Bocci’s Pleated Bench

Bocci‘s 25.2 Bench marks a new leaf for the young, Vancouver-based contemporary design and manufacturing house. Previously known primarily for large chandelier installations and custom fabrications, this new direction is a welcome addition. Designed by Omer Arbel, the upholstered 25.2 Bench explores material qualities and folding and pleating techniques. Conventional upholstery generally relies on foam… Continue reading Bocci’s Pleated Bench

“The Public Works” by Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey is probably best known for his iconic, stylized portrait of Barack Obama, accented by the word “HOPE,” one of the most memorable images of  the last presidential campaign. He originally gained notoriety by translating pop culture imagery into guerilla propaganda campaigns, most prominently with his ubiquitous “OBEY” images. Fairey’s recent work involves complex, multi-layered… Continue reading “The Public Works” by Shepard Fairey

Art & Copy: A Look at Advertising’s Best

“Hate advertising? Make better ads.” So says Doug Pray, director of Art & Copy, a documentary study of art, commerce and human emotion. Pray’s newest film focuses on advertising’s best, featuring a series of interviews with the industry’s leaders: George Lois, Mary Wells, Dan Wieden, Lee Clow, Hal Riney (who sadly passed away last year),… Continue reading Art & Copy: A Look at Advertising’s Best

Urban Explorer: Miru Kim Makes Her Korean Solo Debut

New York-based photographer Miru Kim makes her solo debut in Korea at Gallery HYUNDAI this month. Kim, who has explored urban ruins around the globe – subway stations, tunnels, sewers, catacombs, hospitals, factories and shipyards – juxtaposes her own, young and healthy body with the ghosts of abandoned industrial sites with haunting self-portraits in a… Continue reading Urban Explorer: Miru Kim Makes Her Korean Solo Debut

Absolutely Stefan

above: images from Stefan Sagmeister’s 2008 book, “Things I’ve learned in my life so far” Absolut Vodka‘s ads are immediately recognizable, and over the years, their campaigns have become truly iconic. However, the company’s newest tv ad campaign, produced by  TBWA/Chiat/Day, is a bit too similar to another icon’s work for my liking. While beautiful,… Continue reading Absolutely Stefan