The Sims: In the Hands of Artists

by Tim Yu

The world's best-selling computer game, The Sims, is about to experience a new level of exploration with "In The Hands of Artists," an exhibition that will explore the interactive nature of the game. Featuring work from the Communication Design, Design and Technology and Illustration programs of the Parsons New School for Design, it will run at the Chelsea Art Museum in New York from 19 April-12 May 2007. Much of the work, like the game itself, will blur the lines between reality, technology and art.

Projects range from machinima (Sims-created videos) to three-dimensional printing and painting and drawing and toy design. Simasticus (pictured above), an interactive media project, applies Sims game play to the real world. By using a Sims-based interface, the exhibition visitor will control devices that project images onto public areas. This allows visitors to communicate with the public using text, visually or through animated devices, provoking interaction between pedestrians—much like one would do in the game.

After Parsons, the exhibit moves on for interpretation by The Academy of Art University in San Francisco and Otis College of Art and Design in L.A. For more info click here.

In The Hands of Artists
Opening reception: 19 April 2007, 6-8pm
19 April-12 May 2007
Chelsea Art Museum
556 West 22nd Street
New York, NY 10011 map
tel. +1 212 255 0719

David Lynch Giveaway

by Ami Kealoha

In the past year David Lynch released his epic experimental film Inland Empire (shot entirely on mini-DV), wrote a book on transcendental meditation called Catching the Big Fish (and inaugurated an annual conference on the subject) and debuted his line of signature coffee. In honor of the iconoclast's many achievements we have a trio of prizes—his coffee, a copy of Catching the Big Fish and an Eraserhead 2000 set—to give away to a Cool Hunting reader. See instructions below.

One of the few books to address creative challenges in a non-preachy way, Catching the Big Fish is less self-help book and more like a charismatic uncle relaying a series of short anecdotes. Written in straightforward, unadorned prose, Lynch's stories are about the pitfalls of artistic pursuits with advice gleaned from his years in directing films as well as quotes from ancient texts interpreted by Lynch. Whether you think Lynch's singular vision is that of an inspired genius, a crackpot or a little of both, the book is a must-read for anyone who's ever struggled with the creative process.

Of course, much of the creative output of the last thousand years or so owes a debt to the coffee bean, which Lynch is also doing his part to support with his line of organic coffee. Available in a house roast, espresso and a decaf french roast, as either whole bean or ground form, it comes in refillable tins with a very noir black-and-white photo portrait of Lynch. A portion of the proceeds goes to the American Film Institute so you can help out someone else's creativity besides your own.

To win your own coffee, book and Eraserhead DVD set, follow the contact link at the bottom of the page, select "David Lynch Giveaway" from the pull-down menu and send us a message answering the following question:

What book provided Lynch with the pivotal turning point in the making of Eraserhead?

We'll chose a winner at random from the correct submissions sent before this Thursday, 12 April 2007, 11:59pm EST.

Steineck Spy Watch

by Watchismo

Once I think I've seen everything, somebody alerts me a mind-blowing gadget like this Steineck Subminiature Wrist-camera. Thanks to Max Busser, founder of MB&F Horological Machines who shared his find (right) from a vintage watch store in Lugano, Switzerland. Needless to say, I've been obsessed these antique spy/detective/novelty gadgets for the last few days and have uncovered a secret force of "Submini" wrist-cameras. A wide array of styles existed over many different eras, originating in 1907 with a pocket watch camera. Others were fit into rings, some were undisguised miniature cameras fit onto a wristband but my favorite remains the Steineck, with its robotic cyclops face and potential for Captain Kirkian prop-weaponry.

Read more...

Also on Cool Hunting: James Bond Gadget Watch History

Cool Hunting Video Nominated for Best Music/Variety Webby

by Ami Kealoha

We're very happy and honored to announce that today the First Annual Webby Film and Video Awards nominated CH's video series for the best Music/Variety show of 2007! Please take a minute to show your support for Cool Hunting Video by voting for us in the People's Choice Awards before 27 April 2007 here. (You'll need to register first, but it's fairly painless.)

Also voted an honoree in the Doc category (putting us in the top 15% of over 8,000 entries), we have double the reason to celebrate and double the reason to thank m ss ng p eces for their vision and hard work that's an integral part of making it happen.

Shawn Mortensen: Out of Mind

by Wendy Dembo

A “zelig” in the world of photography and portraiture, Shawn Mortensen has amazing intuition proven by his ability to be at the right places at the right time. His eye for talent has created iconic images of “stars” often years before the media or public takes notice. What distinguishes Mortensen's portraits is their intimacy, emotion and sense of humor. Clearly, his subjects trust him.

His new book, Out of Mind, is an first-hand look at an incredibly broad spectrum of humanity. From provocative and authentic portraits of hip hop's A- list (Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre) and punk rock heroes (Joe Strummer, The Sex Pistols, Henry Rollins) to pop icons (Gwen Stefani, Lauryn Hill, Spike Jonze), Mortensen has pop culture covered. But the prolific photographer's work also includes images of a pantheon of iconic contemporary artists such as Ed Ruscha, Raymond Pettibon, Yayoi Kusama, Larry Clark, Brice Marden and William Eggleston, as well as younger emerging artists like Barry McGee, Tauba Auerbach and Ryan McGinley, just to name a few.

The celeb-heavy portraits dramatically run opposite equally compelling images from his adventures in far flung locales, including Zapatista revolutionaries in Mexico, Mongolian nomads and wrestlers, Tibetan Buddhist Monks, Jamaican "rude boys" in Trenchtown and scenes from African journeys.

As his ouevre suggests, Mortensen is as comfortable shooting guerillas in Chiapas as he is taking intimate portraits of supermodels on the runway, heading straight from the Paris fashion shows to live in and document the slums of Kingston in fall '91. Mortensen says he tries to “capture people with the poise that they carry naturally. I look for authenticity and work to create a dynamic/loaded image. I call it 'Fantastic Realism.'" He hopes that this book will introduce skate kids to legends like Genesis P. Orridge, Larry Kramer, Lee Quinones and Quentin Crisp and that older readers will google younger artists like Peaches, Kaws and Neckface.

His egalitarian approach to his subjects (everyone has the same level of importance) carries over in his desire to make his work affordable to everyone; the 224-page hardcover lists at $25 and goes for even less on Amazon.

Barking Irons Half Off

by Ami Kealoha

Mining the rich historical era of 19th century NYC, Barking Irons' fifth collection features the same flawlessly-executed designs that made us fans in the first place. From the emblem-shaped "Honey Bee" design (an homage to speedy fire fighters) to the heart-and-tiger combo evoking the patriotic society and the native chief they were named for, each tee is like a mini history lesson entitling the wearer to a little secret knowledge—and they look good too.

As an exclusive offer for Cool Hunting readers, Barking Irons is offering 50% off their tees for a limited time. For the next week (until Monday, 16 April 2007, 11:59pm EST), follow this link and enter the username "coolhunting" and the password "bombrones" at the prompt to shop!

Also on Cool Hunting: Barking Irons Shines, Barking Irons vs. Cool Hunting, Barking Irons: Behind the Scenes, Barking Irons