I want to encourage everyone to go look at the photography of Stefan Giftthaler. This is the kind of photographer that covers the spectrum; he can shoot the client-driven fashion photography with the best of them, and he can turn a full 180 and explore new angles of photography to satisfy a more abstract, experimental side of things. I am impressed by the confidence that surrounds the imagery that Giftthaler manages to produce, as if a shaky hand or a dirty lens is all part of the performance.

This photography speaks volumes to me. It is exactly what I find charming about an art that I have yet to fully appreciate. Also, I would go so far as to suggest much of Giftthaler’s portraiture and fashion work comes with a remarkable resemblance to the timeless work of Richard Avedon. It’s a softspoken, modest approach to photography and story telling that is worth much applause.

On three occasions now, I’ve run into the artwork of Iain Macarthur, through various tubes on the internet. Each time, a new piece of his startles me with excitement, and upon immediate pursuit I realize he’s the skull guy! That’s just a name I’ve given him, because his skull drawings make me weak in the knees… not sure if anyone else calls Iain the skull guy.

Anyway, I decided to booooooom it, and continue this post with more of his skulls. LOOK AT THEM!!! (after the jump)

Read More…

The triangular patterns created in these ceiling lights are lovely! I could spend some time with this… a tasty bit of geometric design inspiration.
6/23/10
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The Bagel
6/11/10
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Exotica window display outside of Macy’s downtown.
June, 2010
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Eileen Fisher window display outside of Macy’s downtown.
June, 2010
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Love the neon letterforms, here. “OPEN” especially.
June, 2010
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One of the best vanity plates I’ve ever seen!
Sometime in early 2010
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Charming neon outside the House of Blues, Chicago.
June, 2010
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First time ever in an Old Navy, I come to find out the mannequins from the hilarious commercials are real! A pleasant surprise.
June, 2010
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They sell snacks in the laundry room—I buy them all.
June, 2010
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Home Depot sign in the paint department. The details escape this photo, but I enjoyed the overlapping color and subtle nuances in the large numbers.
June, 2010
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Believe it or not, these windows are a recent addition to a nearby McDonalds. I would normally walk right by, however I think there is something to be said for the arch-inspired stained glass pattern.
June, 2010
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My office view of the Chicago River, during the Winter. All the broken-up ice in the water is sort of gorgeous!
Winter, 2009
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I can’t imagine I have any readers from Berlin, but if you happen to be there during the second week in July—and you kind of like excellent artwork—do yourself a favor and go visit Emil Kozak and his new mini collection of handmade collage pieces. The exhibition is called Small Pencils Big Dreams, and I have a feeling you wouldn’t regret it!

If you aren’t familiar with Emil Kozak’s work, get familiar!

Just today I came across this fascinating and remarkable documentary about the endangered art of the muralist, called Up There. Produced by Mother NY, in association with Stella Artois, the short film takes a look at the men who are responsible for painting large-format advertisements throughout NYC, and the battle to find work while the ease of vinyl, canvas, mesh—and other substrates—exist for quick production. I am working on a large and complex campaign involving a number of sequenced mural paintings in various cities, so this documentary holds a very specific bit of my attention. My team and I are eager to see just how the muralists will approach our artwork, and Up There certainly gave me a much better understanding. Fortunately, there will be a mural painted right here in Chicago to quench my curiosity—anticipate documentation!

Credits:
Concept: Mother NY; Production Co: Mekanism; Director/DP/Editor: Malcolm Murray; Music by The Album Leaf; Painters: Colossal Media/Sky High Murals/Bob Middleton; Presented by Stella Artois.

I recently felt a little apprehensive about blogging links to the trendy and the hip. Most of the time I would see the work being talked about on all kinds of other design blogs, and I began to worry about being redundant; I felt like I was diluting my blog with static. But sometimes I just cannot resist.

I am thrilled to see that Jill Greenberg is shooting more experimental studies that aren’t focused strictly on high-contrast portraiture. Above are two samples from her Under Water series, focused on synchronized swimmers—and aren’t they gorgeous?! I can’t begin to imagine what it took her to achieve these images. I would love to see her setup for the shoot; the lighting is just perfect.

See the entire series!

I spent my whole weekend at the Merchandise Mart, where Artropolis was being held this year, and it was so huge, I don’t even think I saw the entire show! This was by far the most exhausting and amazing art event I’ve ever been to, and I documented a bit of it for show and tell! Have a look.

Support your local arts!

Featured above: Michael Rea, Tsavo Manhunters, Part I, 2009

During my first year in Chicago, I have found so much about the city to adore. The art culture is particularly amazing, and constantly expanding. This weekend (March 30—May 2), I attended Artropolis, Chicago’s Celebration of Art, Antiques and Culture at The Merchandise Mart. I spent three days engulfed in the most overwhelming collection of artwork, spanning all media. Artropolis was split into three distinct shows; The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair, Art Chicago, and NEXT Art Fair.

