Parlaitin vs. Adidas Superstar

This wire art master is back at it! Another classic shoe in a classic colorway. This Adidas Superstar created by Parlaitin is simply amazing.....as is all of his work. Check the photos, his website and my previous post.

www.parlaitin.com

The Baddest Black Man in Outta Space

Check out this incredibly creative project being put together by Che Broadnax. Broadnax is an MC and 3D animator who just successfully completed an ambitious KickStarter fundraiser to help along the completion of this amazing looking art project.

I was introduced to Che's work by another graphic artist I featured here a short while ago by the name of Ken Hill. Needless to say, I'm impressed with Che's work and I'm very much looking forward to hearing and seeing the completed project.

Through The Wire

I generally hate any kind of "sneaker art". This piece earns an exception as this is the work of an artist who happened to do a sneaker piece. Created by wire artist Curtis Anthony, this Converse All-Star rendition is so detailed and interesting that I felt compelled to share it here.

 

 

Flipping through the artists gallery I just stared in awe at the level of skill he possesses.  Pieces range in size and shape from life size potted plants to butterflies. Definitely hop over to his site and check out the work.

http://www.parlaitin.com

Hank Willis-Thomas Interview

Hank Willis-Thomas

I was introduced to Mr. Thomas' art back in 2005.  A friend of mine at the time had a blog where he mentioned the artist's work.  I was intrigued by the images he posted and I went to the artist's website to discover more.  It was love at first sight and I've been a fan of Mr. Thomas' works ever since.  Whenever I would have discussions about race relations in America, I would almost always bring up Hank Willis-Thomas.

His Branded series was most resonant for me.  His visual commentary on entities like Nike and the NBA really struck a chord in my intellect and I am continually inspired by his views.  I see this site as an attempt to express Hip-Hop as fine art and Mr. Thomas is doing this successfully whether he intends to or not.  It only made sense to work on finding out a little more about him as a person.

I reached out to Mr. Thomas to bring him to you in his own words and he graciously obliged.  Instead of rehashing the same questions he's answered hundreds of times over in previous interviews, we decided to take a more light-hearted approach.  For more on Hank Willis-Thomas and his incredibly moving art, please visit www.hankwillisthomas.com or search the web for in-depth interviews.  He's a fascinating gentleman.

RF: I managed to catch you out of the country. What are you up to? 

Hank Willis-Thomas: My first solo show in South Africa opened at the Goodman Gallery in Cape Town.  So I was there for the installation and opening. I also went to Luanda, Angola to check out the upcoming Triennial.  

RF: I don't imagine that you have a ton of downtime, but what do you enjoy doing when you're not working?  

HWT: I don't think I'm ever not working.  The greatest benefit of being an artist is that even when you're doing the most banal things or procrastinating, you are still working.

 Basketball and Chain

RF: In previous interviews you've stated that you felt you had some limitations in your photography. How has your photography evolved over the last year or 2?  

HWT: I don't really take pictures anymore.  My work has become more conceptual - thinking about how images are used rather than capturing them.

RF: I know you don't watch much TV but I'm certain you're aware of the cultural phenomenon that is The Boondocks. I'm just throwing this out there: I think it would be incredibly cool for you to do collaborative work with Aaron McGruder. I think your work is similar in many ways. You both have a lot to say and very interesting and unique ways of speaking.  

HWT: Sure.  Hook it up!

 Absolut Power

RF: It's always interesting to talk with Black men of varying educational and economic backgrounds about the “N” word. I think too many people focus on the word itself as opposed to the lack of tact when it comes to the words use. What are your thoughts on the subject? Do you use the term?  

HWT: I don't use the "N" word.  I don't know how many ways you can use it tactfully unless you're using it in the context of history or as an insult.  That being said, it does roll off the tongue pretty easily and the term "my nigger" can bring some strange sense of comfort.  

   
RF: How has the current economic trend affected your work? (In terms of ideas.)  

HWT: I don't think it has.  I have been too busy trying to figure out how we got here that many things of the present moment are still lost on me.  I'm very aware that these economic cycles occur and will continue to occur throughout our lifetime.  I'm more worried about the political ramifications and the greed and selfishness that seems to be re-surging from the "right wing".

 

 Are You the Right Kind of Woman for It?

RF: Fashion week is coming up in NY. Will you be involved at all? Are you fashion forward or generally disinterested?  

HWT: I'm not in NY so won't be involved.  I think fashion is great but it's not something that I put too much thought into.  Maybe I should...

RF: This is probably the most serious question of this entire interview: Team Blackberry or Team iPhone?

HWT: I think the iPhone is cooler and better for distractions but the Blackberry is more functional for getting messages and communication.  I like the iPhone because it's easier to ignore than the Blackberry.

 The Mandingo of Sandwiches

Images courtesy of the Artist and Jack Shainman Gallery

Ken Christopher Hill Artworks

Ken Hill is an incredible artist I discovered in 2005.  He happened to live next door to me at the time and we became good friends quickly.  Many nights we spent in the window of his 4th floor apartment drinking beer and peering out at life on Broadway in Washington Heights.

His works use several different mediums including charcoal, watercolor, acrylic and his favorite, pen and ink.  Ken has a great eye for details and his visions capture even the most casual observer.  Never settling for the mundane, his works are sometimes natural, sometimes fanciful and sometimes dark and disturbing.  He never fails to capture the viewers attention whether it be with an idea, technique or use of color.

Three Women

Guitarist

Cascadilla Gorge; Ithaca, New York

 Uterine Dreams

Justin Bua @ Pop International Gallery Promo

Justin Bua will be unveiling two new paintings at Pop International Gallery on March 25th.  The paintings are of Kool Herc and Jay-Z and certain to be hits in the pop art community.  He released this promotional video to the masses....

1st Annual Harlem Fine Arts Show

 Sir Shadow - One Line Art

Bring the renaissance back!  Harlem is doing it big for Black artists and today was the first day of the the 1st annual Harlem Fine Arts Show.  The event is being held at the historic 369th Regiment Armory in Harlem.  This armory was the home of the first all Black squad to serve overseas.  (World War I)  They were known as the "Harlem Hellfighters".

The event will showcase the works of over 60 artists.  If you have some time, definitely go over to support Black artists.

The Armory is at 2366 5th Ave. (between 142nd and 143rd Sts.) New York, NY 10037

Hours tomorrow, February 21st, are from 11 am to 7 pm.  Admission is $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children age 12 and under.

More information on the history of the 369th Regiment Armory