In these troubled times with some people from different ends strongly engaged in polarizing the world, the inspirational work of Moroccan-born Najia Mehadji, who spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Paris, should be seen as the perfect union between the cultures of the East and the West. Since we encountered the extraordinary paintings of the Paris- and Lamssasa-based artist we've been very inspired by her intellectual approach, fine technique and remarkable focus on and play with form. Her most recent series named 'Enroulement' inhabits everything -the familiar living and generative network of volumes floating on the canvas- which makes Najia Mehadji an undisputed favorite of ours in contemporary painting and living proof of the intrinsic value of cultural exchange rather than aggressive isolation. If only more people would see this... [ Continue reading ]
The fascinating photographs of Petros Koublis are like portals into another dimension. His latest series named 'In Dreams' is based on the photographer's extensive research in the writings of the Neoplatonic school and the ‘Oneirokritika’ treatise by Ancient Greek diviner Artemidorus Daldianus, inspiring him to capture divine landscapes made out of nature's utmost beauty - whether that are sedimentary rocks, colorful flora or some of the most mythical fauna to be found on earth. Always evoking the feeling of another universe to be discovered beyond that single frame. With his images - which were all shot in Greece itself - Koublis searches to bypass the mind and trigger ones intuition in order to "release the perceiving force of our senses." We can't stop gazing at these extraordinary photographs. [ Continue reading ]
At the end of this Summer, British artist Pryce Lee’s first solo show in Amsterdam opened at The Garage. The new and highly anticipated body of work named 'Ceasefire' sees the artist explore the meaning of ceasefire, the culturally charged term after which the show is named. Both in its appeal by politicians and in its definition, ceasefire has become an ambiguous and often murky term. With this new installation Lee thrusts the question of its meaning centre stage by invoking icons of peace and war to explore the intent and meaning of a word that has become increasingly part of political parlance while its outcomes have become less clear. When in Amsterdam make sure to see this extraordinary show! [ Continue reading ]
We have been following and appreciating the work of Tom Donhou, an independent frame builder based in London, since we discovered it some years ago when the British craftsman was asked to build a bike for the Rapha Continental race. Ultimately the craftsman was invited to take part in that particular race, riding the frame he built for the cause himself. The beautiful two black swallows of the Donhou logo became a regular sight in the films and photographs coming out of the UK Continental rides, and when the idea to create a bike to accompany the Rapha + Liberty launch was first suggested, Donhou's name was top of the list. Building two bespoke bikes, one for road riding and one for the city, Tom painstakingly incorporated the distinctive Rapha + Liberty print into each frame’s paintwork. Evoking the image of starlings in flight, the 1930s print from the Liberty archive is the perfect match for both Tom’s craftsmanship and the bikes themselves. [ Continue reading ]
We are very impressed by recent discovery; Copenhagen-based gallery Etage Projects, where since October a new selection of specifically created works by Swedish designer Fredrik Paulsen are on display. Named 'Stoned' the creations' departure point is the famous Swedish stone quarry 'i Öland'. Paulsen has been exploring and examining the unique qualities of the rose colored stone from the quarry and used it as the main material and inspiration for his exhibition. With his series, Fredrik Paulsen is taking a much more experimental approach towards this new body of work – allowing the material to dictate its form and function. The title reflects not only the stone as the main material in the work but the sensory and open-minded artistic process that Paulsen took in the creation of the work. [ Continue reading ]
This year, British footwear brand Kickers celebrate the 40th anniversary of their legendary Kick Hi boot. Since 1975, its iconic silhouette has graced the feet of many of the world’s leading musicians and style sub-cultures. From the days of the Manchester Hacienda and the London rave scene to collaborations with some of the UK’s leading design talent, the Kick Hi has left a cultural footprint across the last four decades – and continues to do so until this day. To celebrate the jubilee of its classic, Kickers has teamed up with David Hellqvist and Document Studios to produce ‘Forty’, a retrospective publication that traces the historical and aesthetic legacy of the Kick Hi boot, which was launched in London two weeks ago. [ Continue reading ]
For the just released 12th issue of Journal de Nîmes we travelled to Antwerp to speak with retail pioneer and well-respected figure within the fashion industry: Geert Bruloot. The curator of the current shoe exhibition in the ever-inspiring MoMu has played a pinnacle role in the road to stardom of the infamous Antwerp Six, which he sold before any one else at the avant-garde designer store Louis and exclusive footwear boutique Coccodrillo. On that rainy wednesdayafternoon we sat down with him and talked about the main theme of the issue 'new vintage', the importance of the experience in a fashion store and the need for rebellion in these times of homogeneity.
— As published in Journal de Nîmes No 12 — [ Continue reading ]
