This Is Ikon

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2012-02-14T18:26:00.001+11:00

Lego is making news again, this time with the help of two young Canadian lads. Their intriguing initiative saw a Lego man launched into space with the help of weather balloon. At a staggering height of 80,000 feet and with camera and GPS on board, the Lego Astronaut's adventure is now available for all to see.

PLAYLIST: THAT'S AMORE

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000+11:00

When we think of romance, our minds turn to the 1950s, the glamour of Hollywood and to the dulcit tones of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra to name just a few. We're sure Al Martino will be providing the perfect mood in romantic situations across the land this Valentine's Day.

SNAP: KYEEMAGH 7PM

2012-02-13T09:52:00.000+11:00

WIGGIN' OUT: HAIR-RAISING

2012-02-10T09:14:00.001+11:00

Cutting edge and gravity defying, the Alternative Hair Show has been raising money to help and support those suffering from Leukaemia, Lymphoma and other blood-related cancers for the past 28 years. The outlandish event ousts the common curl in favour of more Gaga-esque dos, unnatural colour and baffling bouffants, with wild costumes and theatrical extravaganzas playing support roles to these outrageous styles. We think it's a terrific cause, and are pleased to hear that global incarnations are also proving successful, including last year's Moscow event. In the meantime, click through to The Guardian's slideshow.

SNAP: CRADLE MOUNTAIN 6.23AM

2012-02-08T08:30:00.003+11:00

SATE: 10 FISH TO FRY

2012-02-06T07:55:00.000+11:00

'The End of the Line' is a documentary discussing the devastating effect overfishing has on our oceans. The film considers: the imminent extinction of bluefin tuna, brought on by an increasing demand for sushi; the impact on marine life resulting in an explosion of jellyfish; and the implications of a future world with no fish where mass starvation is likely. Sadly, 'The End of the Line' predicts that if we continue fishing as we are now, we will see the end of most seafood by 2048.

As fish doomsday lurks, Fish2Fork provides information for people who want to eat fish sustainably, with great tips for consumers. One of the easiest and most delicious ways to eat fish sustainably is by selecting less popular fish to fry. Here's Fish2Fork's top ten: 1. Sardines 2. Gurnard 3. Black Bream 4. Coley 5. Mackerel 6. Megrim 7. Pollack 8. Dab 9. Tilapia and 10. Oysters.

Fishy Fact: A former roving bluefin fisherman monitoring global catches, claims that Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi has cornered a 40 per cent share of the world market in the endangered bluefin tuna. The fisherman suggest that if the Bluefin tuna is frozen at -60C now, it could be sold in the future for astronomical sums, particularly if Atlantic Bluefin tuna becomes commercially extinct as forecast. Images sourced from Gourmet Traveller/Ben Dearnley.

EYES DOWN

2012-02-03T09:50:00.000+11:00

Libraries near and far are casting their dowdy images aside, taking on startling transformations that make us want to dash out to nab some hot new books, or simply just ogle at some architecture. We've been dazzled by Stuttgart's new library designed by Yi Architects (above), which displays a clever use of building materials working in tandem with design to create a gleaming central atrium. The result: an Escher-esque book repository with a zen-like ambience.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Or possibly a nod to the literary classic Moby Dick? If we didn't know better, we'd say Norway's Vennesla Library transports readers into the belly of a whale. Either way it has certainly ignited our imagination.

Across the seas and way down south is Taltal Public Library in Chile. This light-filled Murúa-Valenzuela refit is a hit with locals. We're liking the brightness of the interior and how the colour of the book spines becomes a design element in its own right.

The Avondale Heights library in Melbourne's Moonee Ponds is much closer to home. Designed by h2O architects, this is not only an explosion of colour and form in the burbs, but a green wonder with energy efficient water systems and an effective use of natural light.

We know it's been there for a while now, but we're happy that Sydney City Library's Surry Hills branch is our local. We're also fans of the Customs House branch, the perfect place to grab a coffee and catchup with the latest magazines from around the globe. With all this building activity, it seems German photographer Candida Hofer, well-known for her large scale photographs of empty libraries (below), has still got her work cut out for her.

PROJECT 82

2012-02-02T18:07:00.001+11:00

We're back in the studio and excited to be working with Project 82, who recently approached us to develop creative for their summer sofa sale and a series of product illustrations. The concept was to be integrated across various applications: outdoor, digital and press. Maybe you caught the ad in Saturday's Spectrum? Or the shop window on Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills is hard to miss! But do not despair, if all this rain is keeping you inside, you can click through and see it on-line.

SNAP: KANGAROO POINT 7.17PM

2012-01-31T09:10:00.000+11:00

FLASHBACK: RETRONAUT

2012-01-30T15:14:00.000+11:00

One of our guilty pleasures lately is Retronaut, a site created by Chris Wild bringing together a treasure trove of wonders from bygone eras, including the quite recent past. The veritable vault of imagery is classified by decade, clusters and categories. It seems you can find any image set you could dream up, from Victorian Surrealism to an evolution of Madonna as told though magazine covers, or one of our favourites, the Black Cat film auditions held in Hollywood in 1961 (above). We say, take a step back in time.

SNAP: EUMUNDI 2.07PM

2012-01-24T09:22:00.001+11:00

THIS IS: QUOTIDIAN

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000+11:00

The everyday, or quotidian, has been gaining favour in art circles for some time, perhaps illustrated recently with the Outpost street art exhibition on Cockatoo Island. Keeping our eyes on the road is where we first came into contact with Melbourne-based Louis Porter. Any book titled Bad Driving is bound to catch your attention, and to see it as art is definitely a positive perspective. One victim of bad driving is seen in this image of a flattened red post box (above). Louis has a knack for capturing the peculiar, and we have since been bemused by the deadpan humour of his barking dogs series too.

Seen from above, we marvel at the visionary audacity of this work (courtesy The Cool Hunter who did a terrific round-up of street art and why it matters). We were reminded of our own foray into data visualisation, but commend the life-size and literal approach above.

The Dadaists may have been first to transform newspapers into works of art, but we're enjoying Marie Hugonnier's colour blocking and simple reconfiguring to produce bold works which reference the street nature of the newsprint.

