallery and appeared on Tuesday night as an in the role of Ambassador for his respected father’s creations.

Encompassing over 30 years of work that started in 1955, artdaily.org describes the paintings of Robert De Niro Snr as:

“Grounded in European antecedents, specifically French, but unmistakably American in style, the paintings of Robert De Niro, Sr., represent one of the foremost achievements in painterly representation. De Niro’s efforts to reconcile the real with the abstract through the use of brilliant draftsmanship, bold, Fauvist-inspired colors, and confident, gestural brushwork stand as one of the great achievements in postwar twentieth-century American painting.”

“Hans Hofmann reportedly considered De Niro one of his two best students ever, (the other being Virginia Admiral, De Niro’s wife).1 Thus it was no surprise when De Niro emerged from the New York abstract expressionist school in the 1940s and became a leading member of the second-generation of postwar American painters who turned to representational subject matter as a means of reinvigorating the tradition of painterly expression. These painters, a group that included Larry Rivers, Jane Freilicher, and Paul Resika reopened the discussion of what is possible in painting by returning to figuration and confronting the legacy of their art historical predecessors head on.”

Another example of Robert De Niro Sr's Work

Though he died in 1993 De Niro Snr’s accomplishments in life are displayed in several museums and galleries around the world and this particular event is open to the public until September 27th 2008.

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Olympic Games Art

August 8th 2008 03:31

The Art of the Games

Conflicting Personal Expressions of Beijing

The opening ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games start today. The Ancient Games began in 776BC in Olympia, Greece. Ever since they have inspired artists from all disciplines to create works depicting the athletes, events and their champions.

the recognizable Olympic Games statue discus

Uniting the nations of the world in friendly sporting competition, the modern Games as we know them began in Athens in 1896 and continue to be an ultimate event on the sporting calendar.

Olympic Oil Paintings

Art itself merged with the Olympic Games on several occasions. In 1912, 1920, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1936 and 1948 Art competitions were held in conjunction with the event. The Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were given for excellence in architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture.

Olympic Games Statues

On the topic of why the 1948 games were the last to hold the art competition, from Wikipedia:
“These would be the final Games in which art competitions were held, after being in the official program for all Games since 1912. At a meeting of the International Olympic Committee in 1949, it was decided to hold art exhibitions instead, as it was judged illogical to permit professionals to compete in the art competitions but only amateurs were permitted to compete in sporting events. Since 1952, a non-competitive art and cultural festival has been associated with each Games.”

An Olympic Vase

Seems it might be time for a revival now that in recent years professional athlete’s compete in events like Basketball. These images show that some striking paintings and sculptures have been inspired by the games and will continue too for years to come.

The colours of the games

Reimagining the Rings

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Posted By: Dexter - Category: Miscellany, Popular culture, Exhibitions & Performances

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Beth Josey – Ask Again Later Exhibit

July 18th 2008 04:24

Aussie talent on Display

Ask Again Later Collection Poster

Beth Josey is a surreal Australian artist whose exhibition “Ask Again Later” launched July 16th at the Somedays gallery in Surry Hills Sydney.

Creating an intriguing visual tone of textured renderings inspired by artists like Francis bacon and film Directors Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow) and Guilermmo Del Toro, (Pan’s Labyrinth, Cronos) Beth’s emotive works make her an up and coming artist to watch on the local and international scene.

From the press release for the show:
“Ask Again Later is the debut solo show of artist Beth Josey. Her ruminations on beauty, insanity and mortality lead the viewer into a strangely familiar, twisted world of staring porcelain-like characters, heartbroken skeletons and masked lords of business.

The body of work takes advantage of the different styles and emotive force of oil, acrylic and print mediums. With a blend of portraiture and surrealism, Beth has created a Gothic aesthetic that envelopes the viewer, exploring the fragmented nature of the individual and the contradictions inherent in all people.”

For more information please visit bethjosey.com.au or somedays.net.au

Beth Josey - Jaded

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Peter Saul - A Pop Art Statement

July 4th 2008 03:36

Peter Saul - Ignored Genius

Bush at Abu Gharab

Born in San Francisco in 1934, Peter Saul is a pop culture artist whose surrealist and expressionistic, vibrantly coloured paintings often make a statement about society, politics and religion.

