The appeal of superheroes

April 11th, 2012 // View Comments // Rob Turner

What is it about superheroes that appeals to people? Traditionally some would dismiss these as the fantasies of a certain type of young boy, mostly the ones that would get shoved in lockers in high school teen dramas. But this would not surely be the only reason that they have lasted for decades.

The film Unbreakable by M Night Shamaylan theorises that in some respects superheroes are modern extensions of mythology. In the case of Wonder Woman Greek mythology is referenced and a key part of the story, while the Marvel comic Thor is taken directly from Norse storytelling traditions.

The Gods of ancient mythologies tended to be powerful but also flawed characters. They would often play games with the lives of the humans they served but could be equally cruel to each other (Shakespeare noted this in King Lear with his “As wanton flies to the Gods are we, they play with us for their sport.”).

However if this were the case then essentially you could say they were soap operas with super powers. That alone would probably not be enough to translate into millions of sales and blockbuster movies that have been massive hits throughout the world. There is something deeper than that.

One reason is that it is a lot easier to discuss issues via the comic medium. A good example is X-Men. During its release in the sixties many felt that the struggle between Magneto and Professor Xavier was a subtext for the civil rights era. As time has gone by it has since been regarded as a subtext for a number of different people that feel marginalised by society.

Another intriguing aspect is that of the dual identity. Depending on the type of hero you like this can signify a number of things. In the case of Superman it is the idea that you can make yourself into something that is symbolic and positive, something that people will respect and want to model themselves on. For others such as Batman or Daredevil there is the sense that wrongs can be righted when more conventional forms of justice fail.

The strange thing is that the non superhero side of the dual identity can have appeal too. Clark Kent is a well meaning bumbler who most people would probably get on with. Tony Stark (especially as played by Robert Downing Junior) seems like an ideal drinking buddy, someone who would pick up the tab and not think twice about it.

Finally of course there is the whole superpower aspect. The Hulk is a good example of true freedom, where nothing can prevent you getting what you want. Spiderman seems to be having fun, shooting off quips while flinging his webbing at his foes. And of course flying is something that has been a dream for people since people were capable of looking up at the sky.

This is not to say that just because you put someone in tights in a film this will instantly guarantee you success. While the appeal is there you need to appreciate that not everyone who goes to this film will have read decades of comics, but equally you need to show respect to the people that have made such a film possible in the first place. So long as film makers continue to respect both halves of the audience then I suspect the appeal of superheroes will endure.

If you are looking for original artwork, brief the Exchange now!

Rob

The power of a simple shape

April 5th, 2012 // View Comments // Paper Boat Creative

The circular dot shape can be considered powerful symbol. When used in the context of design it can signify a clean contemporary mark in a branding exercise or vice versa at to the other end of the spectrum it could simply be a splash of paint or a fun sticker.

Well, contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama seems to have found the middle ground. We recently stumbled across her latest project titled ‘Obliteration Room’ being shown in the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA); a seriously cool interactive installation for children.

A series of rooms were painted bright white including all of the furniture, walls, ceilings, floors creating a huge exciting blank canvas. Over the course of a fortnight, children were given thousands of vibrant, coloured dot stickers to be placed in the room wherever their creativity took them. Their contributions in transforming the white space look mesmerising and the finished piece has a real vibe of happiness and resourcefulness surrounding it. After explosions of vibrant colour balanced with a simple shape? Look no further.

We think this was a fantastic exercise for children to embrace their creative side.

If you are looking for original artwork, brief the Exchange now!

Paper Boat Creative

What is public art?

March 30th, 2012 // View Comments // Paper Boat Creative

What is the point of public art? …perhaps to regenerate urban areas, to create local or national pride, to aid tourism, or simply to make a statement?

The answer is all of the above.

Public art can bring people together, and can enable those who would perhaps never set foot in an art gallery to experience something new and exciting. Taking art out in the open is a way to display the work of great artists to the general public, and can bring a rich cultural mix to our environment.

