Illustrated Humor

The latest works of London based Designer and Illustrator Aled Lewis, who

combined the two remedies of humor and creativity as a part of his ever-so- clever Make Something Cool Every Day project. His artistic aim for this year is literally, to create something every day.

In his composition, Lewis has given these very ordinary animals charisma and a sense of humor, as a result of both the juxtaposition and the interjection of these witty-one-liners.

http://www.aledlewis.com/

In the Name of Art

The latest in Middle Eastern Contemporary Art, is a project undergone by NYU's Wafaa Bilal. The professor of art, has installed a small digital camera on the back of his head:

The camera will capture his everyday life at one-minute intervals, 24-hours a day for an entire year, and then be transmitted to the museum. And why the back of his head? "To make an allegorical statement about the things we don't see and leave behind", Bilal explains. "He doesn't have to alter his lifestyle or what he does. In principal, he's moving on with his life", says museum curator Sam Bardaouil. "It will be a three-dimensional, real space-and-time experience. Once the piece is revealed, you'll realize that the camera is only one aspect of the work and there are aspects as important that will be experienced".

The Third I was commissioned by the Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, where 22 other artists will display their work in an exhibition titled, Told/Untold/Retold.


When I first came across this story, I didn't think I would write about it, because quite frankly, I couldn't believe my eyes! Nevertheless, I shared the article with a very dear friend of mine, and asked him what his opinion was, to which he responded "Why the hell doesn't he just turn around and take a picture?"
Inbetween fits of giggles I tried to explain that simply turning around and taking a photograph, would not make the front page of Vogue's news page online, or break boundaries of contemporary visual arts.

I wish Wafaa the best of luck, and I will be sure to follow his work closely, because I admire his dedication to creating this type of unparalleled visual art, his adamance to break boundaries is evident in both the content and concept of his work.

source: http://www.vogue.it/en/people-are-talking-about/art-photo-design/2010/11/the-3rd-i
            http://wafaabilal.com/

Nadine Kanso

"Resist"
Lambda print
30 x 50 cm, 2009

Courtesy of Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde

Harper's Bazaar Dubai: Best Dressed 2010

 "Bil Arabi", Nadine's 18-carat gold collection

One fine Saturday morning, on one of my trips to Dubai (whilst living in London), I made an appointment to go to NBar in Palm Strip, as my fellow female Dubaïns are probably aware, part of NBar's charm is, that it is a place where you might end up sitting next to an old friend, or bumping into someone you haven't seen in ages. 
As I was in the lounge, enjoying my mani/pedi this incredibly striking woman walked in and sat on the chair next to mine. Have you ever seen someone and immediately thought "ah, this is a person with alot of character"? I took one look at this polite yet intense person and the word CREATIVE was the first thing that came to my mind.
Several months later, back in London, I was doing research on contemporary Middle Eastern artists based in Dubai, for a paper I had to write for my MA, and low and behold- I came across an article about the work of a Lebanese artist called Nadine Kanso. I sat back in my chair and quietly cheered "I knew it!!"
All of a sudden this body of research became so much more meaningful, and I sprang into efficiency immediately, with the objective to not only complete the paper I was writing- but to learn as much as I could about Nadine's work, her evident love for Middle Eastern culture, and ultimately the way in which she has transformed this love into art and jewelry.
Nadine has become one of my favorite contemporary Middle Eastern artists, I find that her work is not only aesthetic, but it is honest and in a world where the truth isn't always beautiful, Nadine makes it inspiring and enjoyable to admire.

You can learn more about Nadines work on her website http://www.nadinekanso.com/, prepare your eyes for a feast!

sources: http://www.ivde.net/artists/Nadine_Kanso_works.html

http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/200910113110/Culture/nadine-kanso-arab-hip-and-proud-of-it.html

http://www.redvelvetnation.com/2010/03/harpers-bazaar-arabias-best-dressed.html

http://www.whosnextindubai.com/en/2010/09/23/bil-arabi-by-nadine-kanso-lebanon/

David Downton

All I want for Christmas, is a copy of David Downton's "Masters of Fashion Illustration"

David's collection is so effortlessly dreamy, his brushstrokes are reminiscent of a night in Paris in the 1960's, intense, beautiful and memorable.

His iconic sketches are the perfect stocking fillers, for all your fashionistas in your family!

source: http://www.daviddownton.com/

Fashion Philanthropy

"Lanvin's Creative Director Alber Elbaz has customized unique haute couture looks from the Lanvin for H&M collection. The looks were revealed at a fashion show in New York and are now being auctioned exclusively at this site. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to UNICEF, as part of H&M’s “All for Children” project."

When it's fashionable it makes my heart flutter, and when it is for a good cause, I simply fall head over heels in love!
Alber's work is nothing short of mesmerizing, it's almost as if the sketches are prancing down the runway!
The actual in-store collection will help dress you for all occassions this Holiday Season...

Don’t miss your chance to own a unique piece of the Haute Couture collection from Lanvin for H&M. Bidding closes at 11:59 PM CET on November 26th.

source: http://www.lanvinforhm.com/

Postcards for Comic Relief

Keeping in touch, for a good cause....These postcards have been designed by the likes of Manolo Blahnik, Stephen Jones and DVF for the Comic Relief Postcard Auction.

Nothing makes me happier than a good cause laced in alot of love!
These designer postcards would make an incredible memorabilia, not to mention, bringing back the art of keeping in touch, in style!

Maybe we'll send you one from Jordan this weekend.

A great cause and a great deal of creativity!

Courtesy of http://www.vogue.co.uk/