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Category Archives: Contemporary Art

Video: Interview – Pharrell Williams / Murakami / The Simple Things – Basel Week Switzerland

Posted by sleepboy, June 12, 2009

Vernissage TV caught up with Pharrell Williams and interviewed him about the collaboration piece he did withÂ Takashi Murakami andÂ Jacob the Jeweler at Art Basel (Switzerland). Gems of this interview include where he says “bling, I do not wear,” how he was reluctant to call himself an artist, and his love for cupcakes (really, are they THAT good?).Â Not sure we would have chosen the same “…simple things” he did, but we loved the sculpture. Discuss Murakami here.

Preview: Andrew Schoultz – “White Noise and Silence” @ Roberts & Tilton

Posted by Seth Carmichael, June 12, 2009

AM headed over to Roberts & Tilton in Culver City today to check out the installation in progress of San Francisco based Andrew Schoultz’s new work. The show will run until August 1st with an opening receptionÂ Saturday, June 13, from 6-8 pm. The work is an impressive extension of his figurative yet abstract fantasy land full of fire, rain and horses. Andrew uses his fantasy world to comment on contemporary events and the theme of this show is “blind trust and national public complacency.” Andrew […]

Video: Takashi Murakami – “Superflat First Love”

Posted by sleepboy, June 11, 2009

If you liked the last Murakami x LV anime collaboration where little Aya’s cellphone is eaten by a giant LV Panda, who then swallows Aya into a psychedelic Murakami “Alice in Wonderland” world filled with creatures from his imagination, then you will like this new offering released yesterday from Kaikai KiKi entitled “Superflat First Love.” In a continuation of this story, set six years later, Aya now grown up, again encounters a strange creature who transports her to the 1800’s where she meets a young […]

Yoshitomo Nara x YNG Collaboration – Basel Week Switzerland

Posted by sleepboy, June 10, 2009

Just as he did for his museum show at the BALTIC, LA show last year, and show in NY this year, Yoshitomo Nara teams up with YNG to present another stunning installation at this year’s Art Basel (Switzerland) in what appears to be joint venture between Blum & Poe, Marianne Boesky Gallery, and Tomio Koyama Gallery.Â The distinctively Nara structure was seen at Art Unlimited, the exhibition for projects that transcend the classical art, including video projections, large-scale installations, massive sculptures and live performances.Â More […]

Murakami x Pharrell x Jacob the Jeweler @ Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin – Basel Week Switzerland

Posted by juggernut3, June 10, 2009

Last time we were with Pharrell & Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, it was at Art Basel Miami. Over a half year later, they reveal this secret project at Art Basel Switzerland. Check this amazing collaboration between Takashi Murakami, Pharrell Williams and Jacob & Co – a mind blowing sculpture entitled “The Simple Things.” Think Superflat meets hip hop and Metroid. The sculpture is based on Murakami’s signature “DOB” character and features an onyx fiberglass husk with a pearlescent glow to compliment the vibrant rainbow colors which […]

Interviews/Preview: Greg Gossel – “Happy Endings” @ The Shooting Gallery

Posted by Ken, June 10, 2009

AM recently had the opportunity to sit down with Minneapolis-based artist Greg Gossel as he was preparing for his upcoming and massively ambitious solo show, “Happy Endings.” Greg chatted with us about the evolution of his art, themes of his current show, his inspirations and even addressed the comparisons that have long been made between him and the NYC collective Faile. “Happy Endings” opens this Saturday at The Shooting Gallery. Full interview and preview pics after the jump.

Shepard Fairey Helps Restore Italy with SMS Venice

Posted by juggernut3, June 9, 2009

It appears Swoon wasn’t the only artist in Venice recently.Â Shepard Fairey and his boys were also spotted spending a few weeks to “restore Venice.” The purpose of their visit wasn’t to vacation in the grand canals of Venice, but to create works for the SMS Venice Foundation. The works were donated by Shepard to promote the preservation of artistic and architectural heritage of the historic city of Venice. More after the jump.

Rumor Mill: Banksy x Kaws x Shepard Fairey

Posted by juggernut3, June 9, 2009

“Word on the street is…” How many times have we heard those words muttered? Well, in the past few weeks, we’ve heard a lot of chatter about some artists – mostly around 3 major players: Banksy, KAWS and Shepard Fairey. Mind you these are UNCONFIRMED reports from the RUMOR MILL. Read about all the speculation after the jump.

Openings: “Self-Portraits” @ Circle Culture Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, June 9, 2009

It’s always interesting to see how an artist views themselves, especially in the context of their own art. “Self Portraits” (previewed) which opened recently in Berlin at Circle Culture Gallery is based exactly on this concept. Each artist created a piece in their distinctive style that they felt best represented themselves. Take a look at what they came up with, after the jump…

Update: Swoon – “The Swimming Cities of Serenissima”

Posted by juggernut3, June 9, 2009

Last time we interviewed Swoon, she was getting ready to set sail on her latest journey (The Swimming Cities of Serenissima) to Venice with her hand crafted fleet of ships. Thanks to our boys at Vandalog, we caught up with Swoon just as her mini-armada arrived for the Bienalle in Venice.Â Here are some pics of Swoon and her crew as they docked in in the city of canals. More photos after the jump.