We're all saved!

I just been reading a really interesting interview with Professor Michel Parent in AIE magazine. Admittedly, I'd never heard of him prior to this article but was drawn in by the title 'The Science of Utopia'. Along with the rest of book shoppers today, I love a good Utopia-based bit of information (it allows us to all go soaring into unrealistic visions of perfect cities without a whisper of 'carbon emissions' or 'BP oil spills').

Parent believes that 'Orthopedic shoe-makers are about to make millions in the eradication of the car.' The article delves into the possibilities of a future where we all jog to work, or catch a cycag, leaving only rich eccentrics able to afford sky-high petrol prices.

Worth a read. AIE is available at Artwords.

Lurve Magazine

I do resent being overly critical about fashion magazines as they must take a mountain of time and effort to produce, but in what could be thought of as an over-saturated market, they need the fashion mag X-Factor. And as a metaphorical Simon Cowel, I'm giving Lurve Magazine the thumbs up. Not only do I like the handy smaller format (mmm, formats) the content is also rather good. Highlights for me are the escapist New Mexico photos by Pamela Love & Jordan Sullivan and a very vintage fashion story shot by Marine Braunschvig. The general feeling is less glossy airbrushed (literally, actually, as the paper is lovely matt finish) more hazy and intangible.

Lurve can be found at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Martino Gamper: 100 chairs in 100 days and its 100 ways

Aside from a title that I find slightly awkward, this book is excellent. It shows off Italian designer Martino Gamper's talent for off-the-cuff design. Despite the spontaneous nature of the project, the results are not throw-away, these pieces are real keepers. A mark of true creativity and sure to inspire chair designers across the globe. Beautiful book design also by London-based design team Åbäke.

Pick up your copy at Artwords.

Peter Bialobrzeski: Informal Arrangements

This is the third and most interesting book I've seen by Bialobrzeski. It focuses on the interiors of shantytown shacks in South Africa. The photographs are a far cry from what you might expect -dark, depressing and soul-less. The resourcefulness of the residence is astounding and the influence of western society and commercial culture blinding. There are advertisements and film posters a plenty, one room is wallpapered with an underwear catalogue. This body of work is full of small details that may only be noted second or third time around. I highly recommend this one.

Get it at Artwords, Broadway Market.

Charles Dana Gibson

Just been going a bit giddy over the work of American illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. Little did I know that the Gibson Martini's I've been ordering, served with a pickled onion, are named after this fellow.*

*I would never order a drink with a pickled onion.

Surreal House

I'm a big surrealist fan, this I do not keep secret, so it was inevitable that I would take some enjoyment from the Barbican's 'Surreal House' exhibition. However, I will go as far to say that this was one of the most enjoyable exhibitions that I've ever been to. Not only is it wholey atmospheric, but the diverse range of work housed in the show makes you realise just how significant this topic is. The word 'surrealist' can conjure thoughts of daft people creating all sorts of Freudian oddities, yet almost all of the work in 'Surreal House' draws completely rational conclusions. One of the many many highlights was Dali's House of Venus, shown above.

I love the catalogue for the show -it's beautifully produced with great essays on the subject. You've got until the 12th September to see it, so there isn't really an excuse not to.

Interview with Kim Cooper

I met Kim whilst attending her amazing Bukowski LA tour. After returning from my visit, I felt very inspired by the city and so got in touch with Kim to get some more insider info. The result was this short interview....