Design Blogfest Window Competition

by Ami Kealoha

As part of Design Blogfest 2007, CH readers have a chance at a prime sliver of Manhattan real estate. The Apartment's Crosby Street window has showcased post-its and chalkboards, but for the duration of New York Design Week they're generously turning it over to indie design.

If you're a designer with a prototype that you think deserves window treatment, please upload an image from your website or Flickr, a brief description and the keyword "designblogfest" here in Wists. We, the Design Blogfest bloggers, will create a shortlist on Monday afternoon after which we'll ask you, the readers, to vote on the best design. To keep tabs on the entries check the Design Blogfest Wists page.

• Monday, 14 May 2007, 12noon EST, deadline for entries via Wists
• Tuesday, 15 May 2007, shortlist of finalists, voting begins
• Wednesday, 16 May 2007, 12noon EST, voting ends

Run, Loud Graphix, Run!

by SummerSeventySix

LCD Soundsystem's specially–commissioned Nike+ mix has been a welcome accompaniment on the Nano when I'm pounding the streets, so I'm glad to reveal that the works of four more musicians are about to be released, but this time with a European twist. At the Designmai festival in Berlin this weekend, the Run, Loud Graphix, Run! collaboration will be unveiled, where the new tunes will be complimented by new cover art. From left, the works are by:

Also in Berlin, another track called "Passo4" is being played for the first time. Again, it involves four European musicians, but this time their efforts are mixed into one long, running–friendly track. After the unveiling, all the music mentioned is set to soon be available—of course—on iTunes.

Tattoo Darling

by Fiona Killackey

From the land of tulips, Edam cheese and clogs comes Angelique Houtkamp—tattoo artist, painter, collector and shoe designer. Making her imprint on the global art stage, Houtkamp's images reflect the graphic romance of old–school tattoos, the heyday of the Wild West and the mystery of Spain. From Sultry pin–ups, broken hearts, swallows and sailing ships, to black panthers, mermaids, spunky cowgirls, horseshoes and cacti, Houtkamp has become internationally renowned and respected for creating original and inspiration art. Already a veteran when it comes to having her work used in magazines, CD covers, postcards, buttons and clothing, Houtkamp has decided to try her hand at books, with her debut offering, Tattoo Darling, set for release in October 2007. Available in a softcover regular edition plus a special hardcover format, this 80–page full–color text explores the diverse and spectacular art formations Houtkamp has become famous for. Outré Gallery in Australia is now taking early orders (including international and wholesale), so contact them (info [at] outregallery [dot] com) to make sure you don't miss out.

Design Blogfest 2007

by Ami Kealoha

In celebration of NYC's Design Week this year, we've joined up with some of our esteemed colleagues to throw a party! Hosted by The Apartment at their SoHo HQ, Apartment Therapy, TreeHugger, Curbed, Notcot, Cribcandy and MoCo Loco are all in on the event. Sponsored by Swich and 10 Cane Rum, there will be a fun design mini-exhibit as well that we'll announce shortly.

Please RSVP: icff@theapartment.com

Design Blogfest 2007
Friday, 18 May 2007, 7pm
The Apartment
101 Crosby Street
New York, NY 10012 map

Two Exhibitions of Chinese Art

by Tim Yu

It's clear that in recent years the Chinese contemporary art market (like the rest of the art market) has experienced an explosion of prosperity. This Thursday, 10 May 2007, two openings in New York City feature the works of various Chinese artists gaining recognition in the international art world.

Li Wei (above left) is just one of over 50 photographers exhibited at ChinaSquare in "Dragon's Evolution." In documenting the deluge of change occurring in China, the exhibit examines the entities that affect contemporary Chinese culture. Images of urban construction, globalization and sexual liberation convey a shift in China's cultural consciousness.

Two solo shows at the Tilton Gallery feature Chinese artists Feng Zhengie and Zhao Gang. Feng's first solo show in New York, his portraits—inspired by the official portraits of Chairman Mao—playfully combine western and Chinese traits. Commenting on globalization, he creates a somewhat awkward hybridized face using bright saturated colors (above right).

Like Feng, Zhao's work is also inspired by past events and icons. He reinterprets events like the Cultural Revolution and replicates traditional Chinese ink paintings using the medium as a vehicle to exaggerate, and at times mock, the iconic. View images of his work here. Both artists will be in attendance at the opening.

Dragon's Evolution
Opening: 10 May 2007, 6:30-8:30PM
10 May-9 June 2007
ChinaSquare New York
Chelsea Arts Tower
545 W 25th Street, 8th floor
New York, NY 10001 map
tel. +1 212 226 7836

Feng Zhengie and Zhao Gang
Opening: 10 May 2007, 6 - 8PM
Exhibition runs 10 May-16 June 2007
Tilton Gallery
8 East 76 Street
New York, NY 10021 map
tel. +1 212 737 2221

Also on Cool Hunting: Huang Yan

Tight Knickers

by Lost At E Minor

Sydney-based label Tight Knickers use their t-shirts as a medium through which to espouse their views on Australian politics, the degradation of the environment and, ahem, Americans. Yes, brashness is a powerful weapon, especially in the hands of these lads. Their t-shirts are beautifully cut and are made from the softest cotton. I know because I often get around New York in a "Chaos is just a nightclub in Manhattan" tee, which invariably causes ripples amongst the feared and fearful. Nice.