Art Critics Suicide

Brought to my attention through a recent LA Times article, Saul has an exhibition running at the Orange County Museum of Art. Selected works spanning his 40 year career are on display in the gallery until September 21st.

Please Don't Hurt My Money

Achieving notoriety and positive reviews in the 1960’s ever since then the 74 year old artist has continued to demand the eye of the viewer, provoke reaction and force complex examination.

I Forgot Everything Important

There is a satirical element to many of his images that deceives some into dismissing the simplicities as heavy handed devices. There is a diabolical ugliness to his depictions that is compounded by his attention seeking use of pastels.

Business Woman

Enthusiastically dissecting timely topics there is historical significance to much of what he does. Essentially Peter Saul offers everything that I see as important to successful art. Visual style, deeper meaning and unique observations on the world in which we inhabit, the fact that he has not achieved more international acclaim is a shame, though I’m sure petty fame is not high on his priorities.

Rough Landing

Images Courtesy of Artnet.com

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Cheech Art – No Chong, No Bong

June 27th 2008 04:13

Cheech Marin’s Chicino Art Collection.

The mary jane duo in their hey day

Cheech Marin is no longer bogarting the joint with stoner pot head partner Chong. Predominately known for his work in movies and television, since the 1980’s Cheech has been an avid art connoisseur collector of Chicano art.

Joan Miro's The Village of Prades

After a decade of trying to get a public exhibit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is displaying his eclectic selection of personal favourites. Featuring works by revolutionary artists like John Valadez, David Botello and Diane Gamboa this event represents a massive triumph of the spirit for the passionate Cheech.

Cheech Chicino Art on display

In an interview with iht.com Marin says:
"That's been my struggle, to have these Chicanos be recognized as fine artists.” "The museum world kind of wanted to write them off as agi-prop folk artists…I'd go, 'No, no.' These are fine artists. These are really great painters who have developed past that stage."

"When Chicano art first began emerging, it was very much part of a civil rights struggle during the late 1960s and early 1970s," says Howard Fox, LACMA's curator of contemporary art. "All of these first-generation Chicano artists were about establishing in the mind of the audience and their colleagues, as well as the art world at large and American mainstream society, that they even existed."

Another slice of Cheech's eye

A large part of the show is impressionistic works that use vibrant colours, pastels and acrylics. Titled "Los Angelenos, Chicano Painters of L.A.: Selections From the Cheech Marin Collection" the exhibit runs till November 2nd.

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Taisho chic Exhibit

May 31st 2008 06:46

Taisho Chic - Japanese modernity, nostalgia and deco

22 May - 3 August 2008

Taisho Chic arrives

The Art Gallery of NSW is hosting an exhibition that incorporates art from 1930’s Japan that reflects a time of cultural confusion. An era where the Japanese were confused about there global position when modernity was being defined by the western world.

The art on display in this collection consists of pieces that highlight the clash of ideals present in the paintings of the time. Best explained in this analysis of Women in this art from artgallery.nsw.gov.au:

The Oriental Gatsby

“Japan in the early 20th century was a place of great change. The essential question of the day was: how could one be both Japanese and modern at the same time when modernity was defined as Western?

Nowhere was this more evident that in the arts, particularly in the image of women. On one hand, there was the liberated, self-confident, fun-loving ‘modern girl’, who dressed in Western fashion and decorated her home in Western style; on the other, the ‘good wife’ and ‘wise mother’, who epitomised traditional Japanese femininity.

The balance between modernity and nostalgia – the clash and the embrace – is captured in this exhibition of paintings, prints, textiles and decorative arts from the period, ranging from prints of cooly sophisticated young women to bold kimonos with abstract patterns that reinterpreted traditional motifs and sleek glassware that represented the latest in art deco chic.”

There are also After Hours events including music, tea ceremonies and language appreciation. Please visit artgallery.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Nakamura Daizaburô on display

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Naturalistic Animation that leaves you Breathless

May 18th 2008 00:02

MUTO Wall Animation by Blu

Standing still isn't as effective as movement

Based and created in Buenos Aires and Baden the art site BluBlu.org has released another staggering work. Using Stop motion techniques, combined with 2D and 3D animation this astonishing and original concept art depicts an ambiguous wall painting.