And finally, Mårten Lange's raw black and white photographs of everyday objects have a surreal edge thanks to harsh flash and a clear focus on ephemeral, and sometimes simply banal, subjects. The results are intriguing, delivering a peculiar charm which is unexpectedly captivating.

THIS IS: NOTED

2012-01-18T07:41:00.000+11:00

It seems the allure of Polaroid photographs is everlasting with the 2012 Poladarium selling-out despite a second reprint. The calendar includes 366 photos complete with descriptive stories on the flipside. Guess we'll need to find another calendar to remind us to get in early for the 2013 edition!

FONTIFICATE: CLOUD READING

2012-01-17T07:40:00.000+11:00

Letters and landscapes come together in Towards a Poetic Morphology, a The Cloud Collective project breathing new life into Robert Walser's poem Oppresive Light. Installed in a former textile printing factory, letters ebb and flow throughout the space allowing audiences to navigate the poem unconventionally. Weather also plays a part, with different atmospheric conditions disrupting how type reads, and therefore transforming meaning through sculptural form.

SNAP: IVY STREET 7.45AM

2012-01-16T07:52:00.000+11:00

PLAYLIST: BETH ORTON

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000+11:00

We've been longtime followers of Beth Orton's folky blend of electronica, not to mention her velvety voice. Anticipation is growing as we look forward to her gig as part of Sydney Festival, which has officially seized our city. Beth's sold-out show in Angel Place promises old favourites as well as sneak peeks of new tracks from her soon to be released new album.

SNAP: ARNOLD LANE 4.30PM

2012-01-09T09:01:00.002+11:00

LEGO FEVER

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000+11:00

Big thinkers continue to transform little bricks into amazing feats of ingenuity. At first glance it may seem like a normal Christmas tree (above), but on further inspection this tree in London's St Pancras Station reveals an obsessive fabrication process. All-consuming construction continues with this fantastical representation of the NY Times Magazine's iconic T by Sachiko Akinaga (below, courtesy of Design Boom). Wow!

EARTHBOUNDING

2011-12-22T09:28:00.000+11:00

We've had a keen eye on the wonder of the world this year ever since we were inspired by Google's abstracted forms of the planet as we researched travel destinations. NASA's recent time-lapse footage traversing the world from space (above) had us transfixed, particularly following our data visualisation obsession earlier in the year. Taking the earth influence in other directions is artist Susan Stockwell, who not only creates maps from unexpected materials, but also creates period dresses using maps as material (below). Image ©Susan Stockwell, Colonial Dress (detail) 2009.

THIS IS: LIFE SIZE

2011-12-21T07:58:00.000+11:00

Our eyes have spied interiors that are not quite as they should be. These hand-drawn works are life-size in scale and mono in tone giving the interiors a barely there twist. With pinpoint accuracy and attention to detail, LeGun's curious hand drawn The Unknown Room (above) engages the imagination. With a nod to Chinese Whispers, the room's creation is said to be inspired by George Melly — a fellow who loved Soho, Dada and jazz — and his diary. We simply love the bold graphic quality of the room with all its eccentricities.

La Maison Champs Elysées needs no introduction. We are enchanted, having already mentioned it's charms in relation to taxidermy and mirrors. However, we thought the The Guilded Lounge Suite is an impressive display of trompe l'oeil with drawn walls evoking detailed interiors of earlier times juxtaposed with contemporary flourishes.

While appreciative of Nendo's Thin line furniture, what we really love is the is the extension of 'thin line' into the installation (above). Slightly surreal, with just a touch of Alice in Wonderland, we love the whimsical effect of hand-drawn perspective which accentuates the mind-bending quality of the room.

SUSHI TO GO

2011-12-20T07:30:00.000+11:00

There is no denying our devotion to sushi - we love it in all its guises! We're also quite partial to Fendi's quirky beaded clutch with all its references to the object of our affection. For the girl who has everything!

HONEY HONEY

2011-12-19T14:30:00.000+11:00

From Melbourne to Copenhagen, it seems everyone is making a bee-line to the rooftop. Our fascination with hives continues via Ganim's Store in Melbourne. Honey harvesters Mat and Vanessa produce honey, which has been lovingly gathered from the suburbs of Melbourne (above). It's said that each precinct has its own distinct taste with samples in test tubes available from Ganim's. Also a hive of activity, BYBI is a non-profit organisation in Denmark creating opportunities for formerly homeless people to transform Copenhagen's rooftops and gardens into working apiaries. In the process they're also helping Europe's dwindling bee population rebuild with millions of bees producing honey for the city.

SNAP: WELLINGTON 6.52PM

2011-12-19T09:07:00.003+11:00

THIS IS: FESTIVE

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000+11:00

This is: Pointed

2011-12-07T07:50:00.000+11:00

Art and commerce met recently in Milan's Palazzo Serbelloni to launch Vertu's latest touch screen phone. We were impressed by Ma Yansong's shard-like installation, particularly with it's jewel connection to The Family Jewels designs we were working on.

Snap: KYRGYZSTAN 5:11AM

2011-12-07T07:00:00.001+11:00

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

2011-12-05T07:30:00.000+11:00

Large-scale street art installations are transforming space overtime. From festivals to bars, the trend continues unabated in the urban jungle. Our tribe reports back on just a few finds...

Cockatoo Island's unusual aspects provide the perfect backdrop for experiencing all manner of cultural activities. Think the Biennale of Sydney, Urs Fischer, Ken Unsworth, Sydney Festival not to mention the various music festivals and International Design Week. For just a couple more weeks, the burgeoning global street art scene gets its chance to shine with Outpost: Art from the Streets. Featuring some 150 artists, Outpost delivers an illuminating showcase for all manner of street art forms including aerosol art, stencilling, paste-ups, sticker art, cup rocking and much more. The infamous Banksy is part of Outpost, and we're fans of Monkey Queen (above), which is just one many intriguing works on view.

We've had our eyes peeled for Mini Graff's (above) bold paste-ups and intimate musings in unsuspecting spaces over Sydney for some time now. Well observed, political and often fun, Mini's work has been one of the stars of the May's Lane Street Art Project.

