The research laboratory called Oeuffice was estalished by Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte and Jakub Zak to develop innovative objects in limited editions. The designers met in Milan after studying in their native Canada and attending university in Berlin. Like Ettore Sottsass, they share a vision of a contemporary utopia in which they refashion architectural design on a domestic scale. The Ziggurat, an iconic architectural form that Sottsass revered, provided inspiration for this stack of Wooden Storage Boxes inlaid with acrylic and solid stained wood (2012). The ziggurat’s form and masterful wood inlays originate in the Near East and were executed by Lebanese artists specialized in the technique.
Parisian born sculptress Claude Lalanne (b. 1924) did not come into her own until she was in her sixties. She and her husband, François-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008), were known as Les Lalannes as they both worked and exhibited together, she creating garden-inspired works to his slightly surreal animal sculptures.
This provocative cast bronze sculpture of a Cabbage with Chicken Feet, entitled Choupatte Moyen (2012) is part of the Impasse Ronsin group exhibit at Paul Kasmin Gallery on West 27th Street, in the Chelsea Gallery District.
What kitchen or dining area would fail to make a statement with something like this in the room? The Chariot Rullebord (2012) is a mobile table/trolley consisting of three simple elements joined together: wheels, trays and structure. The wheels, which in common carts are usually small, are brought to the extreme size, becoming the iconic element of the project. This fantastic piece, shown here in its eye-grabbing bright Red finish, is designed by Copenhagen-based firm Gamfratesi and manufactured from lacquered MDF board, metal and rubber by Casamania in Milan, Italy.
Photographed in the Designmuseum in Copenhagen, Denmark.
As the first official snowfall of the season accumulates on the streets of Manhattan, thousands of what I like to call “Frat Santas” have descended on our fair Metropolis to participate in the annual Pub Crawl ritual known euphemistically as SantaCon. Dressed in the manner of Santa Claus (give or take a White Beard or Red Hat) these people have only one goal: to get as wasted as possible while disguised as Jolly Old St. Nick. Be forewarned: As you navigate the sidewalks and gutters, be wary of spontaneously created piles of fresh yellow snow and be extra careful not to slip in the Times Square Eggnog!
This Installation of 400 suspended Pink Umbrellas, meant to raise awareness of breast cancer, was hung in a canopy over pedestrians’ heads in downtown Sofia, Bulgaria, in October 2012.
The BRIT Award statue designed by British artist Damien Hirst has been revealed for the first time today (January 10). Hirst is the third iconic British artist to be let loose on the BRIT statue, following fashion designer Vivienne Westwood in 2011 and Sergeant Pepper artist Peter Blake last year. Hirst has adorned the statue with his trademark spot painting aesthetic. You can see a larger image of the statue below. Speaking about his role with the BRITs, Hirst said: “I am honoured to be asked to design this year’s statue, it has become such an iconic award, I love the BRITs.”
Meanwhile, BRITs Chairman David Joseph added: “Damien is truly one of the most important British artists and his reimagining of the statue will make winning a 2013 BRIT an even more special proposition.” A recent retrospective of Hirst’s work at London’s Tate Modern attracted 463,000 visitors.
The nominations launch for The Brits will take place today (January 10) at The Savoy in London, and will be hosted by BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show host Nick Grimshaw. Highlights from the nominations launch will be hosted on the official Brits YouTube channel directly after the event. Critics Choice prizewinner Tom Odell will perform live, as will Jessie Ware.
The 2012 BRIT Awards saw Adele and Ed Sheeran pick up multiple awards and Blur perform live as well as accept the lifetime achievement prize. This year’s BRIT Awards take place on February 20th, 2013 and will again be hosted by James Corden.
