Matt Mullican: i Life and i Death

by Ami Kealoha

An historic exhibition of artist Matt Mullican's works from the 70's and 80's opens in New York next Tuesday 9 May 2006 at Tracy Williams. The show will include an exciting array of mediums, including rubbings, posters, drawings, bulletin boards, and flags, all of which combine reflections of the public and private sectors and reveal the characteristic urban themes of his work. As one of the first artists to work on the super computer in 1986, he utilized then-new technology to compose an architecture of complex cosmology in a group of light boxes that will make up the final segment of the show. It's also apparent how timeless his oeuvre remains when you consider, for example, the "Mullican Life" and "Mullican Death" posters made in the 80s which today could provide apt, social commentary on the current mass branding campaigns of certain mega-corporate, materialistic cogs of our capitalistic wheel.

More images and event info after the jump.

Contributed by Edwin Cahill

Andoland

by Ami Kealoha

With summer around the corner, the timing’s perfect for renowned surf artist Andy Davis's recently-opened boutique-slash-gallery called Andoland in Costa Mesa, CA. Andy conceives of the project as “Ando and Friends,” a “visual vineyard where friends share with friends our pot luck of products from t-shirts to tote bags or whatever is tickling our fancy at any given moment.” The debut lines “Andoland,” which features Andy's art and “Plah” (Peace Love and Happiness) with the works of friend Bobby K are limited in production, beautifully screened on soft cotton, and have embroidered detailing. Future collaborations will feature Andy’s friends and top artists such as Jeff Canham, Alex Kopps, Geoff McFetridge, and Alex Knost.

When I visited Andoland I was really stoked to meet Andy Davis and the rest of the team. They explained Andoland was “just about making people feel good,” and the store had a laid-back Southern California vibe. Decorated with a rotating collection of art ranging from boards Andy painted to the apparel designs, if you’re in the area it is definitely worth your time to stop by.

Otherwise, you can check out the online store, the Electric Grapevine and a new Andoland is opening in Osaka, Japan with plans on future stores in Tokyo and North San Diego. Cruise by the store, check out the art, and pick up a shirt that will put a smile on your face and remind you that summer's calling.

Info and images (including tees) after the jump.

Contributed by Andrew Potash

Game Set and Match II

by Ami Kealoha

As a follow up to the original GameSetandMatch Conference held in November of 2001, Game Set and Match II provides a fascinating, kaleidoscopic view of the most recent developments in the digital design domain. Through a series of essays stemming from such diverse backgrounds of authorship as architecture, design and technology, this book emphasizes the importance of "game technology" used in software development as a platform for future innovations in architecture. One of the particularly interesting threads I found was the idea of "playing the building as an instrument" as way to create a more ideal communication between the structure, the environment, and the people who interact with them. Although many of the essays are metaphysically charged and technical, anyone at all involved or interested in the future of design would be a fool not to check out this volume.

Starts at €40 from Episode Publishers.

Contributed by Edwin Cahill

Axe

by Ami Kealoha

A legendary fixture in Venice, CA, Axe represents the best in California cuisine. Drawing on the foundation built by Chez Panisse, their culinary friends to the north, Axe's menu highlights the flavors and textures of organic seasonal produce from local farmers, rather than using sauces and seasonings of more traditional cuisines. The resulting dishes, like a subtly earthy nettle soup, a flatbread platter with vibrant house-made antipasto, amazingly tender sake-marinated beef, and a chewy not-too-sweet bread pudding, are the kind leave diners with a food high, unlike heavier coma-inducing fare. Served adjacent to the partially open kitchen in an unfussy dining room, the Axe experience represents a more holistic point of view. Their applied philosophy includes reverse-osmosis filtered water, composting, recycling, eco-friendly products, fundraisers, and a (non-dogmatic) general awareness about the politics and economics of food production.

After the jump, more info and a picture.

Livingstones

by SummerSeventySix

Over at design*sponge, a lot of Grace's readers are getting excited about this pebble-like furniture, and it's easy to see why. Manufactured by a French firm, they're called Livingstones and come in various shapes and sizes, but all look like they have been picked up off a beach. I'd love to be relaxing in one right now, and it's got to make you wonder: why do we stick with sofas, when things like beanbags and these Livingstones look so much more comfortable?

Peter Vogel at Bitforms

by m ss ng p eces

For this episode CH Video sat in on a rare live performance by the pioneering interactive sound artist Peter Vogel. Since the early 70s, Mr. Vogel has been making electronic audio sculptures and staging performances. Vogel’s interest lies in both interactive and musical structures that encourage viewers to discover patterns through repeated interaction. The current exhibit at Bitforms Gallery in Manhattan is Peter’s first solo show in New York in over twenty years and highlights new work in addition to covering the range of his production since the early 70’s.