WE'RE SUPPORTING

Riikka Sormunen’s paintings are stylised depictions of fantasy worlds. She also paints novelty figurines to immerse in these beautiful environments, where darkness seeps in, lending them unusual and thought-provoking qualities.

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

The Suit Up exhibition comprises a number of artworks from various Australian street, comic, and illustration artists, each of whom has applied their unique style to that ubiquitous — yet, rarely tapped — canvas, the playing card. The designs have been produced as giclee prints, signed and numbered by the artists, and are limited to 10 prints of each design. Real-size decks of cards have also been produced for sale. The Suit Up crew is a close-knit group of predominantly Melbourne-based artists who are passionate about Australia’s ‘low-brow’ art scene, which is more collaborative and less ego-driven than much of the the high-brow art world. The exhibition runs between February 13 and 25.

WE'RE WEARING

Australian designer Mic Eaton has created an innovative line called Material Boy which specializes in over-sized shirts and funky trackpants. Read more

WE'RE THINKING

There’s been an interesting trend recently in print and advertising work in particular away from the perfect symmetry and airbrushed cleanliness of vector art and back towards a looser form of hand-drawn illustration. I see it everywhere, from the middle pages of highbrow pop culture publications to the style sections of local broadsheets. And yet, it’s unexpected, especially so soon after the wave of vector art which swamped the print world just a few years back. Read more

WE'RE READING

Conceptual artist Pascual Sisto stumbled across a Google Maps street view of Minnie Street in Fairbanks Alaska that was obscured by a plastic bag. He has the view preserved on his site in case Google decides to re-photograph the intersection.

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

Where to start with Z-Trip? Shepard Fairey propped him on this site a few weeks back, but let’s face it: the guy is worth a double post. He’s the king of the mash-up, a dance floor master, and the humblest guy you’ll meet. If you haven’t heard of him (unlikely), then go to his website right now and download his free mixes. He deejayed a show for us in 2000, right when his breakout CD, Uneasy Listening, dropped and I was floored. Who has the audacity to mix a Pat Benatar beat with Public Enemy vocals? This guy.