Durty Nanas

WE'RE SUPPORTING

Finnish artist Riitta Ikonen makes some pretty impressive costumes for her subjects that incorporate them into their environments in playful and hilarious ways. The experiences of the people wearing Ikonen’s creations as they ride on subways, walk through parks, and stand on the street are as important as the resulting images. Read more

WE'RE LISTENING TO

Wow! This song — More Childish Than In A Long Time — from Swedish teenage twins Taxi Taxi! just burst into my headphones like the first welcome glare of a mid-morning sunshine, stinging my ears wickedly with its coarse, repetitive beauty. The forlorn, introspective lyrics and melody tease and shimmer, sending a fleeting and not-so-subtle tap on the shoulder to hit repeat, repeat, and soak it all up again.

WE'RE THINKING

There’s something folk arty about JJ Cromer’s work, and it would certainly translate well onto textiles. If Joan Miro had spent time in Africa and set up shop in rural New Jersey, his work might look something like Cromer’s. Read more

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

As a child, I took piano exams in over-sized white rooms, on baby grand pianos that felt unfamiliar and echoed strangely as someone across the room observed me in silence. It felt clinical, intimidating and completely devoid of warmth. Last week, I started noticing upright pianos, some painted haphazardly, others respectfully untouched plonked in the most unlikely places throughout Sydney. There was one on the edge of the baby pool at the local swimming pool, with a young girl in a rainbow striped dress tapping out a happy but disjointed melody; another shaded under a tree at the park on the way home. Read more

Animator Mathieu Labaye created this short film in tribute to his late father, who had been in a wheelchair for the last 15 years of his life. Read more

WE'RE WEARING

Australian t shirt label Das Monk create the coolest tees this side of Sydney. Or Melbourne. Or New York, for that matter. Made from super soft, one hundred per cent cotton, they’re comfy and unique, and quite possibly Australia’s best fashion secret. Wait! No, they are. Grab one now from the Lost At E Minor store for just US$45.

WE'RE READING

In the wake of America’s historic presidential election, nearly two years of divisive campaigning, and eight years of a controversial administration, the nation is in desperate need of healing. Beloved Internet personality Ze Frank started From 58 to 42 with Love where contributors use their webcams to post messages reaching out to the side of the country that didn’t vote for their guy. It’s saccharine at times, and there are one or two borderline nasty posts from people that don’t seem completely onboard with the project’s objective. But overall, it’s pretty effective and moving. I’ll admit I needed a couple tissues while reading it.