Modart » NNE Network News

Pictoplasma Conference

Maxi — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:00:51 +0000

The Pictoplasma Conference is packed with inspiring talks by some of the most innovative talents. The diverse line-up of 2011 speakers hails from around the globe, including Geneviève Gauckler (FR), Allyson Mellberg Taylor (USA), BeatBots (JP/USA) and Jon Burgerman (UK). They cover a wide range of media and disciplines, such as illustration, graphic design, game design, fashion, art and robotics.

Here are some of our favorites:

Geneviève Gauckler (FR)
Geneviève Gauckler is a French artist, illustrator and art director who is best known for her ever-evolving procession of lovable characters and Technicolor digital mashes. Her works are bright, fun and hectic – often combining symmetrical designs with soft-edged computer generated images laid against photographed backgrounds. She has exhibited all over the world and has had art commissioned by many advertising agencies and magazines. In recent years she has been dividing her time between advertising works and creating her own artwork, which she refers to in good humor as “silly and absurd”.

Mark Jenkins (USA)
Mark Jenkins, born 1970 in Fairfax, Virginia, is an American artist most widely known for the street installations he creates using box sealing tape. His work, through the use figure installation, explores absurdist and surreal themes. Projects include converting traffic circles to merry go rounds, parking meters into lollipops, and hyper realistic figures designed to create public spectacles that absorb passersby as actors on situations.

Ben & Julia (FR/CH)
French-Swiss Technicolor enfants terribles Ben & Julia joined forces in 2006 to make a name for themselves as a multidisciplinary talented directors and art directors duo. They create exceptionally Mixed Media work through water colour and drawings, puppetry, 2D and 3D animation and live action. To date their work has been enthusiastically commissioned and displayed on a wide spectrum of platforms, from commercial ads to exhibitions as Art Basel. Their distinct weakness for nature, forests and especially fungi, have lead them to be signed by Hornet Inc for commercial representation.

Jeremyville (AUS)
Jeremyville is an artist, product designer and author. He self produced his first 3D inflatable designer toy in 1995, and wrote the first book in the world on designer toys called ‘Vinyl Will Kill‘, in 2003. He has also written and produced his 2nd book ‘Jeremyville Sessions’, and has had several designer toys released through Kidrobot. Jeremyville has been in group shows at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburg, the Madre Museum of Modern Art in Napoli, the 796 Arts District in Beijing, and solo shows at Area B Gallery in Milan and Bunkamura Gallery in Shibuya Tokyo.

Allyson Mellberg Taylor (USA)
Allyson Mellberg Taylor’s drawings are intimate, reminiscent of things seen in an artist’s most personal journal/diary. Gentle figures find a stage on the page to breathe, to interact with others. Allyson makes her own ink, boiling walnuts to produce a dark brown color, and extracting pigment from pokeberries to make magenta. The characters she creates often suffer from some sort of malady or disfiguration. She pictures a world in which unseen toxins bubble up to the surface, making their adverse impact visible.

Raymond Lemstra (NL)
After graduating from Academie Minerva in Groningen with a BA in Illustration, Raymond Lemstra toured as part of the multimedia theatre collective PIPS:lab and worked for MTV Networks as a designer, before fully focussing on drawing in 2010. In his personal work he makes references to the illustrative nature of primitive drawing and sculpture, while his main interest is the distortion as a result of selective emphasis; parts of interest are emphasized, unimportant parts reduced or left out. His characters are often big headed, with a strong focus on the face while the body is trimmed to its essential properties. This contrast, between the naive and sophisticated, evokes a clash of intent, simultaneously assuming simplicity and complexity, randomness and reason, flaws and perfection.

Jon Burgerman (UK)
Jon Burgerman was born in the UK and has risen to be one of the prominent key artists in the recent boom of modern day practitioners who traverse the disciplines of urban art, design, illustration and entrepreneurism. A sense of British self-deprecation, dry humor and modern-day anxiety imbues his work along with an enthusiasm for salad.
Burgerman has pushed the character obsession of the late 90s into a new direction, with his monster-like characters layered into compositions where cartoon-like forms are crammed on top of each other until they create a screaming mass of energy.

Tim Biskup (USA)
Tim Biskup pursued his technical training through years of work in the illustration, animation and graphic design industries. When he finally reached out into the fine art world, it was not through any gallery, but by creating his own series of live art auctions, a novel move that launched not only his own career. What has followed are a string of sold-out gallery exhibitions and inclusion in several high-profile museum shows. Long recognized for his complex color and design theories and a decidedly populist aesthetic, Biskup has amassed a cadre of loyal fans, propelled further by his steady output of limited edition prints, vinyl figures, books and other objects.

