Art & Design

M.I.S.S. Presents “A Woman’s Work”

Rosie the Riveter is a symbol of a woman’s role in the workforce during World War II.  She epitomizes the dichotomy of a woman torn between asserting herself in the workplace and remaining beautiful and feminine at the same time.  Clearly this wasn’t just an issue for women in the 1940’s.  Modern girls are told that they can have it all, but if you’re a strong successful woman, is it still acceptable to be into makeup and clothes?  YES.  The ladies of women’s online magazine, M.I.S.S., have definitely mastered this balance. M.I.S.S.  has collaborated with  Australian print mag, Hell Yeah, on the cover spread for its second issue. “A Woman’s Work” channels Pop Art. icons like Rosie, and features Karmaloop brands, Dimepiece Designs, Doc Martens, and Hellz Bellz.  The work wear-inspired clothing was combined with fun and feminine pieces for the shoot, creating a modern take on the 40’s pin-up look.  Check out the cover on M.I.S.S., and check out The In and Out Tee and The HBIC Tank Dress in White featured above!

May Day

I was home in NY this past weekend visiting my parents, when I passed by Shepard Fairey’s latest work downtown. If you haven’t dropped by his exhibit “May Day”, get up and on it!

15 Unintentionally Inappropriate Toys for Kids

Thanks to my very special boy toy, I bring you cracked.com’s list of 15 “Unintentionally” Inappropriate Toys for Kids. I use the word “unintentionally” loosely, because it’s hard for me to believe that no one at these toy manufacturer companies realized in advance exactly how inappropriate these toys could be perceived. See for yourself. It’s hard to pick a favorite…

Rad Repeatin’ Tarzan

Dora “Totally Not a Dildo, Guys” Aquapet

Shepart Fairey “May Day” Show

One hell of a way to go out – Deitch Projects will host MAY DAY within it’s hallowed walls as the gallery’s final project, featuring entirely new work from Obey‘s Shepard Fairey.

Referencing the familiar distress call used by police and firefighters in emergency situations, May 1st – May Day – is furthermore observed throughout the world as International Worker’s Day and Labor Day here in United States, where unions and socialist groups unite to celebrate the achievements of the international labor movement and demonstrate against the continued slight of the working man and woman. You know by now that both meanings resonate throughout Fairey’s body of work and contributions to the cause, so you can expect the debut of more uplifting images to be presented throughout this month at Deitch Projects.

The official MAY DAY opening is this Saturday, May 1st from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Deitch Projects (18 Wooster Street, New York, New York). The exhibition runs through the 29th, but we would recommend going early as to not miss out on this once in a lifetime show… did we mention that the first 300 people to attend the opening receive a limited-edition MAY DAY flag poster?

Check out some images and video below featuring the makings-of Fairey’s latest exhibition, not to mention some action shot by legendary photographer Glen E. Friedman (one of The Blogs’ favorites) of the new mural at the cross of Houston and Bowery streets in New York’s Lower East Side.

Hope to see you all at the opening!

(Click here for images and video:)

Look But Don’t Touch

A new exhibit recently opened at the MoMA intended as a re-enactment of “Imponderabilia,” a well-known piece originally performed by Maria Abramovic and a partner in the 1970s. The exhibit features a man and a woman, both naked, standing in the gallery entrance with a narrow space in between for viewers to pass through. And what do ya know, Mr. Man actor gets groped by an elderly man who touches his “lower back” and says “you feel good, man.” YIKES!

And this wasn’t the first time Mr. Man experienced inappropriate behavior while posing in the nude. In addition to being groped, he has reported being stalked on facebook and other social networks. I don’t even know what to say here! Either don’t pose nude, expect the expected, or make sure the museum has you “protected”! Jeez!

*NY TIMES

Little Girl and Boy Lost

Check out this wild interpretation of Hansel and Gretal, shot by Annie Leibovitz back in 2009. The images showcase Lily Cole, Andrew Garfield, and Lady Gaga, and was featured again in Vogue’s Spring 2010 issue.

Be Inspired!

Whatever you real talent is, don’t let it slack. It is so easy to get caught up with life and put your hobbies or talents on the sidelines. I forgot to pick up a pencil in the longest time and just draw. As for painting, I was never as good at that, so I started a painting project that felt a bit more simplified, and brushed silhouettes of trees onto a purple background on three different canvases. This is just a reminder to create: whether it’s music, art, poetry, whatever it may be. Don’t forget what you’re good at, and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when you look down at your creation, it is one of a kind, it is yours!

Some Quick Ideas:

- Draw a picture and paste it onto hand painted paper, mix and match textures and patterns to create a multi-media effect

- Paint silhouettes on multiple canvases to create an image that continues from one to another

Speaking of Kerin Rose…

I saw this awesome ad in Print Magazine, which at first looked like a shot straight out of Kerin Roses’ collection for A-Morir. The models shades are a mosaic of broken stones pieced together to create these dope looking glasses. To my surprise, the ad is actually for a company based out of Valencia, Spain, which specializes in ceramic, natural stones, and bathrooms! I love the approach to their campaign: “It’s about you, your life, your home, your very skin.” What a different way to advertise tiles! Maybe A-Morir and Cevisama should do a collabo! What do you think?

Karmaloop x Unicef Tap Project T-Shirt Design Contest

Calling all graphic designers! Use your creative talents for the greater good—and earn a sick gift certificate to Karmaloop and the opportunity to have your design turned into a tee shirt in the process. In celebration of Unicef’s Tap Project , Karmaloop and UNICEF have teamed up to bring you an exclusive design contest. Participants must create an original graphic t-shirt design supporting the economical use of tap water. Here’s your chance to be creative and original! The grand prize winner will win a $1,000 gift certificate to Karmaloop, and their design will be turned into a t-shirt, part of the proceeds of which will be donated to help Unicef’s clean water effort! Please note that Haiti was a recipient of 2009 UNICEF Tap Project funds, and has already been designated to receive campaign funds in 2010 as well. UNICEF’s emergency response will provide short-term water and sanitation relief in Haiti, while 2010 UNICEF Tap Project funds will help rebuild Haiti’s already insufficient water and sanitation infrastructure over the long-run.

Um What?

Do you find putting on separate pairs of pants and shoes difficult?  Well Sebastian Errazuriz has the perfect item for you.  His shoe pants are a fusion of denim bellbottoms and Converse sneakers, which are perfect for the unbelievably lazy.  Interesting …