The term ‘public art’ often refers to sculpture, which as a 3d form, is typically the most suitable medium for filling a public space. but it can take many forms; from a painted road, to a building covered with fabric…

‘The Urban river’ installed in the town of Drachten, Netherlands, 2007

Parlimentary building in Berlin, ‘The wrapped Reichstag’ by Cristo and Jean-Claude, 1995

It can be created as a permanent fixture to the landscape, or as a temporary installation (the latter often involving a more interactive element with the viewer). The realist sculptures of Claes Oldenburg can be seen in many major cities worldwide as permanent additions to the landscape, whilst the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar square regularly sees new artworks occupying its empty space amongst the permanent statues.

Flying Pins by Claes Oldenburg, Eindhoven, Netherlands, 2000

The current work occupying the fourth plinth: ‘Powerless structures, Fig.101 by Elmgreen & Dragset

Light (both artificial and natural) is also a common subject in public art displays, perhaps because it interacts so clearly with its environment, and in turn, encourages interaction with the viewer.

‘Kolonihavehus’ (or glass house) by Tom Fruin, installed in Copenhagen, 2010

Art for the masses. This is essentially what public art is; above all it is for everyone, it can aim to instill some meaning to the mundane, to brighten up everyday life, or just look nice!

If you are looking for unique artwork, submit a brief now!

Paper Boat Creative

Bicycle culture

March 27th, 2012 // View Comments // Paper Boat Creative

The bicycle has been a functional, fun and accessible way to travel around for many many years. Used all over the world by people of all ages the bicycle is in essence a timeless piece of engineering and design and it would seem that more and more of a cultural following has begun to surround this humble machine.

Without diving too much down the route of cycle sports and the athletic appeal of a bicycle lets concentrate on what is on offer. Is it the freedom gained? The design and aesthetics? The combination of components and customisable nature of building something personal?

Well one great project worth looking into is ‘Artcrank’, a celebration of all things cycle, design and creative culture.

‘Artcrank is a show of bicycle-inspired poster artwork that introduces people to talented local artists and sends them home with affordable, original works of art.”

The bike themed poster exhibition started in Minneapolis, America in 2007 and has since expanded to nearly a dozen locations, adding more cycle-happy cities. Interestingly it’s creator is a Creative Director and discovered cycling was a great antidote to the stresses of his day often riding with the other designers at his company. By creating the event he has managed to successfully combine two things he really loved; bikes and design. The work and event offers a lot of insight into what a bike means to specific individuals and suggests that the cycle and the culture it cultivates could be considered to some a way of life. Crucially, above all sharing ideas.

*Images courtesy of Allan Peters and Juri Zaech

A further example of fantastic cycle art is ‘I feel good today’, a three-dimensional wall art, symbolic of creative minds coming together. Located in a popular coffee bar in Germany, interestingly the bar’s owners happen to be video producers and feel the piece represents creative minds coming together.

*Image courtesy of thecoolhunter

Another angle to consider is perhaps the craftsmanship involved with constructing something personal to the individual. It is often rare in the modern world that the opportunity of being personally involved with the design and manufacture of a product you ordered is presented to you. Well, recent short film ‘The Inverted Bike Shop’ tells the story of just such an opportunity. Their collaborative building project invites you into the design process and even asks you to immerse yourself in a bit of elbow grease working alongside their mechanics; the end result, your very own custom built bicycle. Even if not a DIY’er this opportunity of having a hands on approach is one that is appealing.

It would seem that from these outlooks the most appealing elements of cycle ownership is accessibility and sharing ideas. Perhaps that’s why creatives find them so appealing, I’m not sure but personally I find a certain thrill and sense of freedom delivered from these two wheeled contraptions. What are your thoughts?

If you are looking for unique artwork, brief the Exchange now!

Paper Boat Creative

Little People Project

March 21st, 2012 // View Comments // Paper Boat Creative

It is said that it is the little things in life that make us happy. Discovering something new with a few smiles along the way be it physical or a smile in the mind.

Artist ‘Slinkachu’ is one of these such people that are to be admired. Quietly going about their work, the conceptual ideas and thought process behind the ‘Little People Project’ make for fantastic viewing whoever you are. The project has been running several years now and involves the remodelling and painting of miniature train set characters which are arranged in various scenarios within everyday city life. The work ‘plays with the notion of surprise’ and ‘encourages city dwellers to be more aware of their surroundings’.