Constantly influx, painted on public domain artists Blu, and Sibe have taken elements of traditional graffiti and elevated the form into one fluid visual feast that bleeds patience and imagination at a time lapsing 24 frames per second.

Morphing static images into motion, the first time I saw this video it left me in awe, speechless. The second time I was just trying to comprehend the hours of discipline and focus on display. The third viewing was when I could finally begin to appreciate the whole package’s inventive nature as one of the most impressive image manipulations in contemporary art.

I hope you enjoy it too.

Please visit blublu.org for more information on the artist.

MUTO – Ambiguous Wall Painting by Blu

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Top Ten Art Museum’s on the Globe

May 11th 2008 00:04

The Premiere Art Gallery Tour

Readers might be interested in the results of recent research care of Reuters. According to Canada.com they have compiled a list of the Top Ten Art Museum’s in the world.

The list was compiled based on traffic to the attractions on tripadvisor.com and is not endorsed by Reuters.

All destinations are very well known and offer something in their architecture that sets them apart from other structures. After all, these buildings reflect the resting place for priceless and monumental art works of supreme historical importance.

Musee du Louvre

1. 1. Musee du Louvre, Paris, France

Once a fortified palace that was the home to kings of France, the Louvre is now the world's most famous museum, renowned for some of the finest pieces of art in the world, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

The Vatican City Museum

2. Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Spanning nearly nine miles, the Roman Catholic Church's Vatican collection is one of the largest and most stunning in the world. Estimated to have more than four million visitors annually, the Vatican museums feature the art of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and, of course, Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

3. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York

From Picasso to Pollock, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on New York City's Museum Mile, is one of the world's largest museums with over two million pieces of artwork and enough variety for any enthusiast. Peruse the Greek sculptures, admire the armory or browse the 2,000 European paintings, all contained in a magnificent Beaux-Art facade building.

The J Paul Getty Centre

4. J. Paul Getty Center, Los Angeles, California

The Getty features a remarkable collection, including the works of Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne. The museum's structure is a piece of art in itself, and the grounds also feature beautiful gardens, and views of Los Angeles.

Musee d'Orsay

5. Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France

Enjoy Van Gogh's "Starry Night," inside the Musee D'Orsay, a former train station built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, with a dramatic glass roof. Specializing in 19th and 20th century artwork, the museum displays a striking collection of Impressionism, including famous works by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas.

the Uffizi gallery

6. Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy

Experience (or at least admire) Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," in the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest museums in the world featuring works from Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci in the heart of Florence.

7. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Located on Chicago's Loop, The Art Institute of Chicago boasts extensive Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, including more than 30 pieces by Monet. Visit France from afar through Monet's "Haystacks" and spending time "At the Moulin Rouge," one of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec's famous paintings.

8. Tate Modern, London, England
Enjoy the electric art at the Tate Modern, displayed in a former Bankside Power Station, with views of the Thames River and Millennium Bridge. Remember the "Forgotten Horizon," one of Dali's many masterpieces and part of one of the largest collections of Surrealism in the World.

9. Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain

One of the largest and most impressive collections in the world, not surprisingly, the Prado Museum is most famous for its assortment of works from Spanish artists such as Goya, Velasquez, Murillo, and El Greco.

10. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the National Gallery of Art is comprised of an east and west building, and features a sculpture garden surrounding a large fountain. Modern art fans should head to the east building, where works by Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol are displayed.

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Warhol is more collectable that Picasso?

April 2nd 2008 01:27

Andy Warhol: Highest Priced Art

Warhol's Green Car Crash

Art auctions are a privilege reserved only for the financially elite. Collectors of fine art are a rare breed, a small percentage of us could only ever dream to own an original piece by any number of masters. The question is does wealth or education breed taste?

The reason I ask is that according to the latest report from Bloomberg.com the artist that now earns the highest bids is pop pioneer Andy Warhol. Surpassing the previous market leader Pablo Picasso and a host of other notable names.

