Please & Thank You

Someone better tell the pants-less their days are numbered.

Tomorrow Comes Today

I'm obviously an animal person, but living in New York the only animals I get to see on a day-to-day basis are flying rats and canines. New Yorkers might think they have it all, but what we lack is a tangible link to nature. Sure, we may have the occasional coyote in Central Park, but that's nothing compared to what's really roaming out there. Photographer Joel Sartore knows all about the great beyond. As a National Geographic Magazine contributor, he spends his days capturing a huge range of creatures from across the globe. For his most recent book, Rare, he focused on documenting America's endangered species and the results are astounding. Click here to find out how you can help, and watch this for a sneak peek of what you'll find in the book:

Via Flavorwire

Les Clichés Sont Conservés

Yesterday I visited the Affordable Art Fair, and fell in love with the work of British artist and writer Charlotte Cory. For some reason I have a thing for these kinds of dark pieces, perhaps because they still emote a sense of humor. Cory takes Victorian calling cards which are often discarded and found in junk shops throughout Europe, and digitally combines them with images of stuffed museum animals. Both elements have been long forgotten, and were initially produced for humanity's vapid enjoyment. In the artist's own words, her inspiration came to her suddenly and without warning: "Why not recycle the dispossessed pictures and long dead creatures. Grant them all a new lease of life. Better, more colorful, more deserving than before." I just ordered a book of her work entitled "The Visitors," and I can't wait for it to arrive on my doorstep. There are so many melancholic hybrids I have yet to meet.

The Thin Red Line

Mad About Edie

Andy Warhol's first book of photos, Andy Warhol's Exposures, was published in 1979, and of course many of the images that he initially wanted to include in it didn't make the cut. Thankfully the rejects have made it into a second book, Andy Warhol Unexposed Exposures. The images are currently on view at New York City's Steven Kasher Gallery until April 10th. The show looks like a real gem, and as Edie would say: "I'm pulverized by this latest thing!"

Andy Warhol, Edie Beale, ca. 1976-79. © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Courtesy Steven Kasher Gallery, New York

Via Flavorwire

Flower Power

Artist Stephen Eichhorn created this series of plants on cats, and I just can't look away. There's nothing groundbreaking about this work - no hidden meaning for us to scratch our heads over. It's simple really, just cacti, succulents, and flowers coupled with cat glamour shots. Why didn't I think of this?

Via KitsuneNoir

Filth & Beauty

The plastic bag from American Beauty has got nothing on this guy. He's even voiced by my beloved Werner Herzog. Unbelievable!

The Golden Era

So much focus is placed on Germany's dark history, but what is often ignored are the astonishing cultural and intellectual feats that were made just years before Hitler's rise to power. This time period, called the Weimar Republic, lasted from the end of World War I to around 1933 when Hitler gained power. Weimar culture was vibrant, daring, and unnervingly modern. Artists who were scarred by what they had seen during the Great War, used their medium as a way of dealing with their pain, and in doing so they unleashed a type of realism that is rarely seen even to this day. My favorite works emerged during this short but productive time, and artists like Otto Dix and Christian Schad (works pictured above) were part of the Neue Sachlichkeit movement, whose work was gritty, dark, and purposefully ugly. Thankfully I don't have to travel all the way to Germany or Austria to see these pieces in person, as my favorite New York City museum, the Neue Galerie, exclusively caters to my obsession. From now through August 30th, the Galerie is exhibiting a collection of Otto Dix's work, the first such collection ever held in North America. Now put down your bratwurst, and get yourself over to the Neue for a taste of some real German culture.

A Right Delayed Is A Right Denied

Photographer Charles Moore captured some of the most powerful images from the civil rights movement. He died last week at the age of 79, but his photographs will continue to speak volumes about a time that for many seems far removed. There's something incredibly contemporary about his images, even though they capture a distant and incredibly tumultuous time in history. Maybe it's because when I look at this photograph in particular, I can transpose myself and my friends onto the faces of those young women. My gratitude will forever rest on their weary shoulders.

Let The Takeover Begin...

There's an article about me on Nerve.com this week, so who knows what could be next?
Photography by the fabulous Samuel-Christophe Tedjasukmana.

Making Lemonade Outta Lemons

Even though my mother has had an obsession with Hummers since I was a kid, I always thought they were repulsive. I'm not sure if it was because of their ridiculous size, or because every person behind one of their wheels seemed like a total douchebag. Either way I always thought they were wasteful, and way too Schwarzenegger for my taste. Artist Jeremy Dean and I obviously see eye to eye. His piece entitled "Back to the Futurama" is exactly what you think you see pictured above: a hummer that's been turned into a horse-drawn carriage. The New York Times ran a short article about Dean last week, and "Back to the Futurama" will be on display at the Pulse Art Fair in NYC from March 4-7. Dean's blog sums it up best: "Unless we come up with alternative fuel sources and rethink our reliance on a hyper inflated consumption based economy; we may be left with no other options than to hook our cars up to a horse."

