Fresh New Artists

"Untitled" by Natalie Strussione is lovely acrylic painting on canvas.

"Skull" by Kris Schaeding reminded my of some of Damien Hirst earlier work. This piece is consists of mixed media, and includes the use of cut up oil paintings, gouache, and charcoal leading to some rather interesting effects. In my opinion the choice of color by the artist was very well thought out and executed with a great amount of skill.

"Abuse of Power" by Chad L. Davis uses mixed media on wood. The natural effects of the knotted wood leave what appear to be bullet holes in the Kings head. To me this symbolises the mortality of all men and reminds us the with power comes the responsibility of restraining its use. Those who abuse power always seem to suffer an untimely demise.

"Mirrored" a series in Lithograph with watercolor by Alesha Beistline. I especially like the version which made use of pastel watercolors adding a pop art feel to this Lithograph series.

Eric Heatly's "Portrait #2" depicts six different images in Lithograph and watercolor. I enjoy the transitions between light and dark. The use of positive and negative space in these Lithographs is extraordinary.

Furniture: "Pop Art" Chair by Jamie Donoghue

Made of aluminum, silicon, and cardboard this chair by Jamie Donoghue amazed me at a recent gallery opening. The chair is made almost entirely out of recylced materials and brings new meaning to the term "Pop Art". I love the fact that although this is an art piece it is also a functional piece of furniture.

L.L. Bean Ballistic Day Pack

Available in three colour ways (Red, Blue, and Black) and made from the strongest ballistic nylon on the markect, this day pack is sure to turn heads. Its rugged design prevents scuffs or scrapes. To purchase click Here!

I Know I'm Late But Check This Out... Spaceship - Kanye West ft. GLC and Consequence

A never before release video from the classic album The College Dropout by Kanye West. Shout out to Cons and GLC for always showing me love when they come to Detroit.

Consequence (Cons) and I at the Fox Theater a few years ago.

GLC and I at The Palce of Auburn Hills for The Glow In The Dark Tour (May 22, 2008).

Pompous Apparel: "Paris,Tokyo" Sweatshirt

This is a must have for any fan of flyness; the "Paris, Tokyo" men's sweatshirt by Pompous Apparel (who I hope to feature in future posts). The classic pin-up girl utters "Couchez Avec Moi?!” Translated from French... "Lay with me!?!" Already a staple for music industry insiders (such a Mike Posner and Big Sean), you are sure to see more from Pompous Apparel in the near future. Don't miss out on you chance to own this piece from Pompous Apparel's first season. I got mine, did you? To purchase click
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Giacomo Manzu: The Nymph and the Faun (1968)

Giacomo Manzu, (1908-1991), was the best known Italian sculptor of the 20th century. He was recognized by Western museums and collectors as an important modern artist. As a Communist Manzu was celebrated by the Soviet art world as well. Yet he was also a Roman Catholic, a personal friend of Pope John XXIII, and he had important liturgical commissions in St. Peter's itself. He created "The Nymph and the Faun" at Wayne State University's McGreagor Memorial sculpture garden in Detroit. He was the son of a shoemaker, and other than a few evening art classes, Manzu was self-taught in sculpture, although he later became a professor himself. Giacomo Manzu was awarded Lenin Peace Prize for the year 1965. He was the subject of a famous photographic portrait by Yousuf Karsh.

Here is a cast bronze sculpture "The Nymph and the Faun". The sculpture depicts a male faun gazing upon a surprised female Nymph. In my opinion the female Nymph looks more than surprised she appears terrified while the Faun reminds me less of Mr. Tumnas from The Chronicles of Narnia and more of Golem from The Lord of the Rings. None the less I find this sculpture quite remarkable and enjoy the detail in the faces.

Graffiti: Fire Extinguisher

Today I saw a very interesting piece of street art: a fire extinguisher painted on the side of a outdoor ashtray. While I do not condone vandalism I find this to be extremely witty and cleaver of the artist.

Here is a close up...

...and a more distant view.

Gucci Spring/Summer 2009 Sale

Gucci is having a sale on selected Spring/Summer merchandise starting on June 1, 2009. For more information click
Here!

Architecture: Two Works of Minoru Yamasaki

Best known for his design of the now destroyed World Trade Center Towers 1 and 2, Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki captured the essence of what has been described as "romanticised modernism". Here are several photos I recently took of two of Yamasaki's works: 1). The College of Education Building located at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan 2). The Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium also located at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

The large windows in The College of Education Building are atypical of Yamasaki's Design. Many of his buildings feature small or no windows due to Yamasaki's fear of heights.

The covered walkway known as a loggia was designed to shield people from Detroit's harsh winter weather.

A view of The College of Education Building.

The Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium lacks windows, but features large glass doors, flower like arches, and a water filled moat.

A side view of The Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium.

Double RL Jeans by Ralph Lauren

In today's world of ever changing style, it is important to note that some pieces of clothing are timeless. One of the best examples of Classic American Style are Double RL Jeans by Ralph Lauren. Named after Ralph Laurens ranch in Colorado, these jeans are made of only the finest Japanese Selvedge Denim which in many cases is dyed with real Indigo (unlike the synthetic dyes used today). The jeans themselves are made in The United State of America which in my opinion gives them a greater feeling authenticity as they tend to have an old west flare. Double RL Jeans come in a variety of cuts and washes and range in price from $185-$1500. Available in the U.S. at select Ralph Lauren Flagship Stores and from stand alone Double RL stores:

California

8150 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

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New York

271 Mulberry St.

New York, NY 10012

(212) 343-1934