Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Watercolors + Sketches from Kaleka, Kar and Parekh
Aicon Gallery in NYC presents watercolor paintings and drawings from artists Ranbir Kaleka, Sanat Kar and Manisha Parekh as part of their monthly Master Works under $5,000 series. Click here for more info.
Ayesha Durrani @ Aicon Gallery
Artist Ayesha Durrani studies a tailor who makes dresses and aspects of cultural life in Peshawar. Click here to view her work at the Aicon Gallery in NYC during March 2010.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Nazia Khan and Female Armor
Pakistani contemporary artist Nazia Khan discusses female anatomy with her welded sculptures of battle gear and armor. She poses the idea of security and vulnerability with the female curvature. In addition, Khan discusses the political, emotional and spiritual influences on the Pakistani female in this environment.
Pakistani Art @ Christie's in London
This video may be from 2008 because it features some sculptures, drawings, and paintings from contemporary female Pakistani artists. Artist Nazia Khan creates metal sculptures of armor and Adeela Suleman presents helmets made from copper and bronze servingware. In addition, professor and editor Salima Hashmi briefly discusses the work.
Pakistani Truck Painting
Making Charpoys (Pakistani Woven Beds)
Attached to this post is an excellent YouTube video of Pakistani artisans creating charpoys (also "charpai"), which are four-legged wooden beds that are woven with tough nylon-thread and yarn. Often, these beds can be used as seats or tables throughout the day. Therefore, it is a cost-effective option for homeowners and it also retains cultural value. These charpoys also come in a variety of bright, neon colors or in more natural tones. In the video, artisans and doctors are interviewed about the health and historical benefits to owning and using a charpoy. With a dry climate and above 100F tempatures, these beds provide versatility as firm and breathable beds that are easily transportable throughout the home. I'm very excited to find this video because there are barely any images or websites available on the topic. Kudos for the online submission.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Multifunctional Wallpaper
Buzz Beast Website: Kicki Edgren Nyborg.
Cool digs from Swedish designer Kicki Edgren Nyborg. You can insert invisible shelving for books and lamps with the wallpaper! Not only do the colors add to the room, but you can reduce the amount of furniture!
Incandescent Lamps
Buzz Beast Website: Sergio Silva, Oyule.
A Toy Bedtime Story
Buzz Beast Website: Ryan McElhinney, Toy Lamp.
Buzz Beast Website: Ryan McElhinney, Toy Lamp. Close-up of work.
Awesome link on Buzz Beast for an artist who made lamps featuring a base made with various childhood toys. The toys are adhered together and lacquered in either gold, white, black or bronze. Reminds me of some pieces from an art student we met during the JMU/GMU Exchange show a couple years back. She made bowls with epoxy-glued plastic army men and board game pieces. A great way to reuse what we already have...childhood memories and physical remnants. Great Website too for other works. Enjoy!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
"The Gates," by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, February '05
Large, billowing fabrics flutter above my head. I lift my feet up to reach the clementine-colored cloth. As the cloth reveals its texture, I gasp in child-like exhilaration. My eyes light up as I view miles of curtains flowing throughout the foliage. This is breathtaking.
Those words express everything I felt in February 2005 when I viewed “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in New York’s Central Park. Each time I remember that day, I am struck with joy and appreciation for having the opportunity to do so.
At the time, I was a sophomore studying management and I had taken an art class on a whim and to fulfill my fine arts requirement for my degree. Who knew that this experience would add to a life-changing decision? Our professor recommended that all the students take one of the three art field trips during the semester to NYC. By the first trip, I knew that I only had a couple days left until the city removed the work. Christo and Jeanne-Claude intended viewers to quickly view the work within 15 days rather than provide a permanent or longer-lasting piece. Luckily, I was one of thousands to experience their work, and I knew this would be my closest chance.
After researching numerous Websites, I understood that these environmental works took decades to come to fruition. The artists must go back and forth with the city and country to earn approval for the works, provide procedures for set-up and removal, and document their intention for the viewers. I’ll consider myself extremely lucky if I ever view another installation by them again.
On 18 November 2009, I learned that Jeanne-Claude, wife of artist Christo, passed away. She was 74; the same age as Christo because both were coincidentally born on the same exact date. Christo promises to continue their work and to display them in other parts of the world, including the United Arab Emirates. Although Jeanne-Claude is gone, I remain inspired by their work. Thank you.
Those words express everything I felt in February 2005 when I viewed “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in New York’s Central Park. Each time I remember that day, I am struck with joy and appreciation for having the opportunity to do so.
At the time, I was a sophomore studying management and I had taken an art class on a whim and to fulfill my fine arts requirement for my degree. Who knew that this experience would add to a life-changing decision? Our professor recommended that all the students take one of the three art field trips during the semester to NYC. By the first trip, I knew that I only had a couple days left until the city removed the work. Christo and Jeanne-Claude intended viewers to quickly view the work within 15 days rather than provide a permanent or longer-lasting piece. Luckily, I was one of thousands to experience their work, and I knew this would be my closest chance.
After researching numerous Websites, I understood that these environmental works took decades to come to fruition. The artists must go back and forth with the city and country to earn approval for the works, provide procedures for set-up and removal, and document their intention for the viewers. I’ll consider myself extremely lucky if I ever view another installation by them again.
On 18 November 2009, I learned that Jeanne-Claude, wife of artist Christo, passed away. She was 74; the same age as Christo because both were coincidentally born on the same exact date. Christo promises to continue their work and to display them in other parts of the world, including the United Arab Emirates. Although Jeanne-Claude is gone, I remain inspired by their work. Thank you.
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