Abode

Seeing as most of my days are spent in a windowless basement (oh the smoke and mirrors of backstage!) to be able to work from home one day a week grants me so much freedom (and productivity) I sometimes can't believe it. A dash of daylight, a spring breeze... suddenly emailing isn't all that bad. And yes, during those breaks the lap loom gets some attention too... I am home after all!

// INSPIRE / EXPAND \\ Hannah Putz

 

Hannah Putz

 "This is a project (2011 – ongoing) in which I have photographed 8 different families in 5 different cities (Vienna, New York, London, Paris and Berlin). I question the strategies and intentions of photographing someone, and the possibilities of working against an invasion of privacy in a time of complete overflow of images. I am interested in examining the notion of ‘posing’ , the need to perform in the age of social networking and permanent surveillance. I wanted to create works that transport a feeling of intimacy and closeness with the self for the subject (and the viewer) but without exposing anyone. I started photographing some of my friends who had just had their first babies in 2011, and I found the act of photographing someone with their child to be an inherently different experience. Not only due to the fact that the young mothers are in an in-between and often vulnerable state of adjusting to their new role as a mother, but also because their attention is mainly on their child, and thus not so much on the moment of being photographed. There is less of a photographic performance between the sitter and myself. I have always been interested in questioning the process of the photographic act – of ‘presenting’ oneself for an image of oneself. As a generation that seems to be ‘on air’ constantly in a society which demands permanent communication and information, the camera can become very tiresome. In this series I tried to give space for images of people to be with themselves and for themselves rather than for others. Composition and color are of great importance to me by allowing individuals to become anonymous, sculptural forms intertwined and molded together. Although I work quite formally in this series, what I try to depict is a feeling of something human and authentic."

 

TOTEMISM

 

 

All images from Riccardo Pugliese

I've always admired the concept and structure of the totem. As a young child I remember thinking the structures seemes ancient and other worldly . Here, an exhibit in South Africa explores the concept of the totemic identity through artworks from different craft artists and cooperatives.

"We are pleased to share with you images from the 'TOTEMISM: Memphis meets Africa' exhibition at Design Indaba Expo. The exhibition has brought together the talents of many great designers and craft collectives based in South Africa, inspired by totemic ideas and the revival of Memphis aesthetics.

 

Curated by Lidewij Edelkoort, the installation is the result of a collaboration between Edelkoort Exhibitions, Interactive Africa, Sergio Machado and Riccardo Pugliese, and supported by Woolworths.

Enjoy!"

More photos and information about the contributing artists here.

Spring in your step

Today was almost 60 degrees. It felt as though Spring finally received it's invitation to the seasons party. Every activity felt more inviting, more enjoyable, less annoying. Here's to the beginning of enjoyable walks, trips to the ocean, and welcoming a time of growth and renewal!

Shelia Hicks - Weaving as a Metaphor

When sourcing inspiration for my weavings, one cannot overlook the American goddess of weft and warp, Shelia Hicks. I find myself gazing at her powerful, complex, and primal work for hours. It seems as though someone needs Weaving as a Metaphor, or perhaps a more budget friendly option, Shelia Hicks: 50 Years.

Photos from here.