The Pictoplasma Conference includes talks as much as special screenings. It will take place between November 3 – 4 at the PARSONS THE NEW SCHOOL FOR DESIGN / TISHMAN AUDITORIUM, 66 W 12 St, 10011 NEW YORK.

For more info check their website and No New Enemies.

Pictoplasma NYC

Maxi — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:55:32 +0000

Pictoplasma is the World’s leading festival of contemporary character design. Taking place twice a year in Berlin and New York Pictoplasma is stands for an immersive weekend of artist talks, screenings, exhibitions and loads of character. From November 3 to November 6 Pictoplasma hits NYC. Over the next couple of weeks we will introduce you to the speakers, their quirky characters, and will let you know which exhibition you just cannot miss.

The Berlin based Pictoplasma project is acclaimed for its unique focus on contemporary character design and art. Their timeless publications showcase the work of a global scene of illustrators, graphic designers and animation filmmakers. The annual festivals in Berlin and NYC have evolved to be the meeting points for an international audience. Whether illustration, animation, graphic design, fashion, street or fine art – the emphasis is not on the limits of style or format, but on the shared dedication to explore character-driven aesthetics.

In its third US edition, the Pictoplasma Conference originating from Berlin returns to New York and presents a marathon of over twelve inspiring lectures, talks and panel discussions by some of the most outstanding artists and designers pushing the edge of contemporary character visualization. Among the presenting artists are artist, author and product designer Jeremyville (AUS); internationally acclaimed graphic designer Geneviève Gauckler (FR); West Coast pop surrealist Tim Biskup (USA); monster-mash-up specialist Joshua Ben Longo (USA); creator of the social robot and pop-icon ‘Keepon’ BeatBots (US/JP); fine artist Allyson Mellberg Taylor (US); illustrator and doodle-master Jon Burgerman (UK); urban artist of uncanny street interventions Mark Jenkins (US); upcoming uber-talent Raymond Lemstra (NL) and animation wunderkind Joel Trussell (USA).

Set as the perfect prelude to New York’s Illustration Week, the conference invites a diverse audience of graphic designers, illustrators, animation filmmakers and producers, fine and urban artists and character connoisseurs to gather under one roof and discourse freely about the world of character-related art and design. The presentations are accompanied by feature-length ‘Characters in Motion’ screenings, showcasing a selected mix of new character-driven animation, motion graphics, music videos and shorts.

Accompanying the Pictoplasma Conference, a line-up of numerous exhibitions and other events spread throughout the city will open up to the general public. This Character Walk will start a day prior to the conference on November 3 and continues until Sunday, November 6. Partnering galleries, concept stores and project spaces include Bold Hype Gallery, Jonathan LeVine Gallery, TTUnterground, Lit Lounge, Cappellini NYC, Gallery hanahou, myplasticheart, Jeremyville Salon, AC Gears, White Rabbit Bar, Big Screen Plaza, Mondo Cane, Spoonbill & Sugartown, Cotton Candy Machine, Factory Fresh and the studio of SupaKitch and Koralie.

The Character Walk showcases paintings, drawings, limited prints and art installations by many of the 2011 conference speakers, such as Joshua Ben Longo, Geneviève Gauckler, Jeremyville, Raymond Lemstra or Jon Burgerman, plus additional exhibitions by artists such as AJ Fosik, Aaron Stewart, Anna Hrachovec, Andy Rementer, or Sonni.

Conference: November 4+5
Hosted by Parsons The New School for Design
Tishman Auditorium, 66 W 12 St, 10011 New York

The Character Walk: November 3-6
Exhibitions at 17 artspaces throughout NYC

For more info visit Pictoplasma.com

A Kid Could Do That

Maxi — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:00:38 +0000

Style for Childs a.k.a. A Kid Could Do That a.k.a. You Got My Back

I was invited back to Cologne, Germany to paint the facade of a youth center. Instead of sketching out my own letters I asked the kids at the center to hand write the phrase ‘You Got My Back‘ and I then took one of their letter styles and painted it large onto the wall with my own colors and extra touches. It was a challenge to reproduce someone else’s handwriting on such a scale, especially a style as irregular as that of a child. The focus of the piece is on showing the value of something handwritten, even if it’s the handwriting of a child that people might dismiss as messy or useless. In these letters I saw experimentation and innocence. This also gives the kids some ownership over the piece and the building itself says to them that they are what’s supporting it.

White Canvas Project

Maxi — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:00:03 +0000

From the street art collections that don the office walls, to the doodle-jams that took place in our old skate shop spawning the brand Supremebeing has today, they have always had an affinity with street art and the culture in which it exists. Providing constant inspiration for t-shirt and graphic designs, street art has helped develop Supremebeing into a clothing brand well known for its use of color in design.

