Donna Huanca: Philosophy of the World

by Wendy Dembo

Texas-based artist Donna Huanca’s show “Philosophy of the World” is opening at the Susan Inglett Gallery this Thursday, 22 March 2007 at 7:30pm with a wild performance. Huanca, referencing the feeling of The Shaggs Philosophy of the World, aka "the worst record ever made in the history of music,” will be performing music as she has imagined it will be in the future. Accompanying her will be Dorothy “Dot” Wiggins of the Shaggs and Leon Theremin, the creator of the Theremin and a pioneer in electronic music. Together, they will be playing ambient music using reel to reel tapes, a sampler, a four-track drum machine and a beautiful alpacan Bolivian drone drum. To top it all off Huanca will have neon-colored puppets tied to her which will move as she moves and performs.

During regular gallery hours, the puppets will be integrated into a large installation that includes some drawings, large fabric pieces and a soundtrack made Huanca made using her sewing machine as an instrument. Huanca says, “the kids love it.”

Philosophy of the World
22 March-21 April 2007
Susan Inglett Gallery
534 West 22nd Street
New York, NY  10011 map
tel. +1 212 647 9111

Triko Online Store

by Tim Yu

Triko, a premium street-wear brand for the fashion conscious, recently launched their online retail store timed with the release of some spring/summer designs. Having had our fill of "all over prints" the "Blocked" pull-over hoodie (far right) is a refreshing departure while still holding good shape and geometrical patterns. The four-triangle structure comes together well, integrating the design into the seams for the front pockets. "Family" (near right) features the official Triko Shield designed by Hector Estrada, the different symbols representing harmony, heritage, creativity, unity, re-birth and excellence.

In addition to their line that nails the current cleaner, more refined global street style, Triko is commited to using sustainable materials that promote a healthier environment, focus on social and environmental awareness and are actively involved in charities like Solar 1 and Defenders of Wildlife.

Webkinz

by Ami Kealoha

Cross a Beanie Baby with a Neopet and what do you get?  The answer is Webkinz, an extensive line of plush pets with lives in an online world. 

Each Webkinz sold comes with a unique ID that gives its owner access to the Webkinz online community.  There owners and their pets can play games, earn Webkinz cash and IM others "safely" using pre-scripted messages, among other options.  Owners are responsible for their pet's happiness, health and hunger, which respond to various types of interaction.  One feature is sure to be loved by marketers alone:  a Webkinz account lasts only a year; to renew, owners must buy a whole new pet.

Parents with children or tweens are probably already aware of Webkinz, because more than a million were sold within a year of launch, reportedly without advertising.  (Appearances on several of daytime TV's biggest shows probably didn't hurt.)  And, in the ultimate measure of popularity in our time, Webkinz already turn up in a few hundred YouTube postings.

by Jonathan Gottlieb

Running Dogs

by Ami Kealoha

Aiming to dress the man who never wants to try too hard, the collective Running Dogs was formed by a trio of contrasting creatives: Amsterdam-based Christophe Mollet (previously of Yohji Yamamoto and Martin Margiela), Dutchman Alexander van Slobbe (who formerly designed for Puma) and painter Jean-Pierre Wati. Combining a discreet brand of street-chic with a subtle dose of rock 'n' roll, Running Dogs naturally reflects both aesthetics with simple yet strong pieces, such as laid-back T-shirts worn with smartly tailored jackets.

Though the vibe may be effortless, the technical aspects are anything but. A gray wool sweater with off-center buttons has been hand-knit in Belgium in a heavy gauge, a density that Mollet says, "you just can't get with a machine." Jeans are dyed in Japan with persimmon fruit and air-dried for two weeks for a subdued coppery shade. Considering the adaptability of each piece, Running Dogs is poised to become the modern man's best friend.

Saved Tattoo Laser Laptops

by Wendy Dembo

Until now custom laser detailing on sneakers and gadgets was reserved for those lucky enough to make their way into Nike's Lasarium. But at Saved Tattoo in Brooklyn, tattooist Scott Campbell will laser a design onto your laptop. For $200, you can choose from several great designs (see them here) or, for an extra $100 set-up charge, you can design it yourself. (Pictured laptop is Kaws' custom design as posted on his blog.) Special guest designers and artists like IRAK, Alife��and Mike Giant will appear on occasion with their own graphics.

Marketing types always talk about the importance of personalizing the "computer experience." We have pictures of our family or pets on our desktops. Now with this new option, you can trick out the exterior as well.