Urban Osmosis -NYE in SF

D Young V

GATS

Janelle Monae - Tightrope

Born Modern: The Life and Design of Alvin Lustig

If you're looking for last minute gifts. You might want to consider Chronicle Books' excellent new monograph: Born Modern: The Life and Design of Alvin Lustig.

Any discussion of modernism in California should mention Alvin Lustig. Lustig studied with Kem Weber and with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin East. Lustig viewed graphic design as part of a larger framework that included architecture, interior design, and product design. He had the sort of restless good taste that couldn't be constrained by categories. He was grounded in the Bauhaus method yet believed in California's boundless potential. Lustig's inspired teaching at the Art Center, the University of Georgia, Black Mountain College, and Yale ensured his lasting influence. He's part of an elite group of California Modernists including Louis Danziger and Saul Bass.

Born Modern takes us through all the stages of Lustig's short, stellar career. We see gorgeous full-color pictures of Lustig's immaculate type setting, his explosively creative book covers, as well as his rigorous, deceptively simple advertisements and corporate identity work. The book also treats us to an insightful look at Lustig's forward-thinking architecture, interiors, and furniture. His insistence on rejecting design specialization is more relevant today than ever before. He was designing for his era with a keen sense for the future.

Steven Heller and Elaine Lustig Cohen have created a book that's a wonderful celebration of Lustig's life and work. It's essential for any serious design library.

The Bridge is Over

There are only a few days left to check out this show of great East Bay artists. Maybe you'll even find a gift for someone.

Kelsey Brookes

Kelsey Brookes is a California artist who's work is totally manic. Check out his current show at the CircleCulture Gallery in Berlin.

The Seeker Collector's Set by Jeff Soto

Tis the season of giving. If you have lots of money and know someone that loves Jeff Soto's art then here is the perfect gift for you. You can preorder the Seeker Collector's set online right now at Bigshot Toyworks.

The Ultimate Christmas List - Svpply

If you're anything like me you have very particular taste and might not be the easiest person to shop for. Svpply is here to fix this problem. You can follow other users and find the goodies you couldn't find yourself online. This is the magic piece that brings it all together. Any online goodie can be added by using the "buy later" bookmark. Start your own account and follow us. Once you start you'll be hooked.

New Miss Van in China

 

Miss Van has made it to China. Her newest solo show opens next week in Shanghai. The work is beautiful. She also has a new website up to show it off. 

From 16 December, 2010 to 16 January, 2011

Opening 16 December, 2010 from 11am to 11pm

18 Gallery Shanghai

Bund18, 18 Zhongshan East Road (E1), 4F

Shanghai

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. - Bang Bang Bang

Mark Ronson & The Business INTL "Bang Bang Bang" from Warren Fu on Vimeo.

It's coming up on the end of the week and I'd like to start the day with something fun. Frank and I have been totally obsessed with this video. Enjoy :) For more info check out Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. online.

What Wood You Say?

Here's a blast from the past, I blogged about this artist a couple of years ago. Sighn is still creating words in wood. This time he's allowing you to be the author. If you order today you can have it shipped in time for Christmas.

Mike Giant at Guerrero Gallery

This Saturday is the opening for Mike Giant's solo show at Guerrero Gallery. It's been a while since I've seen his work in person so I'm looking forward to see what he's been working on.

DANIELS / The Hundred in the Hands

DANIELS is the Los Angeles based video duo: Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan. They've joined Warp Records prestigious roster of directors and their video for The Hundred in the Hands song 'Pidgeons' is one of the year's best. These artists are bound to make 2011 a little more interesting.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child

Last night Frank and I watched the amazing film Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child. The film was inspiring; a glimpse into the mind of a genius artist. It was equally heartbreaking and beautiful. Anyone that loves Jean-Michel's work or just loves art must see this great film.