The White Canvas Project became the gallery for all collaboration t-shirts as well as giving us the platform to release mid-season collabs and one-off designs. The project will continue to explore the different areas that art exists in and offer platforms for new projects and events to happen. With different artists and locations coming into play each event will have a different style and vibe all with the same goal of bringing creatives together.

The first event dubbed ‘CamJam’ was located in a disused warehouse that backs onto the river. Surrounded by gardens and wildlife, the location provided the perfect fusion of urban and country inspiration. There were boat trips, fishing, clay ovens, home brew, bell tents, camp fires, songs, and of course lots and lots of painting. Some of the random objects that got painted included rusty 60′s medicine signs, car parts, authentic wartime helmets, ammo boxes, an entire office. All of which got ‘prettied up’ by the featured artists: Will Barras, MrJago, SheOne, David Walker and Blue the Warrior

Basically the artists, all long-term friends with complementing styles, went over to Cambridge over 2 weekends, and painted on everything they could get their hands on – from old car doors, old bits of furniture, and odd bits of wood. Journalist Helen Soteriou was invited to tag along and took some exclusive pictures.

Their efforts will all be displayed in a show, curated by SheOne, on Thursday, October 13th, at 81 Leonard Street, London.

d’accord by 44flavours

Maxi — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:11:54 +0000

Last Saturday saw the curating debut of NNE members Julio Rölle and Sebastian Bagge, aka 44flavours. The exhibition d´accord shows how a seemingly random mixture of typography, painting, photography, graphic-design and installation works by 13 international artists/collectives can become a coherent and harmonious whole.

In their own words: “If we were art-collectors, we would hoard the work of these artists, because they reflect us. This exhibition shows a multi-faceted selection of the things that deeply inspire us.” It‘s no secret that their own inspiration is an outcome of the ongoing creative exchange with ally artists. The exhibition d´accord brings together diverse and independent creative heads, who through their personal relationships with 44flavours and with each other will create an artistic synthesis by submerging their own work in this temporal collective expression.

“Where do we stand right now? Catching a breath, reflecting, doing nothing, creating space” are the guiding thoughts. Visitors should also be animated to pause for a moment, to observe with untamed curiosity and to discover the unity within the fabric consisting of independent works.

The exhibition at Neonchocolate Gallery in Berlin will be on view until October 6.

RIPO CasaNova Prints

Maxi — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:00:06 +0000

When trying to find information about RIPOyou might think that he isn’t a man of many words, yet it is words that make his art. For years his beautifully detailed writings have decorated urban walls world wide. Now RIPO is bringing out a limited edition print.

“Casa Nova, or New House in Catalan, was painted in a torn out house on the outskirts of of Barcelona in the winter of 2009. The message, colors and delicacy of these painted words strike a stark but seductive contrast to the chaos and decay surrounding the remains of these walls. The incredible detail and texture in this image shine through stunningly in this large photographic print.”

Casa Nova
Archival giclée print
38″ x 28″ (approx. 97 x 71 cm)
Moab Entrada 300gsm Cotton Rag paper
Edition of 10

If you’re interested please write to ripo.visuals@gmail.com.

44Flavours x Dudes Factory

Maxi — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:42:55 +0000

Last weekend 44Flavours collaborated with Dudes Factory on a new collection and a blazing party to celebrate the new season. Sebastian Bagge and Julio Rölle from 44Flavours show a great knowledge and understanding of the vast extent of art in their work and find inspiration in the areas of Dada and Hip Hop. Their remix- and sample culture influences the development of their very own style, without making commitments to particular media. Thus, the name 44flavours not only stands for bizarre beautiful exhibitions throughout Europe but also for an idea evolving on a day to day basis in an atmosphere of creativity and freedom.

“Bad news first: not much longer and the summer is over. The days are getting shorter and the skirts longer. The good news is that Dudes Factory is back with a new collection which will definitely be a consolation for the falling temperatures. This time we are happy to announce our cooperation with 44flavours, one of the most famous artist formations from the capital city.

“With their collection “old but new” 44flavours skilfully demonstrate the merging of old and new techniques and materials resulting in not only shirt motifs but also hand-made unique pieces like a desk, created in collaboration with the design studio “Ziben”, a bike made in cooperation with the custom bicycle shop “True Unique” (Kreuzberg) as well as the first official Dudes Factory Cap and much more.”

So go to their website, check it out and get dressed for the new season!