Picasso exercises in form and lines

From the Bloomberg article:
“Warhol led the 2007 table of the world's 500 most auctioned artists with $422.3 million in sales, more than doubling the year- earlier $199.6 million, Artprice said. Seventy-four Warhol works sold for more than $1 million, led by the hammer price of $64 million paid for ``Green Car Crash'' at Christie's International, New York, in May. Christie's is based in London.

Sales of works by Picasso totalled $319.7 million at auction last year, down $20 million from 2006. Francis Bacon leaped to third place from 19th with $244.5 million, lifted by seven results over $10 million. The bestselling living artist was Gerhard Richter, whose works sold for $85.9 million, ranking him 12th.

Thirty-six Chinese names featured among the top 100 contemporary artists in 2007 ranked by total auction sales. ``Bloodlines'' series painter Zhang Xiaogang was the world's second-most actively traded living artist at $56.9 million, pushing Jeff Koons, with $52.6 million, into third place.”

Regular readers will know that I have an appreciation for most all variations of form and style and am certainly open to Andy Warhol’s place in the art world. But, I would never believe that renderings of silver screen legends and commercial products is as important as some of the great impressionists, renaissance and other historical painters.

Age alone is not a dictum for quality, however when talking about the “Collectable” nature of pivotal works it certainly adds to my personal sense of value. Also the ability for paintings to emote and provoke an emotional response is a component not prominent in the Warhol’s work.

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Tintin Art work set to make history

March 29th 2008 00:10

Comic Book Art Earns Big Bucks

Tintin - This is not the piece on auction

For decades comic book art has been viewed as nothing more than a novelty item by many in the art community. Relegated to the sidelines, meeting with little respect despite the obvious influence it has had on modern art.

In the last few years that has begun to change and now the Euro-market is leading a revolution that places graphic illustrations into the arena of “fine art”.

France24.com is reporting that some classic renderings are beginning to fetch higher and higher prices at auction houses. From the site:

"It's a booming market, we've got buyers from all over Europe. People are no longer ashamed to say they collect BD," said Eric Leroy, expert at the Artcurial gallery and auction house.

The latest of these is “a 1932 oil painted by the Belgian author Herge for the cover of "Tintin in America" is the star item at a one-off sale of 650 comic originals Saturday in Paris, with a starting price of 280,000 euros (440,000 dollars)”.

Tintin creator Herge at work in his studio

Along with Herge’s Tintin works “an original ink drawing of Lucky Luke, by the Belgian cartoonist Maurice de Bevere, or Morris, has a starting price of 10,000 euros.”

Like many being a child of the 70’s I have always appreciated the care and aesthetic pleasures of visual storytellers. As they say “it’s a collectors market” and in the new millennium comic book drawings are destined to only continue increasing in price.

After all these are treasured memories from childhood that are now able to be physically represented by those who can afford to purchase a slice of pop culture history.

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The secret Art of Dr Seuss

March 28th 2008 00:06

The secret Art of Dr Seuss

The Secret Art of Dr Seuss book companion

Dr Seuss was a master at the art of storytelling in rhyme (he would have been one hell of a rapper) and his work has inspired generations. There is a charm and intelligence to his children’s books that transcends age to inspire the young and the young at heart with equal passion.

Creating a plethora of iconic pop culture characters like the Cat in the Hat, The Grinch and Fox in Sox, the memorable illustrations from his tales are as recognisable as Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny.

A selection of the word surgeons creations

A new exhibition at Sydney’s Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery is showcasing some of the legendary figures original visual character interpretations. The Doctors skill with a pen is universally acknowledged but his talent for sculpture, drawing and painting is often overlooked. This display aims to rectify that.

Boasting a collection of rare and forgotten art, this astonishing selection includes a range of unique characters and an assortment of intriguing designs that were only released after his death.

Not to missed by fans for more information and samples from the exhibition please visit tvhgallery.com.au

Fiction becomes reality

103

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Art in blood.

February 2nd 2008 05:29

Jordan Eagles

Jordan Eagles let's the blood run free

Art has always had a broad meaning, often it is a subjective point of view formed from life experience and learning that defines the individual perception of…what is art.

Broader still is the means of expression, tools and mediums employed to optimize an artists own creative expression. Proof positive of this is the challenging dye chosen to decorate the canvases of New York based artist Jordan Eagles.

