HANNE'S ART AND CULTURE BLOG

The best pumpkin of 2008 was not scary, but very sweet! Big head with a tiny happy face. The pumpkin carver/ pumpkin Mama was Lauren Cornell.

"This is an absolutely fabulous, 100% wool, handknit sweater from designer, Ralph Lauren for his Polo Country collection. The sweater is a patchwork of early American iconic items sewn together in an almost crazy quilt. Signed RL 90 at the bottom, this sweater is totally collectible and just fantastic for Fall/Winter."

What can I say? This is beyond any concept of cool! The perfect sweater for Election Day.

Link

"This is an absolutely amazing vintage Henry Duarte gold and black striped dandy suit that was worn by and custom made for Terence Trent D'Arby. Here's your chance to own an item that is highly collectable because it was designed by one of Hollywood's most famous designer who custom made all his suits for music stars and Hollywood celebrities, but something that was worn by one of the legends of music history."

OK, peoples, you better start bidding! Who would not want to own and wear a suit that Terence Trent D'Arby has been wearing???

Link.

Here are some Terence Trent D'Arby music and visuals to go with your bidding:

Yahoo has collaborated with Pony to produce a purple pair of sneakers. Jeeze Louise. If you're into it, buy it here.

Primary Information is a non-profit organization devoted to printing artists books, artist writings, out of print publications and editions. Primary Information was founded by James Hoff and Miriam Katzeff, who met while working at Printed Matter, a non-profit artist bookstore in New York. United by their mutual interest in artist publications, they formed Primary Information to foster intergenerational dialogue as well as to aid in the creation of new publications and editions.

REAL LIFE Magazine: Selected Writings and Projects 1979-1994 highlights a selection of writings and artists' projects from REAL LIFE magazine, which was originally edited by artist, writer, and curator, Thomas Lawson and writer, Susan Morgan. Published in twenty-three issues from 1979-1994 as an intermittent black and white magazine, REAL LIFE featured artists and art historians writing on art, media and popular culture interspersed with pictorial contributions. The development of the magazine through its 15 year history, traces the influences, development and transitions of artists through the 80s.

The anthology features writings by and about Dara Birnbaum, Eric Bogosian, Rhys Chatham, Mark Dion, Jack Goldstein, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Kim Gordon, Dan others Graham, Thomas Lawson, Louise Lawler, Sherrie Levine, Allan McCollum, John Miller, Dave Muller, Matt Mullican, Adrian Piper, Richard Prince, David Robbins, Ed Ruscha, Cindy Sherman, Laurie Simmons, Michael Smith, John Stezaker, Bernard Tschumi, Jeff Wall, Lawrence Weiner, and James Welling among.

You can buy REAL LIFE Magazine from Amazon, as well as in selected bookshops and art museums worldwide. Buy from Amazon here.

Originally published between 1965 and 1967, the GREAT BEAR contributors were a who's who of the sixties avant-garde: George Brecht, John Cage, Al Hansen, Allan Kaprow, Claes Oldenburg, Nam Jun Paik, Diter Rot and Emmett Williams, were just but a few of the artists/authors in the series. All of the pamphlets were staple-bound and 16 pages in length (except for the Manifesto issue, which was 32 pages). While they shared the same format,each title in the series was printed on varying colors and types of paper. True to the originals, each pamphlet will be printed on various types and colors of paper and the complete edition will come in a hand-made pine box.

Primary Information website.

Lina was in Paris, now she is back in Oslo. But her show at the Gaudel de Stampa Gallery there was a good one, entitled The Grace Jones Sculpture Project.

