NO MORE RULES - GRAPHIC DESIGN AND POSTMODERNISM

This book has some interesting parts although some of it I did find a little difficult to get through. It explains and goes though the upheavals in the field of graphic communications in the last 25 years. It shows how the rules of graphic design have been ripped apart over the years.

'Rules are Made to be Broken. Before you start breaking rules you should know what they are.' JOHN LEWIS.

The book is split in to chapters Origins, Deconstruction, Appropriation, Techno, Authorship, Opposition. I think my favorite section was Deconstruction.

All in all this book introduced me to new graphic designers which I had ent come across before and taught me alot about the industry. One artist which grabbed my eye was Jamie Reid who has done work for the sex pistols as shown below.

It's worth a read to gain more knowledge on the industry.

DESIGNVERB - ONLINE

In my study in my house in Leeds I have covered the walls with paper and so everyone draws me stuff on the walls, from a silly drawing to a little saying. I also have a section where people have written up websites that I may find interesting, and where I right the websites that I find so I don't forget them and can refer back to them.

One of my friends posted this up on my wall and I love having a little look at it now and again.

It has some really interesting new designs on it, and I find myself just browsing through them for hours. Defiantly check this one out and see some sweet designs!

HSI - Website

I love this website. It has introduced me to some fantastic directors such as The Malloy's who mainly concentrate on Music Videos. They have done videos fro Matt Costa, Goldfrapp and Jurassic 5. Below I have featured the video called 'Work it out' for Jurassic 5.

Another director which I discovered on this website is Andy Lambert, He his a comercial director and has done work

for Nokia, EON and Revels.

This website is great to see the great new creations that are coming out!

FARROWS - WEBSITE

Being a graphic designer myself I do always like to keep an eye on companies who specialise in Graphics whether it be Branding, Photography or Website Development. This is why I keep up to date on Farrows website along with others.

This website shows their work from the less sophisticated designs of the Mc donalds Happy meal pakerging to the some more sophistcated Photographical advertising for Drench. It is interesting to see how thier work can be so different for the different clients.

The website also has a very interesting blog on which I tend to have a look at whenever I am there.

RANKED

John Rankin Waddell born: 28th April 1966. First Photograph: April 1986

I loved this exhibition, probably one of my favorites I have been to. It is on the photographer Rankin. He is believed to deliver "frozen magic" through his images and I would completely agree with this. Another amazing talent is that he does all types of photography show by how the gallery was sectioned, but his main focus is portrait. " I just wanted to photograph everybody, try out everything."

Rankin is inspired by W Eugene Smith and Don Mc Cullin, and it seems that he found art college a hard environment to be in "Everyone at art college tries to piss on your parade. And you do the same back to them. It's a really tough environment."

Some of his photography may surprise and make people turn away. However his thinking behind SNOG shown above was "Normally when people kiss in public, the reaction is to look away. I wanted to challenge this by creating a series of big prints of people snogging. I wanted to throw down the gautlet - dare the viewers not to avert their eyes, but instead get stuck right in."

One of the best things about this gallery is that you can get your picture taken by Rankin, or go into the photo both and get your photo done and pin it up on the wall. This is a fantastic way to involve the audience. The photo's draw you in and this makes you involved in the gallery itself.

I don't want to show you all of the gallery because it is defiantly worth going to see yourself. However I am going to touch on two more sections of it! The first one being the photos of his son Lyle. He waited until Lyle was old enough to have input himself. "you don't want to be the dad that your son hates." I love these photos because it shows his son with character.

Is work with Oxfam in the Congo is also incredibly impressive and worth looking at.

The last bit I am going to feature on this blog is his work with Kate Moss. He has done many photographs with a number of celebrities but his shoots of Kate are Iconic. "Kate is quite aloof in front of the camera. It makes her more compelling."

Definitely go to this inspirational exhibition, and make sure you check out RANKIN LIVE.