Set up and left for passers by to discover, whether you think work is an exercise in creativity or aimed to reflect perhaps the melancholy of living in a big city it can not be denied that these small bursts of humour are welcoming sight on the streets.

Check out more work here!

If you are looking for unique artwork, submit a brief now!

Paper Boat Creative

Design Inspiration: Heatherwick Studio

March 19th, 2012 // View Comments // Mimosa Creations

Thomas Heatherwick is well known in Europe for his modern design work on monuments and sculptures.  Heatherwick will host a breathtaking exhibition in his studio to showcase his majestic work. He is among the very few to inculcate the use of engineering in his art. Heatherwick was selected as a Royal Designer at the tender age of 24. He is also the proud holder of the prestigious London Design Medal and the Prince Philip Designers Prize. In recent years he has created amazing works of art that will be on display at his studio for the very first time in his illustrative career. For design inspiration of epic proportions, artists and enthusiasts from around the globe greatly anticipate his exhibit.

How the Heatherwick Studio is Unique

The Heatherwick Studio stands out from the rest because of the studio’s great attention to detail. The designs are based on elegance and integrated designs, as opposed to conventional works. The designers at the Heatherwick Studio are highly concerned with minute details.  From selecting the perfect material to measuring the best parameters, nothing is overlooked. Heatherwick Studio designs have brought about a revolution by incorporating unique patterns and getting involved with industrial collaborations.

The History of the Studio

The Heatherwick Studio was first established by Thomas Heatherwick after he attained his Masters’ degree in Art from the Royal College of Art in the year 1994. He formed his own group with the purpose of working on contemporary designs. Heatherwick raised the standards of the design industry by adding a new dimension. He began to focus on 3D objects. Heatherwick has created many dimensional designs that have received international acclaim in the form of architecture, urban planning, sculpture, and product design.

Memorable Works from the Heatherwick Studio

Some of the renowned works of the Heatherwick Studio include the design and implementation of London’s Rolling Bridge in Paddington Basin. It unique design rolls up into a compact shape once a ship passes through the basin. The Heatherwick Studio Designing is also responsible for the design of a spinning chair and an expandable zip bag. The studio is also responsible for the design of a chalice for the Olympics to be held in 2012, an “endless bench,” and a new London bus.

Exhibition Details

The Heatherwick Studio Exhibition will be held from 31 May to 30 September 2012 at the Porter Gallery. John Heatherwick has always left both his clients and worldwide admirers in awe of his spellbinding designs. The Heatherwick exhibition will show how the process of designing an actual product takes place. Heatherwick has worked on the designs for the last two decades, and his finished pieces will be displayed as completed products or prototypes. The Exhibition fee will also include a complementary visit to the John Madejski Garden. If you’re ready to be inspired, the Heatherwick Studio exhibit is an event you won’t want to miss.

If you are looking for unique artwork, submit a brief now!

Kathleen

Trunk House

March 15th, 2012 // View Comments // Paper Boat Creative

Ever fancied escaping city life for an adventure in the outback? Architect Paul Morgan’s latest work ‘Trunk House’ seems an awfully tempting proposition.

Morgan’s design sought to achieve an element of a transparent relationship with it’s woodland surroundings and forest environment. Using forked tree branches to frame the southeast Australian building enables the build to blend almost seamlessly into the landscape and looks at sustainable, ecological builds. Inspiration for the design came from traditional aboriginal structures merged with contemporary design.

Whilst Morgan admits that a number of trees were felled to make room for the cabin, it’s great to know that to offset the carbon footprint, they were milled and cured on-site to provide panels and lining.

The project boasts aspirational qualities of living and of being in such an architectural masterpiece that offers the beauty found of living in the forest and closeness to wildlife.

It cannot be denied that this architectural wonder is a beautiful to behold. We want to know when we can move in.

If you are looking for original artwork, brief the Exchange now!

*Images courtesy of deezen.com

Paper Boat Creative

Oscar Nominated ‘The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore’

March 9th, 2012 // View Comments // Paper Boat Creative

Recently, an unexpected masterpiece won an Oscar for ‘Best short film’. ‘The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore’ is an immersive animated movie and bedtime story all rolled into one. Completely revolutionary in its field as it’s not a traditional film or storybook…but rather an iPad app.

