This is a huge disco ball. The hugest, actually. Michel De Broin‘s newest site specific installation One Thousand Speculations was created for Toronoto’s Luminato Festival. The piece consists of disco ball over 25 feet in diameter hoisted 80 feet into the air, spun and spotlit each night of the festival. The ‘thousand’ of the piece’s title likely refers to the ball’s mirrors – a thousand of which reflect on David Pecaut Square below. Each of the individual mirrors reflect a large swath of light that travels over the yards and buildings each evening. The surrounds, perhaps unavoidably, seem to feel just a little more lighthearted.
The visions of Mario Martinez (also aptly known as MARS-1) seem to either be extraterrestrial or drug induced. His large scale paintings hold to very realistic perspective. However, there the realism breaks down. Geometric shapes, organic like growths, and strange lighting effects intertwine to form one complex mass on his canvas. Martinez’ work seems to depict something between living and synthetic, not quite landscapes or creatures. Check out his website to seem some similarly styled sculptural work.
The work of Yinka Shonibare, MBE is filled with the complexity and ambiguity that make art endlessly exciting. Born in London, Shonibare moved to Nigeria when he was three years old and later returned to London to attend college. In a way, his work reflects this personal dynamic between Europe and Africa. However, Shonibare’s work makes it clear that his scope is much larger than that. He skillfully blends traditional textiles, costume, and symbolism from various European and African cultures and times. Through his distinctive work, Shonibare has a way of exploring issues of colonialism in an increasingly shrinking world without taking away any of its complexity. Thus, his work doesn’t inspire political reactionism, but rather sincere thought and deep consideration.
The sculptures of Anthony Howe intriguing as they are – gleaming in the yard of his rural home. However, when a breeze picks up and flows through his work, the sculptures take on new life. These kinetic sculptures unfold in the wind with mesmerizing movement. He says of his work:
“I attempt, with an economy of means, to construct objects whose visual references range from lo-tech sci-fi paraphernalia to microbiological or astronomical models. Utilizing primarily stainless steel armatures that are driven either by hammered curvilinear shapes or flat fiberglass covered discs, I hope the pieces assume a spare, linear elegance when conditions are still, mutating to raucous animation when the wind picks up.” [via]
Often it seems the most useful objects are the most overlooked. Much of the work of artist and designer Joost Goudriaan is set upon changing our relationship with such items. A park bench, an object whose aesthetic is nearly entirely defined by its use, is transformed with traditional craftsmanship. Goudrian uses leather and walnut wood to turn a typically stark bench into luxuriant public seating. Also pictured, is a replica of the classic Nike Air Max made from chocolate. While the original may be prized and collected, Goudriaan compelled anyone who bought his chocolate replica to sign a contract stipulating that they would eat the shoe.
Graffiti artist Sofles is the subject of a new video from Selina Miles titled Infinite. The video captures Sofles as he gets to work. Through time-lapse Sofles is captured wandering through a huge building, perhaps an old school or warehouse. He puts up pieces, tags, murals – over twenty throughout the video. Sofles’ impressive work ranges in size from quick tags to huge rolled murals and styles that are similarly varied. Be sure to check out the video Infinity after the jump. [via]
Even through a computer screen Tauba Auerbach‘s work is wonderfully confusing. To answer the question that you may likely be asking right now: Yes, these are paintings. Auerbach folds, rolls, crinkles, and otherwise manipulates the canvas prior to stretching it. She then sprays it with various colors of acrylic paint from different angles. The resulting paintings are definitely two-dimensional work. The process, though, produces an extremely realistic three-dimensional effect, as if the painting were indeed folded and wrinkled then lit by colored lights.
The art of Turkish born artist Mehmet Ali Uysal is at once playful and contemplative. His work often makes use of common objects or images as its starting line. Uysal then alters its purpose or use in subtle but profound and often humorous ways. Not only Uysal’s objects, but the surrounding space can feel transformed in a way. Whether it’s a giant clothespin pinching the earth or slabs of dry wall peeled off the gallery walls, his work seems to reveal the playful potential in mundane places and things. Visitors are encouraged to revisit spaces that would otherwise be passed over forgotten.