Says the press release: "In this exhibition the artist continues her interest in representational studies of (popular) cultural figures and phenomenas. Grace Jones Sculpture Project refers primarily to an abstract, geometric form inspired by Grace Jones, the iconic figure of the ‘80s, but is as much a metaphor for the artists work in progress, and will not solely revolve around these sculptures. In the center of the exhibition, and in the classical tradition of the bust, where a sculpted or cast representation of the upper part of the human figure, depicting a person's head and neck, and normally supported by a plinth, we find the Grace Jones Mantelpiece. The bust historically aimed to recreate the likeness of an individual. Grace Jones Mantelpiece, as well as Grace Jones (Brass) and Grace Jones (Copper), depicts a modern representation of a modern woman."

Although it is too late to go to Paris to see the show, you can see pictures on the Gaudel de Stampa gallery website, under "Expositions passées".

The Passions, 1981.

Foo Fighters, 2005

Sam Taylor-Wood, produced by Pet Shop Boys, October 2008.

New work: now vs. then vs here vs. there vs this vs. that vs me vs. you vs. us vs. them.

Trailer for Cory's upcoming show at Team Gallery and performance at the New Museum on November 14, 2008. Link for more info.

A whole Youtube account of these. Via Charles. ;)

My new favorite Youtube user!!!

Keeping your refrigerator stocked will get you many women

My Chevy Caprice on 24s and I, Ballin at MCDONALDS!!

"Yea. I had to post this video of me at Mcdonalds, buying everything off the Dollar Menu. I was just having a little fun. Its the realest shyt in the Chi. I have more videos coming..lol".

A Grown Ass Man Playing NBA 2K8 Going the Fuck OFF!!!!!

"Man on the real i didnt realize my Camera was even on. I was just going through my camera, and watched my self act a damn fool over a video Game. I thought it was funny....so I decided to post this silly ass shit. WARNING EXPLICIT LANGUAGE...I know I am a Grown ass man...But I love Video Games..lol"

More here.

Wow!

Obama is elected President!! Although the most important issue is yet to be determined: Which kind of dog will Obama buy to bring with him to the White House? Earlier this year, The American Kennel Club launched a poll to find out which dog the American people found suitable if Obama was to be elected, and they chose the Poodle! Will Obama listen to the opinion of the people when deciding upon this important issue??

This is taken from the public access tv program "Goddesses". Calling himself Ecstasy, this guy is performing "I need a plus size woman (around the clock)".

Remember Mr. Winkle?? A Hollywood star, he was turned from a street dog into a brand, with his own books, calendars, and stuffed animals. He was even a guest star at Sex and the City! People is said to have stopped drinking, stopped fighting, and even decided to not commit suicide, all because of the intense cuteness of Mr. WInkle. Check his website here.

CNN introduces the hologram for election night!! Almost as big as Obama winning...!

Segment from National Geographic special on computers featuring video artist Ed Tannenbaum. Too cool for school.

I might have posted this before, but it's worth posting again: Glenn Danzig's book collection.

'In 1980, the late Krzysztof Kieslowski interviewed a number of ordinary Poles (born at various times over the preceding 100 years), asking them who they were and what they wanted from life. The results were assembled into this short film. What strikes one today, whether it is a sign of communist Poland at this time, or merely of Kieslowksi's own fascination with moral questions, is how sombre and serious most of the answers are: no-one says they want to sleep with a film star or make a quick million. It's also noticeable how similar the answers are, despite the great age difference of the participants. The best answer is fittingly the last one'.

Obama's web presence just reached new heights: His incredibly clever web advisors put behind the scenes pictures of the Obama family on Election Night on Flickr! See all of them here.

Obama is even a talented artist! He surely has a great talent for drawing: "For Northbrook's Wayne Berzon, Obama's win boosted both the historical and monetary value of a small piece of artwork. The Glenbrook High School District 225 Board member is an avid collector of baseball memorabilia and celebrity autographs. In his collection is a handmade and signed doodle Obama made on the floor of the U.S. Senate last year.
Berzon, an executive at a financial firm, bought the doodle during an online auction in May to benefit Neurofibramatosis Inc., a charity that researches the genetic disease that causes tumors to form on nerves.

