Roman Klonek

WE'RE SUPPORTING

Nicolas Palmer captures candid images from strange worlds inaccessible to many and brings them to our attention through precision linework and vivid color. Palmer studies concept art, storyboarding and comics at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA. From graphite drawings to computer animation, Palmer’s surrealistic images travel the territory between cute and terrifying with unflagging boldness and whimsy. 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

WE'RE WEARING

Cuffs are pretty glam right now and I’m particularly feeling those by Leethal Fashion Accessories. They also have a huge range of stylish jewellery such as bangles, rings, brooches, and earrings, all for less than $50.

WE'RE THINKING

Brooklyn-born and based, Jean-Michel Basquiat was the first African American artist to be feted internationally for his dynamic and exciting street-art style, which mixed elements of inner-city graffiti with vibrant figurative modernism. Read more

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.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a reminder of why the medium of film is so special. It features first rate visuals, performances, direction and acting, all of which fits together into one of the most insightful, powerful and touching pieces of cinema ever. Read more

WE'RE LISTENING TO

If Pharrell’s calling these guys ‘geniuses’, you’d better watch out! Chester French are Ivy League prep boys from Massachusetts who have mastered an interesting Beatlesque sound tinged with Motown influences. When, in May 2007, the duo — D.A. and Max — completed their recording and their degrees (in African American Studies and Social Anthropology respectively), they were snapped up by Pharrell Williams’ label Star Trak.