The May's Lane Street Art Project has been attracting local and international street artists to Sydney's St Peters for many years. The man who provides the wall space is Tugi Balog, who has also been providing panels onto which artists have created. The collected panels have recently been part of the May's touring exhibition making its way around the country. Above: Bonsai & Twoone (top) and Kamion.

Conveniently located just blocks away is Bodega, a favourite haunt of ours. Their mural never fails to transport us to Madrid helped along by a glass or two of racy riojas. The transformative potential of murals is catching on in Sydney bars like Lounge Café, El Capo and The Hive, while in Melbourne hangouts Movida, Roller Door, Juddy Roller and others are using street art in and out to make bold statements.

SATE: SARDINE

2011-12-02T06:10:00.000+11:00

We're all for simple seafood pleasures, and we're up for repeat sittings when delicious treats exceed all expectations. Sardine's tuna carpaccio was one such delicacy which saw us rock up two nights running on our brief Bali sojourn. We were also mightily impressed by this delectable fishy treat (pictured). We couldn't pass up sampling sardines at Sardine, and were pleased to say they didn't disappoint.

All ears

2011-11-30T07:14:00.000+11:00

We've not only been amused by these iPhone covers, but also inspired by the potential for an 'ear transplant' at the simple flick of a wrist.

SNAP: MEREWETHER 3.46PM

2011-11-29T07:18:00.001+11:00

THIS IS: TREASURED

2011-11-22T08:51:00.000+11:00

Kenya, Brazil, Tibet, Israel, and Mexico....Ikon’s conceptual direction for The Family Jewels website drew inspiration from the destinations where its latest exquisite collections are sourced. The images we chose reflect each country’s landscape, people and culture, as well as the gorgeous materials and artisanal beauty of the pieces themselves. Bold shapes and patterns work well in The Family Jewels’ signature colours of turquoise and black and successfully reinforce the brand identity.

FLASHBACK: 30,000 BC

2011-11-22T07:48:00.000+11:00

EUROPE 30,000 BC : Man finds rock with hole in it. Use this chart to journey through the history of trade beads...from primitive embellishment using pebbles and bone through to discovering and crafting the most rare and exotic materials.

THIS IS: MOSAIC

2011-11-22T07:40:00.000+11:00

Snap: Hong Kong 1.07PM

2011-11-21T08:04:00.000+11:00

Wiggin' Out: Google Glitches

2011-11-18T07:23:00.000+11:00

We've been spying the world from different vantages ever since we started playing with Google Earth in search of holiday destinations early in the year. Our latest discovery is Clement Valla's clever observance of Google's algorithms at play. Postcards from Google Earth, Bridges highlights Google'sglitches with a dash of humour, playing up the inconsistencies in the rendering of 2D satellite imagery and 3D terrain. We're fans.

Make a beeline

2011-11-17T08:48:00.000+11:00

The bee-tending trend across the world, which we hinted at in How Green is Your Garden, continues unabated. Though still in the concept stage, this beehive has just gone to the top of our wish list. As part of Phillips Microbial Home project, this new hive is designed to bring the harvest to the home. As honey eaters, we'd love to marvel the wonder of bees as they go about making their delectable nectar in this hive. Let's hope production begins soon.

RE-STACKED

2011-11-16T08:02:00.000+11:00

Since we made our 'stacked' statement a couple of weeks back, we're seeing stacked stuff seemingly at every glance. On the photographic front we were both bemused and amused by the balancing act required in the transportation of stacked goods by Alain Delorme (top). Alain's Totem series displays vibrant colour, wonder and beauty in perfectly framed Shanghai moments. A little to the left on the stacked front (below) are Anne-Laure Maison's peep show-esque windows. Equally enthralling, these photo-montages provide glittering glimpses into European interiors. And where space is at a premium In Japan, House Na by architects Sou Fujimoto (bottom) has maximised its relatively small plot by an ingenious multi-storey grid that seems to have managed to find room for everything!

SNAP: Blair Street Bondi 5.57pm

2011-11-14T07:46:00.001+11:00

BIG REMINDERS

2011-11-11T14:00:00.000+11:00

Erin Hanson's coloured card letters make us think of the coloured blocks we've been watching grow. We just like the simplicity, honesty and raw creativity on show. On a more practical level, this Urban Outfitters could prove helpful.

THIS IS: BIG BLOCKS

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000+11:00

The ubiquitous Lego brick has been put to all kinds of uses, from inventive USB drives to i-Phone docks. We're big on blocks at the moment courtesy of small things linked to big ideas. Our fascination began with Jan Vormann's plastic construction pieces in Bocchignano, a village close to Rome. We love the whimsical feel and sense of wonder that comes from these small incursions (above).

Likewise, we're impressed by Cary Norton's Legotron, a film camera constructed using Lego. We'll be keeping an eye on the results of this little wonder. Initial images have an old world feel with Lomo-esque quality about them.

Brick artist Nathan Sawaya is well known in his native New York for his large-scale brick constructions. His touring exhibition The Art of the Brick was in Melbourne earlier this year with work set to land in Sydney sometime soon. Swimmer (above) courtesy of brickartist.com

Lego on the Loose is back at Sydney Aquarium in December. We can't wait to see this year's creations. Judging by last year, it's bound to be a bunfight. Lego themselves have an exciting project in Beta called Cuusoo currently open. The idea is simple, just submit a design with production potential for your chance for Lego to produce it commercially should 10,000 supporters like your dream.

And lastly, what really made our minds spin was Sebastian Bergne's inspiring Lego Greenhouse recently seen in London's Covent Garden. Putting Lego to inventive use, we can see our thumbs turning green if we had one in our garden.

PHOTO FINISH

2011-11-10T07:33:00.001+11:00

In the lead up to the official opening of Sculpture by the Sea, this sculptor was snapped by an avid photographer as he busily polished his work for the onslaught of eager observers. Image: John Dennis.

PLAYLIST: FEIST

2011-11-08T11:19:00.000+11:00

With just a hint of Bill Callaghan, Feist has landed with her fourth studio album Metals. Garnering critical acclaim, Metals is stripped back and moody with a nod to nature thematically. We hear a tour is in the offing slated for February 2012. Something to look forward to.