Berzon recalled he figured he would buy it for about $700. Some intense bidding drove the final price up to $2,075, and Berzon later learned he had been bidding against television actress Gillian Anderson of "The X Files," whose family is deeply involved with the charity.

But Berzon said he figured he still had a bargain in securing the doodle of the announced presidential contender. "How often can you put your hands on an original from a man who's going potentially to be president of the United States? It could end up in his library one day," Berzon said.

The doodle is an informal sketch of a moment in time on the Senate floor. It features Senators Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader Harry Reid, Dianne Feinstein of California and Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. While not detailed portraits, the politicians are easily identifiable.

"He is really quite talented and his signature is very graphic. It's quite a neat little piece," Berzon said. Berzon hasn't had any offers in the past week for the piece, but in the past he's been approached by Rosemary Anderson, Gillian's mother, a West Coast movie producer and a New York socialite. Those were "pretty substantial offers," Berzon said, adding he's not interested in selling unless the price is "very right." He said he likes the idea it may one day end up in Obama's presidential library." Via Sun-Times News Group.

Via Anne Eastman.

My new absolute favorite guy on Youtube!!!
"This beat is in the very early stages. As a matter of fact, there are only two chords being played in the background. But it's fun to jam out to."

The coolest car yet.
Via Anders.

ROY LICHTENSTEIN
Untitled Shirt, 1979
Screenprint in colors, on a silk sateen shirt, overall: 30 x 36 in. (76.2 x 91.4 cm) with the screenprinted signature and date on a label affixed to inside of shirt, numbered 91/100 (there were also 25-50 artist's proofs), co-published by the artist and Artists Space, New York, occasional pale stains (mainly visible in the white areas), otherwise in very good condition.
ESTIMATE $2,500-3,500
LITERATURE Mary Lee Corlett 159

Who would not like to wear a real art work by Roy Lichtenstein??? Start bidding now at phillipsdepury.com! (they surely need your money).

No comment.

Thanks to Charles for pointing me in the direction of the Times image archive hosted by Google. There is just too much inspiration going on over there.

"This is a replica of the Andy Warhol BMW ART CAR that was part of a series of different art cars that BMW had various artist design. This model is in mint condition, I bought this item new and removed it once to inspect and then had it shrink wrap sealed! There is a small tear on the box corner from when I opened it (see pictures of actual box). Includes a nice color book that tells about the BMW Art Cars. This series of BMW 1/18 scale cars come in the nicest display case of any die cast cars that I have seen. The display case is made of the highest quality, very thick, CRYSTAL CLEAR material, it is solid and heavy. Very sharp model at a great price".

I personally collect BMW art car models and posters, and I can tell you that this is a good one. Starting price is $89.95. Bid here.

Almost uniquely for a toy fashion doll, Barbie has become a cultural icon and has been given honors that are rare in the toy world. In 1974 a section of Times Square in New York was renamed Barbie Boulevard for a week, while in 1985 Andy Warhol created a painting of Barbie. I did not know this. Now I know. It makes sense. If you want your own Andy Warhol Barbie, this company is selling the rug version. They are also selling other Andy Warhol authentic rugs.

Looks like this is becoming Andy Warhol day at Hanne's Art and Culture Blog. Now this looks and sounds like something really special and unique: "You are now bidding on a vintage Hattie Carnegie Bakelite bracelet. This is a large stretch bracelet with alternating round and carved Budda beads. I am not as familiar with Bakelite as I am with gemstones and I was told that each of these colors have names so please bare with me. There is a round mottled green with yellow and translucent brown faux tortoise shell beads. The beads alternate with long wooden beads that appear to me to possibly be striped zebra wood. This comes from a man who purchased these from Grace Jones, the disco queen, who had bought it from the Andy Warhol collection. This is really vintage, not modern, and will come with a letter of authenticity from the gentlemen who purchased them from her." Bid here.

