The designer reproduces (fashion) sketches of daily style inspirations from objects, photographs and stylish men on the streets of NYC.  Some photos that I took of Mr. Kim appeared on Designerman’s blog today:

The photo I took (via phone)

Mr. Kim - The National Gallery of Art

Mr. Kim - Andy Warhol’s Painting

Mr. Kim - Lincoln Memorial

Mr. Kim - Washington Monument

This is a brilliant way of portraying style!

Source: Designerman

So a few weeks back we posted an article on The Boston Globe’s top photos of the year (post seen here), well here are The New York Times 2008 Year in Pictures. There are definitely some incredible shots and none of the same shots that were in The Boston Globe’s, so put those thoughts of repeat images outta yer head. The New York Times breaks the photos down into 8 different categories: The Election, The Nation, The Economy, The World, Iraq and Afghanistan, The Region, Sports and Arts & Entertainment. The photos here are a few of the ones that really caught my eye. The lighting and shading on the Barack Obama image is incredible as is with the one of the Brooklyn Bridge. The Sarah Palin image reminds of someone elses’, actually two other writers, trademarks, a bit of inside joke. My boy Martinez and any Yankee fan for that matter, will love the one of the Yankees with all the players following Derek Jeter’s lead and tipping their caps after the final game at Yankee Stadium. To see the rest of the collection hit up www.nytimes.com.

Images: NYTimes.com

Minutes before the Smithsonian closed, we were reaching the end of the Modern and Contemporary exhibits located in the Lincoln Gallery of the Museum.  As we came around the corner, we did not anticipate catching sight of Nam June Paik’s amazing video art.  The neon video installation by Nam June Paik is called Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S. Paik was one of the first to use the term “Electronic Highway” which dates back to 1974. Interestingly enough, Rickey had made a reference to Paik during an earlier discussion.

Can you imagine a world without advanced technology and communications?

Electronic Superhighway (Charles Stutts)

Check out this video I found on YouTube:

Here is a description from the Smithsonian Institution:

“When Nam June Paik came to the United States in 1964, the interstate highway system was only nine years old, and superhighways offered everyone the freedom to “see the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet.” Walking along the entire length of this installation suggests the enormous scale of the nation that confronted the young Korean artist when he arrived. Neon outlines the monitors, recalling the multicolored maps and glowing enticements of motels and restaurants that beckoned Americans to the open road. The different colors remind us that individual states still have distinct identities and cultures, even in today’s information age.”

The South Korean (born) artist developed an interest in electronic art while studying in Germany.  His work is displayed in museums located in the states as well as internationally (Italy, Germany, Japan, Australia and Greece).  Paik’s ability to capture electronic moving images on television screens is far beyond technology in his days.  Standing at 15 x 40 x 4 ft. in height, it took me a moment to absorb Paik’s sculpture of America.

To construct this large sculpture, Paik used forty-seven channel and close circuit video installations.  There are approximately 336 monitors displaying flash images associated with a particular location on the map. A reference to the Wizard of Oz may be symbolic to Paik because the movie was the first full length feature to be shown in color on CBS (1956). It was also the first film on prime-time television.

I was in “aw” of this sculpture and it’s still amazing to think that Paik developed this idea before the internet was created by the Department of Defense.  You may not appreciate art in this form but Paik was a pioneer like many great artists in American history who’s legacy continues to inspire us each day.

A larger zoom version of Paik’s work is featured on the Smithsonian Institute’s website.

Below are photographs that I found.  There is a current exhibit featuring his work in Hanvoer as well.

Tv Cello (http://www.lyseo.edu)

I Never Read Wittgenstein (http://www.artnet.com)

Video Piano (Artnet)

“Nam June Paik. Works from the Kunsthalle Bremen” is located in the Sprengel Museum in Hannover. The exhibition runs until February 22, 2009. (NIGEL TREBLIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Source: Smithsonian Institute, Nam June Paik

Graniph’s unique branding strategy uses 30% of designs by Graniph employed artists and 70% of external designs to release specialized t-shirts.  The external designs come from local Japanese artist, international artists and a few designs selected during special events and competitions.  Each month, Graniph releases 7o to 100 designs a month (and 130 designs during the summer) in a limited quantity of t-shirts positioned at $20 USD (2500 Yen).

The concept of Western like designs and prices was not common in Japan.  The youth of Japan quickly became interested in Graniph due to it’s unique branding and concept of American prices and designs similar to a t-shirt worn by a kid in Brooklyn.  Below are images of various Graniph t-shirt designs:

In 2007, Graniph launched the first international t-shirt design competition with the intention of attracting talented young artist around the globe.  During the first year of the competition, the company received 15,000 designs.