After spending Friday at NEXT, and Saturday at Art Chicago, I quickly realized I wouldn’t have time for the Antique show. I was okay with that. And although Art Chicago was twice the size of NEXT—and I got to see some amazing original artwork from artists like Fernando Botero, and even one of Paula Scher’s map paintings—it was truly NEXT that had my attention. The artists that were exhibited in the show are considered ‘emerging talent,’ contributing to an international contemporary movement. I find myself inspired by the majority of this work, because these are the artists who are breaking new ground, applying traditional techniques in unexpected ways, and pioneering new media. Some of the highlights from this year’s show include Michael Rea’s giant and complex wooden sculptures, Takashi Hinoda’s ceramic characters, Sang Sik Hong’s 3D sculptures using only plastic straws, and Laura Ortiz’ detailed thread graffiti series. This collection of highlights I’ve gathered below, is merely a tiny sample of the overall collection, and I strongly encourage visiting each of these artist’s personal websites for more stunning work and information!

Note: I do not claim ownership of any of the artwork featured in these photographs, and all photos were taken with prior permission from the artist, or the gallery representing the artist.



Timothy Berg, Rebekah Myers
Something for Nothing, 2010
www.timothyjohnberg.com
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Daniel Everett
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen, 2009
www.daniel-everett.com
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Michael Velliquette
Helios, 2009
www.velliquette.com
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Jay Shinn
Contained Element in Black, 2009
www.jayshinn.com
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Micheal Rea
Tsavo Manhunters, Part I, 2009
www.mikerea.com
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Fraser Taylor
Black Flowers, 2009-10
www.frasertaylor.com
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Raychael Stine
Halford (Ready), 2009
www.road-agent.com
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Suzanne Unrein
Tyranian Purple, 2009
www.suzanneunrein.com
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Bryan Drury
Feast, 2010
www.deanproject.com
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Takashi Hinoda
Left: White Fang, 2009
Right: Maid of Consumption, 2008
www.geocities.jp
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Owen Schuh
Anemone, 2009
Ossification, 2009
Coral, 2009
www.owenschuh.com
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Sang Sik Hong
Mouth-Red, (date not specified)
www.patrajdas.com
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Cordy Ryman
Blue Wave, 2010
www.dcktcontemporary.com
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Proximity Magazine
Public Media Institute Research Library, 2010
www.proximitymagazine.com
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Carlos Irijalba
Twilight 16, 2009
www.carlosirijalba.com
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Ana Soler
Specific On-Site Installation, 2010
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Paul Villinski
Orbit 1-9, (date not specified)
www.paulvillinski.com
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Taro Hattori
Purge, 2010
www.tarohattori.com
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Laura Berman
Umbra: DL1, 2009
www.laurabermanprojects.com
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Jeff Carter
Untitled (Chicago Tribune Tower), 2010
www.jeff-carter.net
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Laura Ortiz
Untitled (Graffiti series), 2009
www.antenaestudio.com
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For more information about Artropolis, visit their website here.

I was recently given the task to brand the new and exciting Public Media Institute Research Library, which is essentially a large, portable book shelf promoting a wide variety of independently-published artist books, zines and publications. Actually, “a wide variety” is a severe under statement!

A word from Public Media Institute:
The Public Media Institute is pleased to announce the launch of our latest project, the Public Media Institute Research Library – a collection of art, architecture, and design journals; magazines; and other periodicals. Join us at the fair to browse the new issue of Proximity, find out how you can contribute to our library, and view work from artists that contribute to our projects and publications.

If you’re in the Chicago area this weekend, make sure to grab tickets for the NEXT art fair, hosted by the Merchandise Mart, along the Chicago river, and celebrate the debut of the PMI Research Library!

Above is my poster design for tomorrow nights poster show, Printervention. It’s a modest little idea about growing it yourself, called Grow It Yourself. Come out tomorrow night to the Chicago Tourism Center Gallery and see a suite of way cooler posters! And hang out! If you’re cool at all, you’ll be there.

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Printervention // Printing for the Public

Following the success of last years’ Version Festival program: the Bridgeport WPA pilot project, we have asked artists from around the country to create works that raise awareness of social and political issues of our day.

Printervention debuts April 16, 2010 at the The Chicago Tourism Center Gallery and continues through Version Festival to include workshops, a mobile silkscreen cart, a window display at The Whistler and more. For more information and a complete schedule of events and participants please visit www.printervention.org

Opening Reception Friday, April 16, 2010 5pm – 7pm
@ Chicago Tourism Center Gallery
72 E Randolph // Chicago
Printervention, organized by Emily Clayton, Chris Roberson and Ed Marszewski, is part of Version Festival 2010, an annual arts festival in Chicago produced by the Public Media Institute that brings together hundreds of artists, musicians and educators from around the world.

www.printervention.org
www.versionfest.org