Christie's Nov. 24 Pop Culture: Punk/Rock auction is now available for online inspection. The sale features "a collection of memorabilia from the Ramones to The Clash and The Sex Pistols." The estimates are quite interesting.. Although there are no reserves on most of the items. Check it out." As commented on The Village Voice blog Sound of the City: "The whole thing feels a little desperate, like a high-end version of some aging collector's eBay fire sale."

Everyone has been talking about Auto-tune lately. We bought a harmony pedal. This one.Your voice gets multi-layered. Perfect Harmony. We sound like this. I found a pretty good list of auto-tune examples that were put together by DJ Rupture in Brooklyn. The T Pain Chris Brown video is taken from it. And it turns out that auto-tune is really big in North African pop. Check it out here.

If these were cheaper, I would buy them: "This is a great find! These are an authentic pair of Picasso Pillows professionally sewn from original, very limited edition fabric that was made in the 1960's for use only in the Cafe Picasso.

Each pillow is Signed In Plate with the famous Picasso signature...these designer pillows measure approximately 16" x 16" and feature the Image of Visage (& the circled Picasso Seal & Signature), each a different image on a tan background...the pillow is backed in a nice dark BLUE suede material that matches the dark blue colors used in the visage. (the camera does not do them justice)". Buy It Now price is $295.

Interview magazines from the 80s are still pretty cheap on Ebay. The best cover art, and lots of inspiration inside. The above issues feature Marina Schiano, Diana Vreeland, Calvin Klein, and Alexander Godunov (he was a Russian ballet dancer, and also played a good-natured Amish farmer in the movie Witness starring Harrison Ford...). This seller has a long list of magazines, starting at $3.99!! I also like this seller's global-reach-thank-you-line in the end of each listing: "Thanks & have a great day or evening". A real Ebay professional.

I have written about Avant Garde before, but not about Avant Garde on Ebay. Usually it is not too expensive, and if you are interested in hippie culture, you should start bidding. Prices range from $3 to $199. As quoted from the Internet: "From January 1968 to the Summer of 1971, the infamous Ralph Ginzburg (Eros) edited Avant Garde Magazine. This magazine had a dramatic impact on our culture, if nothing else it provided a new and dramatic type font."> You can read a little more about the magazine here.

Goude is probably most famous for his 1980's work with Grace Jones as well as the 1989 French Revolution Bicentennial Parade and high profile advertising campaigns for amongst others Chanel, Lee Cooper Jeans and Kodak.

The Criterion Collection has updated their website, and added a selection of films to watch instantly on your computer for $5 each. Examples of movies are Cleo from 5 to 7 by Agnes Varda, Fat Girl by Catherine Breillat, Sans Soleil by Chris Marker, and Solaris by Andrei Tarkovsky. Link.

Mickey Rourke is great in the new movie The Wrestler, directed by Darren Aronofsky, in theaters on December 17, a must see!! While speaking of Rourke, let's also talk about his dog Loki, which he brings everywhere, even to the red carpet:

Gucci or "Gucci", these sweaters are high style. Bid here and here.

The perfect gift, just in time for your Christmas gift shopping! The Cute Even in the Dark 2009 calendar is now available to buy through Paypal in my web store! It will also be for sale at the Ooga Booga Store in Los Angeles from December 11.

The Cute Even in the Dark 2009 Calendar has images of animals that were taken in the dark with a flash. The eyes of animals often glow in the dark, which the flash reinforces. The images were downloaded from the Internet, and all the animal eyes have been hand painted with glow-in-the-dark paint so that they come alive at night! Edition of 100.

Buy it here!

Another great Christmas present.

"-RARE VINTAGE RALPH LAUREN EQUESTRIAN HANDKNIT SWEATER -a RARE pullover classic RL equestrian print sweater with horse shoe and horse heads. Hand knit. Very collectable. Medium weight , and just great looking!" Bid here.