From February 1-29th, Graniph will accept submissions for their their competition. Photographs, graphics, pictures and illustrations are all accepted.  The grand prized design will win one million yen, that’s the equivalent of $9,000 USD!

For information regarding contest rules, please click here.

Source: Graniph

This commercial premiered during the Rose Bowl game and features a mix of popular sports figures from the likes of Dwayne Wade, Kerri Walsh & Misty May-Treanor, Serena Williams, Jabbawockeez, Bill Russell and Muhammad Ali to name a few. The voice over, as you may be able to tell, is provided by Lil Wayne. Gatorade is owned by the Pepsi Co company and they are currently going through a major re-branding on all products and freshening up logos and bottle looks, which is why there were all those recent Pepsi Pop-ups. Personally I think the new logo and branding looks super clean and crisp and quite a fan of it.

What is the difference between Gatorade Thirst Quencher and Gatorade G?

The scientifically-proven formula of Gatorade Thirst Quencher remains unchanged in Gatorade G. The difference is all about attitude. G represents the heart, hustle, and soul of athleticism – and is a badge of pride for anyone who sweats, no matter where they’re active. - Gatorade.com

Video: YouTube

The above piece, “True Identity” is simply jaw dropping and I would love to see it in person.  For those that have never seen PaperMonster’s work live, online imagery do not give them enough justice.  Now, for those that are familiar with PaperMonster, may notice more color and depth.  This along with two other pieces can be seen at LE Gallery in Toronto this coming Friday.

“Word Up?” Show & Tell Gallery’s (http://showandtellgallery.com/) Group Show featuring artists PaperMonster(http://papermonster.wordpress.com) , Ghost (http://www.cousinfrank.com/) , Dixon, Omen (http://www.omen514.com/) , Skam, and Case opens Friday Jan 9th in collaboration with LE Gallery (http://le-gallery.ca/) . The group show starts off 2009 in a great way showcasing new works from each artist. PaperMonster’s recent work has grown larger with bolder textures and detail. Each piece explores the harmony between chaos and beauty with titles such as “True Identity,” “The Beast Within,” and “If He Only Knew” that dive into the secrets and hidden mysteries within women.

Image/text Source: PaperMonster
LE Gallery
1183 Dundas Street
West Toronto, ON
Canada M6J1X3
For pricing info contact:
info@showandtellgallery.com

So you’re not satisfied with the array of color options and matching that Ray Ban’s wayfarer offers? Then design your own. Ray Ban has recently released a colorize kit for their wayfarer so that you customize your own stunnas / hater blockas. The concept is pretty much similar to Adidas’s Adicolor, originally released in the ’80s and then re-released in 2005. This is definitely a great way to create your very own unique piece. Check out www.rayban.com for more information.

Who would have thought a child’s “toy” would become more than just tiny pieces of bright plastic?  We are discovering new ways to express ourselves with LEGO.

Known as the Brick Artist, Nathan Sawaya makes LEGO sculptures as a living.  I can’t imagine how many LEGO pieces it took to construct the figures above.  It’s amazing!

Aside from Art, LEGO is also worn as a fashion accessory:

The Forever Young Collection by artist Jacqueline Sanchez features jewelry made from sterling silver and plastic material resembling LEGO pieces.

The collection offers necklaces, rings, cuff links, earrings and wristbands in an assortment of different colors.  For a customized pair of earrings, the artist will handcraft any piece to your choice of colors.  Some items also include a diamond set in 14kt yellow gold.  The LEGO inspired jewelry line is priced at $95 to $350.

Her collection is funky and stylish for the young, old and hip!  To order custom made jewelry by the artist, please click here.  Jacqueline Sanchez may have some steep competition in the accessories department with twin brothers Dee and Ricky.

The 19 year old twins LEGO inspired accessories became an instant hit with Marc Jacobs this year.  Their brooches and belt buckles appeared in Jacobs’ Spring 2008 runway.  Several notable cameos of Dee’s and Ricky’s designs appeared on Kanye West and recently on Takashi Murakami at an event in Japan.

There must be the child in all of us because LEGO is still hot!

Source: Brandish, Brick Artist, Beauty & Janine, BBC

Digital Gravel is anxiously trying to unload inventory with their 50% off everything sale.  Simply enter “2008″ in the promotion code field.  The only catch is if your favorite brand is RECON like mine is, grabbing that favorite “I miss the old New York” tee is limited to a large or extra large.  And I’m your typical Asian that wears s’medium.  Enjoy digging.