Snap: MacKenzies Bay 6.32pm

2011-11-07T07:26:00.000+11:00

SNAP: Freshwater 11.09AM

2011-11-07T07:24:00.003+11:00

THE SCULPTURES HAVE LANDED

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000+11:00

Officially receiving visitors from today, this little critter and more like him, will be settling into their new homes by the sea.

POETRY IN MOTION

2011-11-04T08:29:00.000+11:00

From film to song, poetry is hot on the lips of wordsmiths everywhere. Now in its second year, Melbourne's touring Poetry in Film Festival (PIFF) has just wrapped, channeling Tropfest in the process. PIFF's premise is simple: respond to this year's poem by Belinda Hilton in a four to seven minute film. We're keen to see who the winner is, but in the meantime all the finalists can be found here. Triple J's popular Like A Version has attracted all manner of artists over its lifetime, with some versions curious affairs indeed. Phrase is no exception, with his his rendering of The Black Keys song Tighten Up garnering rapturous applause a little while back. Verse continues to be where it is at with recent film For Coloured Girls, adapted from Ntozake Shange's 1975 stage play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. While it's not new, it's certainly interesting with a star-studded cast.

THIS IS: BIG THINKERS

2011-11-03T08:27:00.000+11:00

When we were inspecting perspective a few weeks back, we were struck by the intrepid use of gargantuan heads across the globe. The daring form of the SOSNO Art Gallery in Nice (above), a collaboration between French sculptor Sosno and Lithuanian architect Rytis Daukantas, promises to turn heads everywhere. Contained within the design are six exhibition spaces all accessed via the neck. We're keen to get inside this head.

Every two years a new stage is built on Lake Constance for an operatic performance like no other. This year inspiration for the set (above) came from Jacques-Louis David's painting of 'The Death of Marat' depicting the radical 18th century journalist lying dead in his bath. Though slightly morbid, the opera is a love story based on a particularly bloody chapter in French History. That said, the set is awe inspiring, towering 24 metres high. With the setting sun comes the drama of the performance. It's hard to believe that the dressing rooms and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra are all housed within. As an aside, a few years back another set featured in the James Bond film Quantam of Solace, with the amphitheatre seating up to 7,000 people. Mind blowing.

While not new, we couldn't go past Hot Air, a giant inflatable toppled head designed to commemorate the freedom of Romania from dictatorship in 1989. Designed by architect Anca Trandafirescu, the temporary monument provided a meeting point for conversation and public recreation.

And not to be forgotten, master of the big head is Australian artist Ron Mueck. Well known for disarming realism, Ron's work is currently touring regional Queensland.

SYDNEY STORY

2011-11-02T20:21:00.000+11:00

We think any project that nurtures creativity in kids is a great thing. An initiative that targets disadvantaged children, especiallythose from indigenous and migrant families, is a step ahead. The Sydney Story Factory aims to help young kids develop creative writing skills when it launches in Redfern next year. We think it's a brilliant idea. We love it and can't wait to hear extrordinary tales in the near future.

FONTIFICATE: BEST DISTILLED

2011-11-01T08:30:00.000+11:00

Fresh off the starting block is The Distillery, a new letterpress studio run by a talented team of six in North Sydney. Entrepreneurial by nature, this team have taught themselves almost everything they need to know about the letterpress, and produced some amazing work from the get go. We're impressed by the tactile beauty of the printed object, and the fact that they think "...print has a very bright future ahead." We do too. Letterpress is not their only trick, they also screen print beautifully and will tackle print embellishments. Their purpose is to lead a letterpress revival. We'll be keeping an eye on their output.

RUMBA

2011-10-31T15:00:00.000+11:00

We're loving Lanvin's Autumn 2011/Winter 2012 clip. We've been watching it for weeks and we're dreaming of cutting the rug in style next season.

SNAP: BRIGHTON 6.45PM

2011-10-31T08:30:00.000+11:00

THIS IS: DATA VISUALISATION

2011-10-27T08:30:00.001+11:00

With the advent of Smartphones visuals are working overtime to pinpoint where we are and what we're doing. We're enjoying these ephemeral explorations around the globe charting Tweets and Flickr posts through to text messaging and on foot journeys. iPhone Fireflies (above) charted 880 iPhones as they moved around Europe in April 2011.

Popularity comes into play with this map of New York City charted by popular jogging routes.

See something or say something plots recent tweet and Flickr posts. Above is London by Eric Fischer.

Peter Wildman's Breathe video uses text messages that create a cacophony of message alerts at peak texting times. As text messages are sent, phones light up illuminating more clearly the word breathe while various beeps and bleeps mimic the sounds of crickets on hot summer days.

THIS IS: LANDMARK

2011-10-27T08:20:00.000+11:00

PLAYLIST: TEA & TRUMPETS

2011-10-25T19:03:00.000+11:00

Jazzy grooves and cocktails go hand in hand on balmy summery evenings, with the two fusing beautifully at hip destination Sevva overlooking Hong Kong Harbour and the bustling city below. Bonnie Gokson, the brains behind Sevva and the recently opened Ms B's Cakery, has just released a CD featuring some of her favourite tunes. Selected from Sevva's bar playlist, which Bonnie puts together to ensure the mood is perfect, the CD can now be enjoyed at home to relive the the Sevva experience.

SATE: COOL TREATS

2011-10-25T08:22:00.000+11:00

With temperatures rising we're turning to chilled treats to cool down. Amazing sundaes with lashings of homemade chocolate, rocky road, honeycomb, marshmallows, meringue and fudge topped off with fresh strawberries are the perfect indulgences to share with friends on languid summer evenings. And if they're too rich, like the one from Mickey's above, there is always coconut, or the more exotic black sesame ice cream both from Passionflower in Chinatown. The pear and rhubarb option at Gelato Messina's on Victoria St is always a winner, as is blood orange gelato from the soon to reopen Pompei on Bondi Beach. We can't wait.