TYPOGRAHIA

This exhibition was held in the Kemistry Gallery in London. Since our typography project I have always been interesting in the art. The journal was founded by a 25 year old Herbert Spencer, who went on to become one of the most influential British communication designers and typographers. It has a really interesting bit on Spanish Street Letterings by Alan Bartram.

I also found the below really interesting on 'sex and typography'.

This Bachaus design also really stood out to me.

This exhibition isn't going to be a life changing experience but definatly interesting to drop in.

ISLA COZUMEL - MUSEUM

This was an interesting museum to go to as it's art was individual. It also has a little bit of history on the island which was intresting, but as I have explained this in a pervious post on the island here I am going to concetrate on the art.

One of their the artist which there gallery was full of was Judith Martinez. She had tan interesting way of painting, but all in all I was ent too impressed.

I found her paintings a bit boring if I am honest! I just thought that none of the paintings where really very interesting, or impressive.

It was a museum to see if you have a spare moment of bordom on the island but nothing to exciting.

GAME ON

I went to see this a few years ago with my brother and its one that stuck so thought I would do a quick post on it.

If you enjoy your gaming this one was a sweet exhibition to see because it let you play on all the games, old school and new. My favorite was pac man as its always a classic! This was the kind of exhibition that was just fun, but it also did explain some of the history of the gaming world. Check out information on it, it was a sweet exhibition to see!

BOLD TENDENCIES III

This is an exhibition which I really wanted to go and see, but I have unfortunately not had time as when I was up in London for the day, the exhibition is out in Peckham and I did ent get a chance to get out there. As I am off to Cyprus for a week I think the exhibition will be over before I get the chance to get up there again.

2009
Mortar, wood, steel and foam board
Dimensions variable

This exhibition was exhibition of the week in Time Out magazine and this is where it caught my eye. From a first glance it reminded me alot of Andy Goldsworthys work of which I love. The exhibition takes place on the top two floors of a underused multi-story car park in Peckham Rye.

Molly Smyth
2009
Work in progress
Dimensions variable

It has been turned into an incredible Sculpture Park with 17 works by young artists. One of the best things about this Sculpture Park is that you also get an incredible view across the whole of London which I can imagine would add to the sculptures greatness.

2009
Work in progress view over london
Dimensions variable

I would of loved to see this Sculpture Park. After doing a great deal of sculpture when I was younger it always interests me especially this kind. So if you get the opportunity please go and tell me how it was!

1000 NEW DESIGNS

This book is interesting if you are interested in design, however I do feel some of the designs are not good enough to be there, but this is personal opinion. I also like the way that it gives you where to find them, as there is nothing more annoying than seeing something you like and not being able to find it. It also includes interviews from thirty-three designers. I will not give away the questions or the answers but their are some intriguing questions which are answered with some interesting opnion's.

Below I am going to show you some of the designs which caught my eye.

This by Hulger (Nicolas Roope) P*Phone answers the question 'Why does design always have to look forward rather than back?' They come in a variety of colours and as described in the book as 'a playful antidote to often soulless technology.' I loved this idea and will definitely look in to getting one myself!

This Flapflap Lamp caught my eye because there is nothing different to a normal light they have just used what comes with a normal lamp slightly differently. I thinks its ingenuous because it makes you smile!

Here I have just shown two of the designs that stood out to me, I do believe however that seeing designs in real life would give me a whole different onlook, and I think my favorite designs could be completely changed and different.

AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Well I tend to keep up to date with this one as this is where I am hoping to Study after graduating from Leeds. The Australian Centre for Photography is based in Sydney and has some fantastic Exhibitions to look at which you get a glimpse of on the website. Such as 'The Lake' exhibition which is on at the moment which has incredible images such as the one below.

I also just keep an eye on the workshops to make sure there not changing any of the ones I want to do in a years time! Fingers crossed and this will be a big part of my life in the next year or so.