Jordan Eagles at work

Painted in animal blood for its unique texture, reflective qualities and overall composition, Jordan Eagles has naturally sparked a flow of controversy ever since his first started nearly a decade ago.
“The curves and flows, created with blood allow the sleek and smooth synthetic elements to exist in harmony with the organic” – Quote from Jordaneagles.com

Open for discussion

An exhibition of his latest creations is currently on display at the Mark Wolfe Contemporary Art Gallery in San Francisco. A report on mmdnewswire.com says that the lead up to the show met with a lot of opposition. According to the site the concept is to “explore themes of regeneration and the physical and intangible connections between body, spirit and nature.”

In 2006 the Village voice said "As seemingly ghoulish as the impulse appears on paper, in person, Eagles and his work are anything but macabre… Light reflects off its smooth, hard surface, but it also penetrates the work's interior, bouncing through resin and pigment before spilling out again," (From jordaneagles.com press page)

Phas 1 & 2

Personally I am opposed to accepting the realities of mass wild stock slaughter but feel it’s positive to use all bi-products of inevitable killing for food. Despite what I may feel about the use of animal blood as paint it is impossible for me to deny the aesthetic allure of Eagles work.

The striking colours and arcing patterns draw the eye and have a texture that makes me believe a digital image is no comparison to seeing the paintings first hand. Sad that the display may never reach Australian shores for me to find out.

Splat

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Pecha Kucha

January 31st 2008 03:57

Pecha Kuchu - Slide into the emotive

Pecha Kucha night an interactive experience

As with most new technologies that become a permanent fixture in the cultural lexicon, once all practical applications are exploited often more creative uses are revealed.

A great example of this is the newly emerging art form known as Pecha Kucha which utilises “Power Point” slide shows for artistic expression instead of dull business related presentations.

Developed in Tokyo in 2003 by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Klein-Dytham Architecture, the name Pecha Kucha translates to English as “Chatter”.

Created for industry expos to attract more attention to their burgeoning Superdeluxe experimental online multimedia event space. The concept was quickly adopted for its more free form qualities.

Visions of pecha Kucha

From Wikipedia:
“The idea behind Pecha Kucha is to keep presentations concise, the interest level up and to have many presenters sharing their ideas within the course of one night. Therefore the 20x20 Pecha Kucha format was created: each presenter is allowed a slideshow of 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each. This results in a total presentation time of 6 minutes 40 seconds on a stage before the next presenter is up. Each event usually has 14 presenters. Presenters (and much of the audience) are usually from the design, architecture, photography, art and creative fields, but recently it has also stretched over to the business world.”

Since its inception Pecha Kucha has spread on a global level to every major continent. More and more cities are hosting special nights once a month that showcase the unrestricted, infinitely adaptable medium.

As its popularity booms so to does the forte of users, now comedians, media personalities and an eclectic range of industry are all participants. This could well be the first truly original art discipline of the new millennium; it should be interesting to see where the tools are taken in the next decade.

For information about Pecha Kuchu in your city (including Sydney) visit pecha-kucha.org/

Watch a sample of Pecha Kuchu

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The Groovin Artist

December 18th 2007 00:12

Painting to Dance

I’m on a bit of a performance art kick at the moment and foraging through you tube footage I stumbled upon this delight.

This is urban visual art to a distinct beat, expressing a creative soul. What may just look like some guy in street ware prancing around like a show horse reveals itself to be more. There is a grand design to the piece, a twist of perception that like the sand art previewed a few weeks ago is fluid in execution and the pleasure is found in the journey of style.

Set in an atmosphere of nightclub lights and throbbing rhythm a lone painter bops his way around the stage splashing white onto a spotlight canvas. Administering the material with a seemingly casual aplomb, gradually a picture begins to emerge.

There is distinct street culture ingenuity to the act. You can tell that it would entertain in on a crowded New York street just as aptly as onstage.

Sadly I couldn’t find out any information about the artist or even an official name for this merging of disciplines. The lack of more details is vexing. I have asked for more information from the youtube author and if I get it then rest assured I will share it.

Here is the dancing artist and his work…a word of advice, make sure you watch till the very end.