SNAP: HYDE PARK 9.17PM

2011-10-24T12:45:00.001+11:00

Wiggin' Out: Shenzhen

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000+11:00

Last time we Wigged' Out we were deep in PonPonPon land. We're just back from Shenzhen where the PonPonPon experience was had in real time. Bladerunneresque city scenes with eye-melting neons coupled with streets crowded with young hipsters in groovy fashions ensured lashings of fun and lots of laughs. In this very surreal world every new corner turned offered unexpected viewing pleasure.

MAPPING OUT

2011-10-18T04:00:00.000+11:00

We couldn't help but make comparison to Art and About and even to Björk when we saw these images from the Dumbo Arts Festival, which has just wound up in NYC's Brooklyn. As Above – So Below is a boldly graphic work, which is part of Immersive Surfaces, a public video projection exhibition curated by Leo Kuelbs. The artists responsible for this astounding interactive video mapping project are John Ensor Parker, Simon Anaya, Farkas Fulop, Richard Jochum, Johnny Moreno, and Ryan Uzilevsky who have taken brilliance to a new level. Images: Josef Pinlac.

SNAP: 14th Street 10.25AM

2011-10-17T08:34:00.000+11:00

THIS IS: MIRRORED

2011-10-13T08:15:00.000+11:00

We have been quite taken by perspective lately, evident in last week's Step Effect post. This week our attention turns to reflection, in particular mirrors that trick and tickle us. We mentioned Shanghai's Alter last week, but this week we're peering into the dressing rooms (above) with their mind-altering curvature.

Splintered: Almost two years ago, the Scrigno Sideboard by the Campana Brothers made of use shards of acrylic Reflex to create these cabinets. With doors opened, references to mythological winged creatures can be made.

Lunar Vision: Recently exhibited in Paris, Waste Landscape, 2010 makes our minds boggle when we consider just how many CDs were used. We love the effect and only wish we could have explored it.

Mosaic Madness: Currently on show in the Art Gallery of NSW's Contemporary wing is Ugo Rondinone's What do you want? With reclining clown and mosaic mirrored wall, the voice over both unsettles and amuses.

Looking Glass: If we could have a penthouse we reckon we might pick A Penthouse in Berlin. With pummeled mirror forms stretching throughout, we're loving how colour and form is reverberated and ever so slightly abstracts.

Popped-up Posh: Nicola Formichetti took the pop-up shop to new extremes earlier this year in New York City. With WOW factor off the scale, it's little surprise that the man behind this store has dressed Lady GaGa and was Creative Director for Mugler. We're spellbound.

Shanghai Shapes: The newly opened Shanghai Museum of Glass is one of a 100 new museums opened over the last ten years in Shanghai. We're loving the kaleidoscopic effect above, which we're gathering must be what it's like to visit Shanghai on a cultural level.

Calmdown: After the myriad mirror forms above, we'd be happy to crash in the Curiosity Suite contently lit by pigeon with a simple mirrored cube by our side.

FLASHBACK: FEATHERED FRIENDS

2011-10-12T07:15:00.000+11:00

Usually associated with dusty museums, taxidermy is enjoying a renaissance. From uber chic Parisian hotel suites to cool new dining digs in London, this art form is being embraced by a new generation of taxidermists to cast warm glows over hot new interiors. The taxidermy trend was noted a few years back through the work of Alex Randall, who has been making a mark for herself creating stunning lighting installations for the likes of Ted Baker and Liberty. Alex's slightly surreal lamps are now lighting up London's The Riding House Café, where stuffed pigeons with wings outstretched seem to carry light to where it's needed. Meanwhile squirrels scale the walls bringing a hunting lodge feel inner city Fitzrovia. Across the channel in Paris, Alex's lamps are in residence in the Curiosity Case Suite in boutique hotel La Maison on Champs Élysées. Decorated by Martin Margiela, this suite casts back to 17th century Wunderkamers, aka Cabinets of Curiosities, for inspiration. With darkened hues and intriguing displays, this suite too is lit by pigeon. It seems taxidermy is back, with discerning punter undisturbed by watching eyes.

Playlist: Planet Björk

2011-10-11T08:30:00.000+11:00

Confirming our hunch that Björk may indeed be from another realm, her much anticipated new album Biophilia, lands this week. With this release Björk has embraced new technology creating a galactic new website taking browsers into deep space while stellar new iPhone and iPad apps take musical art into new orbits. Each track is also an app with visuals and educational components, as the grabs above and below illustrate. In fact, the upcoming tour not only promises intimate and personal venues, but also science lectures, a nod to the pedagogical perspectives that underpinned the creation of this album. While other bands have created albums using iPads, Björk has soared to new heights using touch screens to not only mix, but write too. It's interactive madness and we can't wait to delve deeper as this inventive marketing campaign launches into hyper drive.

CURTAIN CALL

2011-10-10T15:00:00.000+11:00

We may have missed our Curtain Call, but we still think Ron Arad's visionary installation that finished in London a little back is nothing short of spectacular. Click here to see some of the projections by well-known artists including David Shrigley and Ori Gersht not to mention fashionista Husein Chalayan. We couldn't help but see links to last week's Art & About post.

SNAP: POSITANO 10.59AM

2011-10-10T07:30:00.000+11:00

ART & ABOUT: SHIFTING FOCUS

2011-10-07T12:30:00.000+11:00

Tsunami 1.26 is an eye-popping installation by American artist Janet Echelman (above). We're impressed by how the intersection of Park and George Streets has been transformed into a site of wonder. Janet's colourful light and airy structures hover above the street contrasting with the skyscrapers that sit even higher. Art & About has always been interested in invigorating city space, and this year is no different with the lane ways coming alive as you delve into them. Things go a little 'Harry Potter' on Mullins Street and Market Row (below) with Deconstructing Ways by Isidro Blasco. At first glance things seem normal enough yet when you reach the intersection a mesmerising alternate path emerges. On Skittle Lane Heidi Axelsen, Hugo Moline and Andriano Pupilli have installed Peri[pheral]scopes: looking-over to the over-looked, which peaks curiosity bringing into view glimpses of other parts of the city.

