Silly Adults

by Ami Kealoha

The group show "Silly Adults," curated simply around the idea of "celebrating the spirit of life" was inspired by the recent birth of gallerist Nikolai Wallner's son. The playful optimism of the exhibition suits common themes of contemporary art well, bringing together works that have a fresh, childlike approach to subject and technique. The chunky ringlets of hair in German artist Cristophe Ruckhäberle's painting (pictured above left), for example, looks like an idea of what curls are supposed to look like. Glasgow-based David Shrigley (whose ouevre includes animations) makes illustrations that seem to explain the world with the giddy humor of a child. (Pictured above right).

Silly Adults
16 March-21 April 2007
Galleri Nicolai Wallner
Njalsgade 21, Building 15
Denmark 2300 Copenhagen
tel. +45 32 57 09 70

Bloomframe

by Josh Rubin

Bloomframe, a window that turns into a balcony, was widely covered last month for making many an urbanite's dream come true. Designed by Amsterdam architect duo Hofman Dujardin, the prototype window frame opens with the push of a button.

Other than the dirt problems posed by using a floor as a wall, the inconvenience of having to set up (and store) furniture and structural safety concerns, the Bloomframe is a clever device addressing the most tricky of design problems: space. It also adds an aspect of seasonal design to the facade of a building; "where in the winter the facade is closed, during the spring the building opens itself like a flower." Look for it in production later this year.

via Transmaterial

Kicking Mule Workshop Denim

by Josh Rubin

I'm loving my "1980 Skinny" Kicking Mule Workshop (KMW) jeans (above left). So much so I think I've worn them nearly every day since I got them.

Boulder-based KMW produces denim for those who appreciate quality, details and subtlety; for those who want to make their jeans their own. They make a few styles (for guys) including the 1950 Classic, 1980 Skinny, Rocker and 2010 Straight, which are available in a range of weights from 13 - 19 oz. depending on the edition. The denim is made from Zimbabwean cotton, is rope dyed in natural Indigo, and made in Japan's Okayama prefecture.

My 1980's are mid-rise, regular fit jean with oversized but understated back pockets. A slight taper give them a clean look without giving up the comfy, roomy feel. The 13oz weight is perfect and is breaking in nicely. The coin pocket features a red and blue selvage line (which is a point of some debate on the boards) but a detail I like. Some other details include hidden rivets, doughnut buttons, and an embroidered kicking mule on the inside of the fly.

Check out the KMW site for a list of retailers, or buy them online at Context or Revolve.

Flavorpill WMC: Chromeo Interview

by Ami Kealoha

Dave 1 (aka Dave Macklovitch) has been busy as hell of late. In addition to being a prolific hip-hop producer, the Montreal native has been pulling duty as Vice magazine's rap editor and is about to release a second album for Chromeo, the cheeky synth-funk outfit he created with his high school friend, Pee Thug (Patrick Gemayel). He's also working on his thesis in French literature at Columbia University, mind you. After Chromeo's second DJ set in the wee morning hours at the SpiderPussy party, we sat down in Circa28's downstairs lounge for a little pow-wow about Miami.

Is this your first time in Miami?
No, it's my second, actually. And I really like it. You know, my grandparents have a place here, up in Hallandale.

So what's your impression of the city so far?
Miami is for old Jewish people and that's what I like about it. When I think of Miami, I think of Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and old Jews, and what can better than Miami rappers and old Jews living together in harmony?

Miami has a rep for being mainly about big clubs, big tits, and big beaches. And of course that's partly true, but there is a lot more going on culturally.
It definitely seems like everyone is moving here. De La Soul, N.O.R.E., they all live here now. And all the studios are here—the city's gangsta

Chromeo just finished playing two sets tonight at Circa28, a new venue in Wynwood, which I think has a lot of potential because it isn't like anything else in town.
This is the only spot in Miami where I haven't seen vertical striped shirts. I really like this place.

Who's your favorite rapper?
Lil' Wayne.

Favorite DJ?
Do you know my brother, A-Trak? I think he's one of the greatest DJs alive.

Any last thoughts?
Again, when rappers realized that old Jews were wearing Coogi sweaters, they did the same thing. Now that rappers caught on that old Jews are living in Miami, they're all moving here as well.

by Omar Sommereyns

Kevin Cooley

by Jonah Samson

Kevin Cooley’s photographs of planes taking off and landing look like scenes from a sci-fi adventure filmed in suburban America. Made by using very long exposure times, his pictures show houses that glow in the twilight and streaks of explosive lights and sparks that illuminate the sky. It’s as if ray-guns are being fired from outer-space and landing in our backyards.

Also check out another series of his work, which was also shot at night in a Norwegian Town that is one of the world’s most remote places (only 800 miles from the North Pole). You can find this and more on his website.

More images after the jump