Fancy Fingerwork

By now you've probably realized the extent of my nail art obsession, and like many young Japanese women, my nails have become an extension of my self expression. Most people slip on seasonal accessories; my accessories are a little more permanent, but reflect of-the-moment accoutrements from plaid to bows. Unfortunately not everyone has a penchant for nail art, and although the practice is extremely popular in Japan, its still far from the norm. The ladies of Japan's synchronized swimming team are quickly learning that according to some Olympic officials, nail art has a time and a place. Yesterday Reuters reported that members of Japan's synchronized swimming and diving disciplines, will be banned from having "dyed hair, elaborately painted nails or pierced ears." The rules were put into effect after officials declared that the athletes looked more like rock stars than swimmers. I understand why divers should have to follow these rules, since I imagine that dangling chains and built-out acrylic kittens on nails would most likely affect their performance and speed in the water... but what's so wrong with a little finger pizazz to compliment some sweet synchronized moves?

Via Jezebel

Matte Is Back

New York Fashion Week is almost over so you know that means the media has worked itself into a tizzy trying to identify the hottest upcoming trends. Fashion definitely plays an important role in my life and identity, but I've always stuck to my instinct as opposed to following trends. Every so often however, an obscure look or item I love finds its way into the mega watt world of Fashion (with a capital F). My latest obsession, matte nail polish, was seen all over the runways this week. From DKNY to Malandrino, matte nails trotted down the runway in style. And there's obviously a reason why. Depending on the color you choose your nails can look like candy buttons, or a pimped out SUV - the looks are really endless! Make up artist Mike Potter's Knock Out Cosmetics is the leader of the pack with this trend, and KO's colors are ever so divine. So stretch out your paws and get ready to (not) shine!

Think With Your Head

Gabriel Orozco's "Black Kites"
Check out the rest of his work at the Museum of Modern Art before March 1, 2010.

Where's Snooki?

Via Cityrag

That's Money, Honey

Craig Gleason makes these amazing (yet possibly illegal) Gaga dollars. His blog is totally bonkers, and full of his strange illustrations - think Ren & Stimpy goes phallic... very phallic. Visit his blog but know that if you're a prude (read: lame) you may be offended.

Rogue Warrior

One of my favorite directors, the enigmatic Werner Herzog, has graced the pages of this blog before, but never through the form of a first person narrative. The narrative came about with the announcement of his first ever film school, Werner Herzog's Rogue Film School (quite a perfect title for a director who has battled the deadly terrain of the Amazon and Alaska, to name a few). It's homepage sums up the school's mission in Herzog's own words:

"The Rogue Film School is not for the faint-hearted; it is for those who have traveled on foot, who have worked as bouncers in sex clubs or wardens in a lunatic asylum, for those who are willing to learn about lock picking or forging shooting permits in countries not favoring their projects. In short: for those who have a sense of poetry. For those who have a fire burning within. For those who have a dream."

So naturally a writer over at Flavorwire decided to enroll in the school... but when he didn't have the cash to pay for it he just "Herzog-ed" it. Check out the full story here.

Have You Heard?

I can't believe it's taken me this long to blog about my dear college friend Benoit Pioulard. Sure, when his first record came out I made the bold move of approaching a senior editor at SPIN (where I was a lowly intern) to pitch a story to him, but that was years ago. Now with two full length records under his belt and another hopefully on the way, Mr. Meluch aka Benoit Pioulard has been making waves in the underground music scene on all his own. Both Précis and Temper are beautiful examples of his meticulous song writing, and haunting melodies. I just hope he decides to test out new material on my ears, like he did in college. I'll be waiting patiently. Below is the video for "Ragged Tint" off of his sophomore release, Temper. Give it a listen and discover the perfect soundtrack for a cold winter morning.

What Lies In The Shadow Of The Statue?

Scott Campbell's "LOST Showdowns" are just one of the many LOST inspired pieces you'll see on display at L.A.'s Gallery1988. I can't get enough of Mr. Ecko versus the Smoke Monster, or Boone versus the plane! Simple cartoons that speak volumes to LOST fans - the perfect way to get pumped for the final season. The exhibit runs until Christmas eve, so you better hurry if you want to get a glimpse of the action. Check out Flavorwire's interview with gallery owner Jensen Karp to get the whole story behind this unique venture.

Welcome To The Dollhouse

This week seems to be full of great finds that only exist in the minds of artists. First there was the Philco PC, and now these Lady Gaga dolls! But this situation is extremely cryptic... All I know is that this incredibly talented 28 year old guy, that goes by the Flickr name veik11, has been replicating some of Gaga's ensembles and his work is amazing. The attention to detail is shocking, at least to someone who knows nothing about hobbyists who take doll dressing very seriously. There's a whole community of people who make outfits for dolls, along with those who make the dolls themselves. Thank goodness some of them are hip enough to realize that Gaga is an ideal muse. Her outlandish outfits may cause an uproar in the real world, but in Barbie's world she's right at home.

Via Jezebel