THIS IS: CELEBRATORY

2011-10-07T07:30:00.000+11:00

Everyone likes a party so we think these images need little explanation. Whether the explosions of colour come from Rebecca Baumann's arty shindigs or party poppers closer to home, the mood is very much celebratory. With summer looming, we're feeling as inspired as the creators here, be they artists, bakers or bow tie makers. From top left: Untitled, 2009, Rebecca Baumann; Confetti International, 2007, Rebecca Baumann; Black Light Party, Bec Heath; Rainbow layer cake by Vassoulla Francis; Improvised Smoke Device, 2010, Rebecca Baumann; Forage bow tie; and Fairy Bread by Daniel Ioannou.

STEP EFFECT

2011-10-06T15:06:00.002+11:00

Since our recent Going Up post, we're seeing stairs everywhere! Here are more designers and architects putting stairs to perspective-challenging use. We love the Alter store in Shanghai (above) with its playful Escher-esque dimension. Shoppers beware: the 'altering' effect is only enhanced with mannequins randomly suspended from the walls and ceiling.

Explore with care: Abiko House (above) in Tokyo appears to be a spatial conundrum. We're reminded of Zaha Hadid's MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome, which took out the 2010 RIBA Stirling Award. In Zaha's flowing form, stairs seem to appear only when needed.

Dutch courage: the adventurous in the Netherlands are also taking stairs to new heights with an Observation Tower by UN Studio (above). Soaring 134 metres into the sky, the tower will give unprecedented views over the adjacent nature park and beyond.

For the fit but not fainthearted: our final instalment is the Puma store in Tokyo (above). Literally spiralling the walls, the effect of these stairs is impressive but we're hoping there are some very tall sales assistants for the height-challenged.

SNAP: MOSMAN 11.05AM

2011-10-05T14:42:00.004+11:00

Sate: Noodle Kingdom

2011-10-05T07:36:00.003+11:00

It's hard to discriminate when it comes to noodles: Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Singaporean, Thai, Vietnamese, fat, thin, flat, long, short, ribbons, tubes, folded, twisted, crinkly, rolled, bakmi, bami, buckwheat, rice, wheat, egg, maize, legume, nut… They're all toothsome! By no means exhaustive, here's a list that might set you off on a culinary adventure in the noodle kingdom.

Italian: Fregola, Spaghetti, Maccheroni, Fusilli, Lasagne, Bucatti, Stringozzi, Pici, Vermicelli, Capellini, Bavette, Ziti, Riccioli, Campabelle, Garganelli, Torchiette, Cellentani, Gemelli, Casarecce, Fisarmoniche, Radiatori, Castellane, Pipe Rigate, Conchiglie, Orecchiette, Ruote, Spighe, Maltagliati, Ricciutelle, Ravioli, Anoioloti, Gnocchi, Spatzle, Agnoletti. Chinese: Cat's Ear, Cold Noodles, Dao Xiao Mian, La Mián, Yaka Mein, Lo Mein, Misua, Saang Mein, Hokkien, Yi Mien, Shrimp Roe, Jook-Sing, Mee Pok, Oil Noodles, Kway Tow, Ho Fun, Lai Fun, Mai Sin, Winter Noodles, Bean threads, Mung Bean Sheets, Liang Pi, Silver Needle Noodles. Japanese: Ramen, Shirataki, Sobasomen, Hiyamugi, Udon. Korean: Janchi Guksu, Kalguksu, Gomguksu, Bibim Guksu, Makguksu, Naengmyeon, Jjolmyeon, Milmyeon, Kong Guksu, Jatguksu, Dongchimi, Guksu and Banchan.

Playlist: Lana del Ray

2011-09-30T08:05:00.000+10:00

Lana del Ray's upcoming single Video Games has music afficionados around the globe in a spin, and deservedly so. With honey tones and haunting vocals not to mention comparisons to Nancy Sinatra, Lana's orbit is set to expand with the single already receiving substantial airplay pre-release. We're predicting big things as Lana rockets off the launch pad this summer.

FEMINA WORKSHOP

2011-09-29T08:30:00.000+10:00

Here’s a preview of the revamped ‘Femina’, a striking new visual direction for the leading weekly Indonesian lifestyle magazine. Ikon collaborated with the team at ‘Femina’ to create a style guide and revitalise the publication with a unique look that is dynamic and fresh. The visual ‘tool kit’ featured colour palettes, fonts, image treatments, background patterns and typographic elements, such as break out shapes, rules, tabs, highlights and strike-throughs.

THIS IS: GLOSSY

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000+10:00

FONTIFICATE: Contrast Growth

2011-09-28T08:40:00.000+10:00

Whimsical and ephemeral, Anna Garforth's typographic interferences in urban landscapes have turned our heads. We love the mossy goodness of Grow (above), not just for its vibrant green hues, but also for its fluid font work, which contrasts beautifully with the harsh brick wall it sits on. Transformative qualities can be seen in Rethink (below) which takes hundreds of delicate leaves and superimposes them on a bleak industrial landscape creating an intriguing contrast. Newer works utilise a variety of tapes to form words, while Trash Type takes recycling to a new level.

SNAP: PERKINS STREET 7.15AM

2011-09-26T08:46:00.000+10:00

Bird's eye perspective

2011-09-23T07:29:00.000+10:00

Your Rainbow Panorama is Olafur Eliasson's latest installation and it's pushing all the right buttons. Sitting atop the Arhus Museum in Denmark's Arhus, visitors are given a 360º view of the city from a platform suspended between the city and the sky. It's another example of inspired architectural form intersecting with art. We can only imagine what it must be like to experience and we think we'd like to see one in Sydney sometime soon.

Going Up

2011-09-22T07:38:00.000+10:00

We're all for making grand entrances, and there's nothing like a sculptural staircase to enhance the experience. Paul Smith's flagship Seoul store (above) is breathtakingly modern outside yet inside English tradition rules. We love the salon hang, the fluid flow of the banister and how it leads you up. We love Korean artist Do Ho Soh's whimsical stairs created from his trademark translucent fabric (below) while Olafur Eliasson's surreal stairs really do lead nowhere, though with grace. We're lucky to have the award winning, FJMT designed Surry Hills library just around the corner housing a spiral set of stairs with strong sculptural flair. And one case we'd like to scale sits within the Metropol Parasol we mentioned a few weeks back. It's one of the most inspirational staircases we've seen.