Created by author, illustrator and animator William Joyce, his work includes top character designs for many of Pixar’s classics as well as work for Dreamworks and Disney. In collaboration with Moonbot Studios the fantastical 15-minute movie has a variety of animation techniques and styles within it and uses music instead if dialogue to capture the audiences mind. Pushing the E-book boundaries and demonstrating the need for creativity in education, the app seems to push all of the right buttons in being interactive but not overpowering in weaving a great story.

A delightful tale that will inspire many a child as well as adult. Try the experience out for yourself on the iTunes store or watch the trailer!

If you are looking for unique artwork, brief the Exchange now!

Paper Boat Creative

David Shrigley; Brain activity

March 6th, 2012 // View Comments // Paper Boat Creative

The Hayward Gallery in London opened it’s doors for new artist David Shrigley’s exhibition last month and has been renowned as a thought provoking success. A range of work was on display varying from his photography and illustration to his slightly bizarre taxidermy sculptures.

What is particularly exciting about Shrigley’s work is his sense of humour and execution of concepts. Sometimes dark but fun drawings spark a slight amount of controversy with Shrigley’s character filled scribbles, whilst pointing the spotlight on a certain issue he wishes to highlight.

For example ‘Fight The Nothingness’ is a rallying cry proclaimed on a billboard sized canvas hanging from the side of the Hayward Gallery itself. Showcasing Shrigley’s illustrative style with a clenched fist and hand-rendered type make the piece say everything and yet nothing about consumerism, society and just plain corporate sloganeering.

Food for thought, his work certainly has a unique and interesting quality to it.

*Images courtesy of the Guardian.

Paper Boat Creative

7 Tips for Writing an Unforgettable Artist Statement

February 29th, 2012 // View Comments // Mimosa Creations

The purpose of your artist statement is to provide the viewers with personal insight about your motivation and inspiration for your collection. When a statement is well-written, it will clarify, justify, or explain the artwork on display. Here are ten tips to help you write an unforgettable artist statement:

1. Don’t Postpone the Writing Process

Don’t save your statement for the night before the exhibit opens. Since a true artist statement is a reflection of every work included in your collection, it should be easy to begin. What made you begin the project in the first place? What inspired you to keep making the art on display? Answering those questions should give you more than enough fuel to get you started. Give yourself plenty of time to craft a statement that represents your work. Be sure to reserve extra time for revisions.

2. Your Words Should Complement Your Work

Is your work whimsical or serious? Is it abstract or realistic? Make sure your prose reflects the personality of the work it complements. Quotes from fellow artists, philosophers, and writers, can also add spice to your statement. If you’re in need of inspiration, then take the time to tour art galleries. Take notes on what made the featured statements successful.

3. Keep the Mumbo Jumbo to a Minimum

Who hasn’t read the statement that overflowed with nonsensical jargon? During my years working in a museum, I read hundreds artist statements. Some were enlightening and increased a viewer’s anticipation. Others simply made museum visitors wonder if the artist had made it past Kindergarten. Keep in mind that the people who read your statement are looking for more insight into what they’ve come to view. A statement does not have to be incomprehensible in order to be artistic. You can make your statement artistic and concise.

4. Consult Your Fellow Artists

You can always have a fellow artist look over your writing in order to determine whether or not you’re communicating your ideas effectively.

5. Make Plenty of Revisions

Editing is a major part of the writing process. Every time you edit your artist statement, focus on refining your ideas and communicating in a more effective way. If you burn out, then take a short break and look for inspiration the same way you would for visual art.

6. Be Prepared to Revise Again in the Future

The statement you prepared for an art show one year ago may not necessarily reflect your present work. Revisit your statement on a regular basis to make sure it still represents the style of your current form of artistic expression.

7. Good Grammar is Essential

Good grammar keeps your statement legible and professional. Spell Check is wonderful feature, but don’t rely on it completely. If your editing skills are shaky, then have a professional edit your work.

Whether you love or hate the writing side of the art business, an artist statement is necessary. When your statement is well-written it will complement your body of work.

If you are looking for unique artwork, brief the Exchange now!

Kathleen