CHURCH OF SANTA MONICA, RIVAS-VACIAMADRID, SPAIN

This is a fascinating piece of architecture by Madrid based architects Ignacio Vicens and Jose Antonio Ramos. It has a concrete structure in Cor-ten teel and has added windows that suck light into the centre of the church. Its defiantly the most intriguing church I have ever seen!

BOUDICCA'S COLOURED FRAGRANCE

This creation created by Boudicca really jumped out at me...a perfume that appeared blue on the skin like paint, what an idea. Even better it fades in a few seconds but yet you will still know where it went for those few seconds its blue. The next thing they should work on is sun cream that turns colour when your about to burn!

The idea behind this revolutionary Art Fragrance was set around the myth of Queen Boudiccaas Legend has it she and her tribe would wear a cobalt blue war 'paint' which gave them a mythical look when advancing into battle. When finally defeating the Romans Queen Boadicea killed herself by swallowing hemlock, an extract of which is included in Wode.

The name wode is taken from the word 'Woad' a deep blue plant extract, which was used in paste form by the ancient Britons as a tribal marking.

For me it is not only the novelty of the blue colour but also the design of the packerging. As you can see it is packed in a classic spray paint can. Packed around the can is an engraved steel lable. It is like a stylish graffiti can but yet its actually contains a delicate perfume. I love the idea that Graffiti is the 'modern war paint' and this is the base behind the packaging.

I AM SAM

i am sam is a film I discovered when I was still at school. It is directed by Jessie Nelson and has a stunning performance by Sean Penn and Dakota Fanning. It is a heart wrenching story which definitely gets you emotional.

Sean Penn plays a mentally retarded man, and Dakota Fanning plays his daughter. The Story shows his struggle to keep custody of his 7 year old daughter at an age where she is beginning to be able to read and do things with more capability then he is.

Its tag line is 'love is all you need'. It is a fantastic film, one of my favorites.

THE FOOD PRINTER

This is an interesting idea inspired by chefs like Ferran Adria and Heston Blumethal. Due to their constant deconstruction and reassemble of foods into completely unrecognisable forms have now got the idea of the food printer thanks to Philip Design. At a touch of a button The Food Printer provides molecular gastronomy by using the principles of rapid prototyping. All you have to do is pop in a couple of cartridges and say carrot and onion for example, and 'print' them to whatever shape, texture etc, that you want. Philips Design team have also come up with The Nutrition Monitor and The Biosphere Home Farm which are also worth a look at. This pushes the boundaries of modern technology, however being a foody although I find this interesting, I quite like my food as it is!

1564 CABRILLO AVENUE, VENICE, CA 90291 - Completed 2009

This Iconic Venice architecture Designed by Robert Choeff and Krystyan Keck, caught my eye because looking at the above photo makes the inside a complete surprise.

I am guessing now quite what you expected? The amazing wooden framework within the house is the joy for me. It has an interesting outside which I don't feel is particularly attractive but the interior is completely different. One of the best features of this house is probably its 500sqft roof terrace with 360 degree views.

ONLINE - MARCUS GAAB

I stumbled across this Marcus Gaab online and had to see more of his work, as you can see I have mentioned him in a previous blog entry. He is a German photographer and his work got me really excited it is clean cut and precise. His website is full of incredible images and he has done work for many people, each one being different but still brilliant. I particularly like much of his work done for Nike. This online site also has a link to his blog which is also very interesting. Its well worth a look if you want to see some fantastic photography. For me these images just catch me completely. Below shoes some of his work for Boss Orange and Converse.

INTRESTING IMAGES - VARIOUS ARTISTS

Kevin Cooley. He is an American photographers who's stunning editorial work brings a ethereal, weighty quality to his visual story telling. It was this image that stood out to me for its composistion and the light in the image.

Marcus Gaab. For me these two images stuck out far more than any of the others. I think both becasue your just not quite sure what is going on. In the first one it is a still but your not sure why the trainers are placed in this way, the second one it is random subject to photograph and something dramatic is happening. Both images keep your attention. Gaabs is from Germany and his clients include Addidas, BMW, Details, Krups, Nike, Puma, Stone Island and The New York Times. Gaabs shoots with precision and treats his subject almost as if it was holy which leas to his incredible images.