WIGGIN' OUT: PONPONPON

2011-09-21T10:03:00.000+10:00

Our focus with Wiggin' Out is usually on technological glitches, but with millions of people around the world currently Wiggin' Out to PonPonPon we thought we'd embrace the craziness of this catchy track with its eye-popping video clip. Our minds boggled on first viewing and we've been amazed at what we missed with subsequent viewings. We highly recommend at least one watch followed by a scan of viewer's comments. Four and a half million people couldn't be wrong... Or could they?!

Precision Swatch

2011-09-20T08:30:00.000+10:00

To say we were blown away by Karsten Schmidt's kaleidoscopic projections may be an understatement, especially when we delved further into their creation. Inspired by the colour palettes of William Morris, Karsten handed over control to the audience via iPads at the recent The Cult of Beauty: The Aesthetic Movement 1860–1900 exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In keeping with the Victorian era, Karsten created a canvas consisting of 620 hand-folded paper cones which formed a two panel Victorian-esque room divider. A blinding array of iPad projections were cast onto the screen sampling the patterns of William Morris' wallpapers. If you missed it at the V&A you can see a reworking at The London Design Festival which has just kicked off. While you're there check out Toby Horrock's Freefold Furniture whose shapes give a passing nod to Karsten's canvas. He's part of the Australian contingent coordinated by Matilda Design who will also be running a pop-up café for the festival.

SNAP: WARATAH 4.13PM

2011-09-19T09:59:00.000+10:00

This is: Stacked

2011-09-16T15:07:00.001+10:00

It seems to us that artists across the globe have taken to stacking stuff and in the process have transformed everyday things into awe inspiring sculptures. Local artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro have been piling together all manner of objects from thousands of video tapes in Italy to household objects they have in storage. Called Luck Exists in Leftovers, the dinosaur replica (above) was created from discarded materials and then housed in a traditional Japanese home. Keeping the scale large, Colombian artist Doris Salcedo stacked some 1,500 plus chairs between two buildings in Istanbul in 2003 to commemorate lives lost in her native Columbia with breathtaking beauty. Michael Johanssen's installations are created from of all manner of objects resulting in both small and large scale works, which take engineering and precision to new extremes. And lastly, Elisa Larvego looks to the street for inspiration. Shot in Mexico, her photographs of street vendor carts become whimsical sculptures when separated from their owners.

SNAP: MEREWETHER BEACH 2.23PM

2011-09-14T07:35:00.001+10:00

Flashback: Dear Photograph

2011-09-12T09:38:00.001+10:00

The premise for Dear Photograph is simple: take a picture of a picture from the past in the present. No more needs to be said, other than we've been finding it compelling viewing as we look back fondly at times past and are reminded of our own heartwarming childhood memories.

This is: Barely There

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000+10:00

A certain playfulness between positive and negative space through the use of fine line and elaborate working methods has been registered on our radar. The current exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, Love Lace, which is garnering attention globally in art and design magazines for its sense of wonder, is a case in point. Waltraud Janzen's Boots (above) immediately took our attention with their ability to focus our attention on form as we went in search of an invisible person to fill those boots. Late last year we marvelled at Lead Pencil's Ghost Billboards (below), which were designed to highlight an abundance of visual pollution, though we think they're quite poetic. Chinese artist Shi Jindian (bottom) creates mechanical objects like cars and bikes from wire using his own method of crochet. With painstaking effort these visionary artists challenge the boundaries of materials, drawing beauty from the mundane to comment on functionality and all with a sense of wonder and serenity.

Masterful Connection

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000+10:00

“When I work, I work very fast, but preparing to work can take any length of time.” Cy Twombly

We wish we could be in London to experience the exhibition Twombly and Poussin: Arcadian Painters, which will bring summer to a close in England. Our attention was piqued when we read Cy Twombly's quote: “I would’ve liked to have been Poussin, if I’d had a choice, in another time” mainly because we couldn't quite make the connection between these two very different painters. Whilst the comparison between the two greats was set to make for spectacular viewing, the exhibition's significance changed abruptly with news of Twombly's death soon after opening. Judging by all reports the comparison with Poussin is masterful. They shared a number of key themes including Arcadia and the pastoral, Venus and Eros, anxiety and theatricality and mythological figures. Cy's work is arresting and we think it is well worth the trip to London on its own. Images: Hero and Leander (To Christopher Marlowe) [Rome], 1985, Cy Twombly (top) and The Triumph of Pan, 1636, Poussin (bottom).

Taco express

2011-09-07T14:30:00.000+10:00

We reckon the resurgence of the simple taco is a good thing, maybe even a really good thing. Tacos are light and tasty and when matched with Margaritas and summer, you've got a killer combination for long hot days. El Loco is doing a fine job dishing them up in our hood (pictured) and we love the thinking behind Melbourne's Taco Truck, a mobile van pulling up all over town dispensing delicious tacos. We're hoping to see Taco Trucks on the streets of Sydney soon. Beach bar anyone?

SATE: Paw Paw Magic

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000+10:00

We take to sampling sensational taste treats with gusto here. On a recent adventure to crocodile country we not only savoured the most amazing paw paw salad ever, but also witnessed a true master of the mortar (above) at the Parap Markets in Darwin. With machine-like speed, bowls were pestled and tossed by these expert hands to order (brave the chilli of your choosing). We were also pleased to see that even dressing for a tough day on the tools has room for a little bling - note bejeweled buttons.

Play List: Making Mirrors

2011-09-06T07:25:00.000+10:00

As fans of Gotye's last album Like Drawing Blood we were excited when his latest Making Mirrors - our current favourite spin - dropped. Created in a barn on his parent's country Victoria property, Gotye's new album is rich and layered with a focus on acoustic instruments, some of which he found on op shop jaunts while recording. The local op shops also provided old vinyl records from which Gotye's trademark samples are lifted. We've been watching Making Making Mirrors - a short documentary that gives insight into Gotye's creativity.