Image Source: Digital Gravel

An online contest for the DC show has been announced today.  Manifest Hope DC is currently accepting art submissions centered around three categories:

• Manifest Opportunity - Stimulating The Green Economy
• Manifest Change - Health Care Reform
• Manifest Unity - Protecting Workers’ Rights

Judges will select 15 winning pieces to be featured in the DC show.  The list of judges include Shepard Fairey, Spike Lee, Anne Ellegood, David Rolf, Eric Hilton, Laura Dawn and Van Jones. Please click here for contest rules.

The deadline for submissions has been set for January 9th.  The clock is ticking, get your submissions in early folks!

MANIFEST HOPE: DC Gallery
3333 M Street NW
Washington DC 20007
www.manifesthope.com

Source: Obama Art Report, Manifest Hope DC

Available for pre-order between now and January 4th, 2009 are two new shirts from Kiks Tyo. Pictured above is the Shanadoo x Kiks Tyo “Gold Pack” t-shirt. Shanadoo is comprised of Avex Japan recording artists and gravure models: Manami Fuku, Marina Genda, Junko Fukuda and Chika Shibuya. The image above is the front of the shirt for this drop. The second shirt that they’re releasing for pre-order is their Yuko Ishida x Kiks Tyo “Cyber” t-shirt. Both shirts are available for pre-order now and will start shipping late January to early February. Visit www.kikstyoshop.com for more info.

Here’s a new collaboration between two Vancouver ventures, Finale Design and The Urban Renewal Project. Together they’ve put together a t-shirt and mixtape package for all you hip-hop heads out there as it shows love to the culture. As mentioned the package also includes a mixtape which is mixted by DJ Sage of the Urban Renewal Project. The front of the shirt (pictured above) features some of the dopest DJs in the history and if you didn’t know who the four DJs are, they are DJ Premier, Eric B, Pete Rock and DJ Jazzy Jeff. The back of the shirt (pictured below) features the MCs that worked in tandem with these DJs and they include Guru, Rakim, C.L. Smooth and Will Smith. Pretty fresh design. To cop the shirt hit up www.urbanrenewalproject.net.

Download the mixtape here.

From January 17-19th, the gallery will be open to the public at a location along the main strip of Georgetown.  For more news and updates regarding the art show, please visit Manifest Hope’s website.

This is going to be great way to kick off inauguration week!  You do not want to miss out on this event!

The pictures below were taken in Denver:

I hope Fairey releases a new Obama piece in DC.

Art plays a pivotal role in creating cultural momentum. The MANIFEST HOPE: DC Gallery celebrates that role and shines a spotlight on artists who use their voices to amplify and motivate the grassroots movement that carried President-Elect Barack Obama to victory.

MANIFEST HOPE: DC gathers together a diverse array of the nation’s most talented visual artists under one roof to mark this monumental achievement in our nation’s history and encourages artists and activists to maintain the momentum to bring about true change in the United States.

Along with its partners, MoveOn.org Political Action, the Service Employees International Union and Obey Giant, MANIFEST HOPE: DC, will issue an inspiring visual call-to-action, encouraging a redirection of public energy toward true reform in three key areas:

Health Care Reform
Workers’ Rights
The Green Economy

The MANIFEST HOPE: DC Gallery will be open to the public in Washington, DC for the days preceding the Presidential Inauguration, Saturday, January 17th, 2009 through Monday, January 19th, 2009 between the hours of 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

MANIFESTHOPE: DC
January 17th-19th, 2009
10:00am - 6:00pm
3333 M Street NW, Washington DC 20007

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: (partial list)
Aaron Foster, Aaron Axelrod, Amy Martin, Andy Cruz, Andy Howell, Bask, Billy Colbert, BOOKSIIII, Brian McCarty, Chris Stain, Chris Pastras, Cody Hudson, Damon Locks, Dan Monic, Dan Woehrle, David Choe, Deroy Peraza, Eddie, El Mac, Felix Jackson Jr., Frederic Terral, Gary Baseman, George Vlosich, Ginger Che, Guillermo Bert, Herb Williams, James Widener, Jovi Chanell,  Julie Adler, Justin Kleiner, Justin Hampton, Katherine Kendall, Kelly Towles, Kelly Ording, Kenji Hirata, Kwaku Alston, Lisa Anne Auerbach, Lukas Ketner, Margaret Coble, Mark Jenkins, Matt Kleiner, Maya Hayuk, Mel Kadel, Mike Murphy, Mike Jacob, Nick Dewar, Phillip Clark, Rafael Lopez, Ray Noland, Regan Rosburg, Ron English, Sage Vaughn, Sam Flores, Sarah Hoskins, Scot LeFavor, Shel Starkman, Sol Sender, Tanya M Rodrigo, Tatyanna Fazlalizadeh, Tes One, Tim Conlon, Tina Rodas, Tom Slaughter, Travis Millard, Tristan Eaton, Tugboat Printshop,  Tyler Gibney, Van Taylor Monroe, Will Barras, Yvonne Boogaerts