Tim Gutt. I really like this image cause it shows freedom, as you can look out for miles, it gives you a sense of piece when you look at it. Tim Gutt lives in London but is originally from the Netherlands. He captures the eccentricites of life. It maybe landscape, a street or portraits. He has done work for Orange, Dazed and Confused and Selfridges.

Pieter Hugo. He is a South African Photographer from Cape Town. He is self taught photographer and film maker and his photography varys greatly from traking Cultural Shifts in Burmingham UK for Colours Magazine to photographing the Hyena people of Nigeria. I admire this versitility. He has done work for Adidas, United Coulours of Benetton and World Heath organization.

CONTROL

This film is directed by the acclaimed photographer Anton Corbijn, so as you would expect the filming of it is brilliant and keeps the film interesting.

It is based on Deborah Curtis's "Touching from a Distance," and is the story of the late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis's life, from the bands rise to fame to his tragic suicide.

It is described as "Electric" BY TIME OUT.

It stars Samatha Morton (Minority Report, Sweet and Lowdown) "Beautifully Performed - Samatha Morton is Dynamite"THE OBSERVER, Alexandra Maria Lara (Downfall, Youth Without Youth) and shows an incredible performance by Sam Riel as Ian Curtis. "Sam Riley is a Revelation"THE TIMES.

The film documents the rise of the the band and the effects it has on his relationship with his wife and girlfriend and his health, with his battle with epilepsy.

I don't know what I was expecting from this film but I could ent help but find it slightly disappointing. It was shoot fantastically but it was a bit slow to get going, however Sam Riley did a solid performance as Ian Curtis and it was an interesting film to watch.

THE HANGOVER

If you are up for a light hearted funny film I defiantly recommend that you go and see this film. I got recommended to see it by my brother and it is brilliant and certainly makes you laugh.

It is centred around a group of 4 men who go to Las Vegas for the Bachelor Party of one of them. After a crazy night where none of them remember a thing they realize that they have lost their friend who is meant to be getting married.

It takes you through a number of stupid events that allow them to slowly piece together their metal night that ended in the losing of their friend.

It is directed by Todd Phillips who also directed 'Old School' and stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha as the four main characters.

The Hangover may not be the best film you will ever see but it has a feel good quality and makes you laugh, which ticks the boxes for me anyway!

MICHAEL WELLS

This photo won the World Press of the year award in 1980. It was taken by Michael Wells a British Photographer. He was embarrassed to enter this photo to a competition as it showed someone starving to death.

Especially after doing the Photovoice D&AD brief on wealth and poverty this image particularly stood out to me and completely got me. It is the contrast of the two hands and how they are in the centre and focused. It is a very powerful image.

THE PHOTO BOOK

Now for me theres a little story behind this one. I got this book when I was in year 10 at school, so whats that about 14 years old. I won the maths effort prize, as with all my prizes unless they where for art it was always effort, I could ent really get anything better for maths considering I was in set 5! Right well anyway as I won this prize I got money to spend on a book of my choice, now I m pretty sure they wanted me to get some maths involved book to maybe get me a bit better as I am truely awful at maths, but instead I bought this, best choice I ever made....I love this book, it has some fasinating photography in it and it never gets boring to look at.

This book contains images from David Bailey to Eadweard Mybridge. As the famous saying says 'A photo says 1000 words.' This book proves this. Each and every one of the photographs in this book tells more than 1000 words, each one has its own story behind, wether that be a simple everyday story or one that effects on a much larger scale.

These book demonstrates how photography can simply demonstate every day lifes and capture a moment that can never be captured again. I shows how images can provoke such emotions within people, and intamicy with the viewer. I also allowed me to learn about many of the photographers out there.

If you want a book full of fantastic images this is a book to get. It shows a vast amount of photographers involving some of their best work.