MacGyver and the Mousse

Maxi — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:07 +0000

This Saturday Harlan Levey, the founder of NNE, is proud to welcome you to the opening of ‘MacGyver and the Mousse,’ the first solo exhibition from Tobias Allanson at Harlan Levey Projects in Brussles, which takes place during Belgium’s premiere design event, Design September.

Harlan says: “I have had the pleasure of working with Tobias on several occasions, and for many years we collaborated on Modart magazine. Tobias isn’t like most graphic designers I have worked with. He likes to do things off the screen. This exhibition is no different as Tobias takes things that have become easy to do digitally and gives them an analogue tweak. During Design September, Tobias will exhibit 5 different projects in Brussels. All are being shown for the first time.”

Please join us for the opening this Saturday (Sept, 10th 14:00 – 22:00). The exhibition runs until October 15th.

About Tobias Allanson

Swedish Designer Tobias Allanson has earned recognition for his inventive use of common items and the emphasis his practice places on action and approach. Having begun his career as a Graphic Designer, he then worked as an art Director (Modart Magazine), a Creative Director (Freitag) and later a freelance Concept Designer engaged by brands such as Electrolux, L&G and Absolut Vodka. He prides himself on maintaining a rigorous DIY attitude and transforming all types of objects in ways that please him, considering his professional endeavors ‘pseudo-commercial’ as he manages to satisfy clients with his own playful artistic vision.

Find more info on HLP here.

NNE feat. Vanya Pieters

Maxi — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:00:02 +0000

Vanya Pieters is not only a promising young photographer and film maker, but also our newest contributor. While she studied at three different universities in Amsterdam and Berlin she taught herself the art of photography by copying others and experimenting as much as possible.

Vanya prefers to take pictures with a storyline and is a sucker for digital cameras

In the past years she has been producing for Lemming Film, photographing and writing for 3voor12 and NL20, and editing for GUP magazine. For NNE she will be writing about her favorite subjects: photography and film.

Tomorrow we will present her first article; an interview with the Dutch photographer Dennis Duijnhouwer about his new book The Road to Rabat.

Teufelsberg from Vanya Pieters on Vimeo.

This is just a taste so check out her website to see more from Vanya and stay tuned.

NNE feat. David Shillinglaw

Maxi — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:00:24 +0000

As off this month the traveler and artist David Shillinglaw will be contributing on No New Enemies. As an artist Schillinglaw never seems to stay long in just one place, but travels from London to Berlin, to Japan and Holland. As a traveler he enjoys discovering the world, art, galleries and returning with new friends at heart. Last time we spoke with him he was in NYC to take part in a few group exhibitions, one of which Ritual by Honeycomb and Causey Contemporary Gallery. We’re excited to announce that his first piece, Business or Pleasure, will go online this week’s Wednesday.

London based David Shillinglaw was born of British parents in 1982 in the Middle East, which may explain his thirst for travel and exhibiting in galleries worldwide. Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2002 he has exhibited in galleries in Japan, China, Holland, and cities such as NY, London, Berlin and Istanbul.

Shillinglaw has worked amongst some key members of the Urban Art community, assisting Dalek during his residency at Elms Lester in 2009, as well as exhibiting in the group show ‘Art For Haiti’ in February 2010, which also featured work by Matt Small, Remi Rough, Jaybo Monk, Pure Evil, D*Face, amongst other notable artists.

In October 2010 Shillinglaw’s first published book, Colourful Condition, was launched at Agnes b Headquarters in Covent Garden. Colourful Condition is a perfect bound, 100 page book of selected works by David Shillinglaw, with a Foreword by notorious Street Art writer King Adz, and an Introduction by gallerist Drew de Soto.

Shillinglaw’s work moves between street and studio, from small hand made books, to paintings on canvas, and large scale wall murals. David has enjoyed applying his fine art practice to a number of other contexts, which range from theater set designs, to album cover design. Past commissions include illustrations for The British Council Annual Report.

Shillinglaw describes, “Life is a struggle. For everyone. From the smallest insect to the greatest beast, we are determined by the success we seek, and how, in turn we measure that success. Each of us experiencing ups and downs. Peaks and troughs. Like a game of snakes and ladders.”

“I enjoy the way people use language to define a feeling or physical condition. We support what we think, feel, say, and mean, with often ridiculous idioms and metaphors; placing frogs in throats and fires in belly’s, in order to paint a picture of something invisible and abstract. I feed on these very human expressions. I find day-to-day, conversational poetry casts a warm light on an otherwise very calculated, systematic, clinical and scientific world. My work is about people. Human nature. Both the civilized and monstrous, the stupid and articulate.”

Read Shillinglaw’s first post on No New Enemies!