Source: Manifest Hope, a35mmlife

After Series 5 came out in September, its only natural to wonder whats next from the wonderful world of Dunnys.  Above is the UK series featuring work by Tado, Clutter, Frames, Doctor A, HiCalorie x Julie West, ilovedust, Jon Burgerman, Keanan Duffy, McFaul, Mimic, Peskimo, Shok 1, Triclops and UAMOU.  Prices for a blind box have gone up by a dollar.  If my guess is correct, this is to cover for the bigger boxes seen in Series 5 along with the extra plastic wrapping and accessories.  The UK series is set to release on January 22nd.  Although, I’m curious as to what the chases will be, I’m glad the English bowler hat Dunny is a common.

Image Source: Kid Robot

Oh man, here’s a hilarious clip that I saw on my buddys Facebook page and had to share with you all. Advertising / PR / Design firm Grey Vancouver came up with a brilliant take on Christmas and what it all use to mean to us all when we were kids, THE TOYS of course! Basically taking the song “We Are The World” and changing the lyrics around to “We Are The Toys”, the outcome is pretty fantastic. I smiled and laughed throughout the whole song / video and can easily say I had at least 30 - 40% of the toys in this spot. After watching this spot I called my mom and asked her where all my damn toys were, sadly they were all given away to charity, yes I was literally stunned. I just want to thank all my toys for “making my Christmas so god-damn speeeecial!”. Check out said clip at www.wearethetoys.com.

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

The Boston Globe’s “The Big Picture” has released a 3 part feature on photographs in 2008. The 120 photographs were released over the last three days, and the photos show a collection of what happened in the past year, triumphs, tragedies and wonders. These photos are amazing and truly captivate the moment that they’re in.  Check out some of the photos here then hit up The Boston Globe for the whole series: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

REUTERS/John Kolesidis

REUTERS/Arko Datta

REUTERS/Manuel Silvestri

Christmas is literally around the corner.  Late online shoppers, rejoice as  Digital Gravel is offering a 51% sale on all items today.  Simply enter the code: FIFTYONE at check out.  The sale is only good for today and the other pending condition is that your gifts or self gifts will arrive after Christmas.  On a side note, 51% is an awfully strange percentage.  But regardless, a sale is a sale.  Take advantage.

Image Source: Digital Gravel

Also, big ups to Common for mentioning Killahbeez on his blog this week.  The Killahbeez family enjoys reading the comments that you guys leave on our site, as well as receiving love from other sites and blogs. Drop us a line and let us know what is on your mind.

Click on the screen shot to see the full version of Common’s blog below:

Source: Common

Here is an excerpt from Time Magazine:

“Our cover portrait is by the street artist Shepard Fairey, whose roots are in the skateboarding world and whose early poster of then Senator Obama became the great populist image of the campaign. With this cover, Fairey has now created a new iconic image of the President-elect — a rich, multilayered poster that echoes but then expands on his original.”

This was a no brainer, as we have witnessed a historical moment in our generation.  Forty years after Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech, America has finally “reached the promise land”.

As stated in my earlier post, Barack Obama is the quintessential gentlemen that topped my best dressed list. He also receives the number one spot in my list of inspirations for 2008.

Fire it up, ready to go!  Welcome to Washington Mr. President!

Source: Time

My favorite covers are “Robocop” and “Welcome to Hearbreak”.  The artwork is truly amazing.  What is your favorite album cover?

Below is Hart’s artist statement:

“Well here it is, the complete series of my version of 808’s & Heartbreak song covers! I begin with the initial cover for the album, and then go song by song, as they’re presented on the album, each telling a story through imagery, as a metaphor for the journey Kanye West has traveled that allowed us this genius piece of work, 808’s & Heartbreak. Each cover looks to create a sort of frame by frame for the album as a whole, with imagery relating to each song, a still shot from each song that allows you to use the lyrics and project your interpretations of each song onto the piece. This is my tribute to Kanye West, whose trials and tribulations have undoubtedly made this the album of the year, if not this decade in my opinion, and a tribute to his mother Donda West as well. So I hope you enjoy this artwork, and please feel free to let me know what you think.”

Click on the thumbnail to preview the covers:

KAWS’ (Original Fake) cover:

Source: Go Where Hip Hop, Fred Hart, KAWS, Kanye West