SNAP: ADELAIDE RIVER 4.12PM

2011-09-05T08:12:00.000+10:00

Sitting type

2011-09-02T11:22:00.000+10:00

We have a wonderful working relationship with type and lately we've noticed that we may well be able to live with typography too. Designers have recently been taking 3D typography to a whole new level creating chairs and other pieces of furniture that look to type forms for inspiration. Utilising the entire alphabet, Dutch designer Roeland Otten created a range of stools and chairs that featured in Dutch Design Week to rapturous applause (above). We love the Swiss crew's collection Set (below) who have melded type into bars and tallboys using scale and spelling, and considering it's Friday we're all for a wind down tipple. And lastly, 'b' is for bottom... While not new, the Bold Type Chair (below) is still an impressive design feat, made entirely from cardboard it can withstand almost 1,000 kilograms.

Out now: Spring Oily

2011-09-01T08:34:00.000+10:00

Who doesn't love spring? Warmer weather and the first flowers blooming... For us catching a whiff of jasmine wafting on the breeze is a sure sign the season is changing. This year Oily's Spring issue is heralding the end of winter with a lavender cover and the inside word on harvesting mandarin oil. We're pleased to be part of the team on another edition of Oily and never cease to be impressed with what nature delivers every day.

Fontificate: Ticket-Tech

2011-08-31T06:56:00.001+10:00

We freely admit to hoarding the odd beautiful train, tram or bus ticket from our travels, particularly those that combine simple graphic lines, colour and fonts. The vintage tickets illustrated above were purchased from 'Setright' machines used by conductors across Europe from Poland to Bulgaria, and from Russia to Germany with some still in use in the year 2000. We love these pocket-sized travel souvenirs with their random hole punches, strike throughs and handwriting giving each one individual character.

This is: Luxe

2011-08-30T09:01:00.002+10:00

SNAP: Blue Mountains 1.45PM

2011-08-29T08:40:00.000+10:00

Mitred touch

2011-08-26T08:37:00.000+10:00

Gaudi's influence is well documented in Barcelona, and when we first glimpsed the Metropol Parasol in Seville (above), not only were we left in awe but we grasped how Gaudi's ghost may have inspired architect J Mayer H. Constructed almost entirely from wood, the Metropol Parasol is the world's largest wooden structure with a distinctly 21st century edge embracing digital methodologies in its creation. Sitting underneath its soaring skyline are restaurants, walkways and markets, while perched above spectacular city views can be had, and it seems locals and tourists alike approve.

Japanese architect Shigeru Ban prefers paper and card for his equally awe inspiring creations which are apparently relatively quick to build. Having done some amazing work with high profile clients (think Hermes and Pompidou Centre Paris), we were recently moved when we heard about Shigeru's vision for a temporary cathedral in Christchurch (below) following the devastating earthquakes there earlier in the year. Shigeru has gained a reputation as an 'Emergency Architect' for his Disaster Relief Projects which have included schools, shelters, houses and concert halls in Haiti, Turkey and Kobe to mention just a few. We're impressed by how innovation, sustainability and humility come together to help when needed.

This is: Ursine

2011-08-25T07:23:00.000+10:00

We've been bear spotting, and we're talking polar rather than brown. First up as part of an environment awareness campaign in 2009, a design team in London created a to scale mother bear and her cub floating them both atop a giant iceberg down London's Thames River, drawing attention to climate change and the effect it is having on wildlife in other parts of the world. As winter hit Sydney, a large ice sculpture of a single polar bear was sighted outside Customs House as part of Vivid. As time went on the Sydney Ice Bear melted revealing its skeleton with the suggestion that bears may disappear completely. Ending on a lighter note, the hit of the recent Beaux Arts Ball, in Lexington, Kentucky was a bear constructed of some 20,000 zip ties. It's quite a feat, and beautiful to boot, and completes our tale of three bears.

Wiggin' Out: Overload

2011-08-24T07:19:00.000+10:00

On our new designer's first day, Fontbook flipped out as he began to load fonts. Quick thinking ensured he captured the screen as font after font opened relentlessly creating a typographic montage.

Snap: Wallaby Creek 5.47am

2011-08-22T12:12:00.000+10:00

Art Round Up

2011-08-19T08:10:00.000+10:00

From north to south there is a hive of activity in our big city galleries that has got our travel bugs biting. In Brisbane GOMA is showing Surrealism: The Poetry of Dreams which, from all accounts is astounding in its range and scope. Heading into Sydney The Mad Square at the Art Gallery of New South Wales sheds light on Expressionism, Dada, Constructivism, Bauhaus and New Objectivity which saw chaos reign supreme with compelling art from the vibrant Weimer Republic. Things calm a little in Canberra with a Fred Williams retrospective just opened at the National Gallery of Australia. We're in love with Fred's landscapes and the abstracted quality and bold hues. Colour and form are preoccupations for Noël Skrzypczak with her exhibition Talking to Strangers at the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne. We've been mesmerised by Noël's work from afar and are busily planning a visit.

Images from top: Victor Brauner / Loup-table (Wolf-table) 1939, 1947 /Collection: Musée national d'art moderne, Centre Pompidou, Paris / © Victor Brauner/ADAGP, and below: Noël Skrzypczak, Talking to Strangers 2010, synthetic polymer paint, soap, glass and silicone installation dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist and Neon Parc, Melbourne. Photographer: John Brash © the artist. Fred Williams Lightning storm, Waratah Bay 1971–72, oil on canvas. Private collection © estate of Fred Williams.

Blink: Miriam

2011-08-18T09:32:00.000+10:00

One of the team has taken to sketching some of the characters he encounters while traveling from point A to B. The rules are simple, capture the gist of the subject in 20 seconds or less without anyone noticing. See more here.

Flashback: Saul Bass

2011-08-17T10:47:00.000+10:00

Following a retrospective exhibition earlier in the year at London's Kemistry Gallery, we've been looking back at the work of Saul Bass. Saul's title design set the scene for famous films from directors as diverse as Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick and Martin Scorsese. Quoting from Saul Bass in Film Quarterly, “I saw the title as a way of conditioning the audience, so that when the film actually began, viewers would already have an emotional resonance with it.” That certainly worked with Vertigo, and perhaps this idea was in the backs of the minds of TV credit producers we noted previously. Saul's use of bold type with minimal form was groundbreaking and influential for a raft of young designers.