2014 « Arrested Motion

Yearly Archives: 2014

Overtime: Dec 22 – Dec 28

Posted by Khoi, December 28, 2014

More stories from the week that ended Dec 28 (click on bolded words for more information): Mark Bradford talks about his work. RIP: Rafael Ramos, aka POTE BBK, who died at the age of 40 after being shot. RIP: Jane Bown, who died in her home at the age of 89 after a recent fall. Sheik Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani’s family being sued for his debt accrued while buying stamps. Safety of Michelangelo’s David statue a concern as over 250 small tremors rattle Florence. A […]

Streets: Ludo (Hong Kong / Shanghai)

Posted by SAL, December 27, 2014

Right after releasing his recent limited edition lithograph (covered), Ludo (interviewed) traveled back to Hong Kong and China, and pasted some fresh works there. Continuing his ongoing Chaos Theory theme with butterflies as a signature character, in Hong Kong he left an image of a butterfly with handcuffs holding his wings along with the Both Sides of a Gun image he introduced in France back in August. These new pieces are probably referring to the turbulent situation in the country and the clashes of protesters with the […]

Showing: Ai Weiwei – “F Grass” Installation @ Vancouver Biennale

Posted by SAL, December 27, 2014

China’s most notorious artist and social activist, Ai Weiwei, recently introduced a new public piece created exclusively for the Vancouver Biennale. F Grass is a site specific piece currently exhibited in Harbour Green Park, Vancouver, that is composed of 1328 tufts of iron grass. Totaling 182 square meters, this installation shows letter F, constructed of oversized grass tufts. F Grass is the continuation of the Chinese artist’s large-scale installation Sunflower Seeds made for Tate Modern in 2010 (covered), as they both share a similar idea – “the relationship between the individual and the collective and the […]

Showing: Remed ‘Essence’ @ David Bloch Gallery (Marrakech)

Posted by butterfly, December 26, 2014

Remed currently has his second solo show, entitled Essence, showing at the David Bloch Gallery in Marrakech. The French artist is sharing his vision of the “essence” of the relationship between humans and divine, enriched by colourful symbols specific to the Moroccan culture, inspired by a trip to the North African country fifteen years ago, which remains a constant source of inspiration for him. Through paintings on canvas and paper, but also through sculptures in collaboration with Moroccan craftsmen, Remed transcribes the complexity & duality residing in the mystery […]

Releases: James Jean – “Leonardo” Figure

Posted by sleepboy, December 26, 2014

For those that didn’t get what they wanted for Christmas, perhaps you might consider picking up the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figure released by Good Smile. Created based off the imagery of James Jean (interviewed), Leonardo will be the first of the crime-fighting pizza lovers to be made available for pre-order. The other three will be released separately through 2015 with collectors who purchase all for receiving an exclusive limited edition aluminum art print from Jean. Via Toysrevil. Discuss James Jean here.

Art Focus: Pez – “The Magic of Christmas” Series

Posted by SAL, December 24, 2014

Pez is Nantes-based artist whose artwork has been greatly influenced by the graffiti and pop culture. Most famous for his recognizable graphite works on paper, his drawings often comment on everyday life, the economy, and icons of pop culture. He recently introduced a small series of drawings on paper forming The Magic of Christmas mini series. Millennium Mercatorum is one of the rare colored pieces from the artist, showing the Holy Night in a different, more consumerism focused environment. Money Christmas depicts an iconic snow ball with little bank notes […]

“The Tent” by Brad Downey and Igor Ponosov (Crimea)

Posted by butterfly, December 24, 2014

Having worked on many projects together over the years despite their geographical differences and language barrier, American artist Brad Downey and Russian artist Igor Ponosov have always hoped to do a project in Ukraine one day. Earlier this year, when Russian president Putin announced that he wanted to “protect the interests of the Russian-speaking population in Crimea,” the artists decided it was time for an art intervention in Ukraine. They wanted draw attention to the complex political situation, highlighting the conflicts of interest between the West and Russia. Acting […]

Recap: Taku Obata – “Bust a Move” @ Jonathan LeVine Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, December 24, 2014

Jonathan LeVine Gallery recently closed a show featuring the dynamic b-boy and b-girl wood sculptures created by Taku Obata. Entitled Bust a Move, the debut US solo exhibition from the Japanese artist draws from his own experiences as a breakdancer with his subjects frozen in poses and stances that everyone from that subculture recognizes. Also rounding out the body of work were a series of drawings and lithographs. Photo credit: Joe Russo & the gallery.

Upcoming: Anish Kapoor @ Versailles

Posted by sleepboy, December 23, 2014

Following in the footsteps of Takashi Murakami and Jeff Koons, another worthy giant in the contemporary art world will be putting his works on display in the unique historic setting – Anish Kapoor. Visitors to Palace of Versailles between June to October next year will be greeted by the British sculptor’s famous shiny geometric objects among other works in the rooms and grounds of the 17th century chateau. Via New York Times. Discuss Anish Kapoor here.

Recap: L’Atlas – “Transversal” @ Wunderkammern

Posted by sleepboy, December 23, 2014

Last month at Wunderkarmmern in Rome, L’Atlas unveiled a collection of new works entitled Transversal, featuring his signature maze-like aesthetic. The Paris-based street artist developed this unique style during an extended period of time in Morocco, Egypt and Syria where he studied with masters of all types of calligraphy. In the gallery setting, his work has since evolved to incorporate more geometric abstraction although his impeccable lifework is still present. While in town, he also created a mural for his fans. Photo credit: Giorgio Coen […]