ECHO

Just bought my ticket - too excited! Can't think of a much better way to start the Summer -exquisite lineup, beautiful location, and all for £35. I'l be sure to write up a full review when i return! Yippeeeeee.

MIKA ROTTENBERG

She is one of the most talked about New York artists of the decade, which did not surprise me after I visited her exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary today. Mika Rottenberg addresses politics and contemporary culture in her art, which is presented in an oddly humorous and extremely surreal way. Engrossed in the first of her films, i was struck with an immediate sense of familiarity, soon realising that i had come across another of her exhibitions at the Guggenheim in Berlin last Summer. 

Her videos feature women with extraordinary bodies - very large, very tall, very muscular, very long haired or very long nailed. All make their living through their bodies, perhaps presenting their fictional personas to unusual sexual tastes. These women are performance artists, whose bizarre, repetitive tasks are focused on a particular part of their bodies, the end result usually being rather grotesque. The first film I watched involved women producing a disgusting minimalist style cube, made of food and cosmetics. Cream from tree bark forms masses of rubbery fat. Flowers cause allergic tears, making an overwhelming mass of bread dough to rise. Vegetable pickers poke their arms in holes which are scrubbed and massaged by underground workers. Extreme squeezing and squashing causes sweat to turn into glittery powder. Slightly hard to comprehend until you watch them yourself - make sure you track this artist down.

ARTFIX#1

CITYSLICESERIES, New York. Check out more photos here 

KIDROBOT

If like me, you never thought you could get hooked into becoming an obsessive collector, KidRobot could very well change that. Add to your creative radar if it isn't on there already, this brand calls the shots for top notch innovation and creativity. Starting off as a collection of plastic toy figures (a lot cooler than it sounds) KidRobot has expanded into apparel, canvas art and accessories, merging the worlds of urban street trends, fashion and Pop Art. New product launches and artist collaborations keep me wanting more, despite the slightly hefty price tags. 

Took  a few photos of the KR flagship store in New York when i was over there in January - loved this wall art, wish it was in my bedroom.

SUMMER

Found some of my old summer snaps today, getting me excited about this one coming! PIMMS TIME.

TELEGRAMME STUDIO

Telegramme Studio is run by illustrator & designer Bobby Evans in London. He is inspired by music, people, unique ideas and beautiful things and directs his energy into a wide range of illustration, design and art direction projects. Check out his website here.

TRAP

If you haven't come across Trap mag yet, you need to add it to your essential reading. Filled with the best picks of bass music, fashion and art across the UK, it will provide you with a quick fix of style and clubbing inspiration. Pick it up for free in selected street wear shops and bars. Issue 8 out now.

Super sweet styling from Kasha Malyckyj in this months issue prompted me to do a bit of research on her, as well as add a few more items to my wish list. Currently fashion editor at Trap, i do not doubt she will branch out on more projects in the future. Sourcing inspiration from current street wear trends and urban subcultures, Kasha has created an array of fresh looks that shout attitude and playfulness, with a vibe of sophistication. Check the rest of her work here.

Creative collective LongFox graces the artist pages this month, demonstrating sensationally detailed imagery, inspired by rock music and traditional tattoo art. Based in Bristol, these three artists are rapidly making a name for themselves, which is no surprise when you look at what they are creating. More of their work can be found on the LongFox Tumblr  

STREETFEST

Made it over to Streetfest in Shoreditch last Sunday - top notch artistic talent was complimented with impressive skate ramp trickery, and two great DJ sets from Wookie and Martelo got the crowd going as the sun went down. Good vibes all round, will most definitely be showing my face again next year. 

PICK ME UP

Mundo, buenos días! Thought i'd get this show on the road and tell you about my trip to Somerset House back in March, where i visited the Pick Me Up graphic design fair, showcasing the best new talent around the UK. As well as being treated to an array of inspiring artwork, workshops and live art also took place which included a Wallace and Grommit clay sculpture workshop and tshirt screen printing. Didn't want to leave! Here are some of my fave picks.

Niki Pilkington - Love this beautifully detailed sketch and the diamond shape cutout on tracing paper. check out more of her work here.

Zeloot - Dutch illustrator and screen printer, great use of colours and wonderful attention to detail. I thought these two pieces shared a similar aesthetic to Polish poster designs in the 60s and 70s.  More stuff on Zeloot.

Amongst the myriad of artistic wonderfulness, i came across People Of Print, a network of printmakers and designers with 'the sole purpose to inspire'. They strive to work with as many artists as possible, to create new and exciting collaborations within a family of creatives. Will most probably be posting some of their work again on this blog, but in the meantime, if your after an injection of inspiration take 20 and head to their homepage here.