Vanessa Chakour: Innerscapes

by Jacob Resneck

Artist, athlete, and activist Vanessa Chakour's abstract artwork is a vivid display of her stream of consciousness on canvas. With bold colors and shapes, her curious pieces are harmonious but come about through the chaotic interaction of an evolving sense of self and artistic expression. Her first one-woman exhibition entitled "Innerscapes" opens tonight at the Ambrosia Gallery in New Rochelle, NY.

Innerscapes
Opening reception: 22 October 2008, 6-9pm
Ambrosia Gallery
176 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801 map
tel. +1 914 235 0123

Grand Hotel Central

by Max Gold

I had the pleasure of spending this past weekend at the boutique Grand Hotel Central situated in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. The Grand has pulled off the rare feat of blending in completely with the city, making a stay in the hotel a perfectly subtle complement to one of the most exciting cities in the world.

The hotel is constructed in the shell of an old industrial building from the 1920s, the remains of which lend the Grand a classic charm, though the hotel is in all other ways the epitome of contemporary luxury. It literally feeds off the energy of the city, retaining much of it's power from a spread of roof-top. Speaking of the roof, if you're bored of Google Earth you'll find a refreshing perspective on the urban design of Barcelona while looking out over the city from the crisp waters of the rooftop infinity pool. This view is perhaps one of the city's best-kept secrets.

The Grand's location couldn't be more perfect; as soon as you leave the iron gates of the citrus sandalwood-smelling haven, cross the street into an arterial alleyway beside the Cathedral and be pulled with the flow of people through Catalunian candle shops, Gypsy comic book vendors and prime Barcelonian graffiti until you're ejected into the middle of Las Ramblas with your head spinning. (There is also a Metro stop just outside the door for an alternate but just as thrilling experience en route to attractions.)

In the Spanish tradition, the rooms are well-equipped for afternoon siesta with blackout-shades and soundproof windows that put you to sleep even if you aren't accustomed to a mid-day nap. And when you wake up the hotel's eatery, "Actual", created by Michelin award-winning chef Ramon Freixa is the perfect place for a post-siesta snack. I should add that my adventures were punctuated by twenty-minute rests in the hotel's modest but thorough lobby library of Catalunian art and design which made me even more reluctant to leave this perfect and simple urban retreat.

Visit Mr & Mrs Smith for more information on the Grand Hotel Central and other boutique hotels in Barcelona and throughout the rest of Spain.

Grand Hotel Central
30 Via Laietana
08003 Barcelona, Spain map
tel. +34 93 295 79 00

Dutch Bike Chicago

by Brian Fichtner

Indeed, while I was walking around Chicago, both within the Loop and in neighborhoods such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Square, I was shocked at how many people were using bikes to get around. With a bourgeoning network of cycling lanes and an abundance of flat terrain, the city is an ideal proving ground for the European riding style.

Dutch Bike Chicago is located in Lincoln Park: a quaint, picturesque neighborhood replete with fancy boutiques and multi-million dollar townhouses. It is exactly the kind of location a dealer need's to sell four-figure commuter bikes. While in Lincoln Park, I test rode two of the company's more popular models: the Transport ($1,749—above right) and the Secret Service ($1,619—below). Having ridden a track bike for the past couple years, adjusting to the upright position of these bikes was somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, I found myself slowing to a casual pace and taking in the scenery.

Although both models come with Shimano Nexus eight-speed internally geared hubs and a smooth grip shift, I found little need for the gearing. The Transport, with its dual top tubes and removable front rack looked like quite a tank, and seemingly weighed as much. Chances are, when fully loaded with groceries, those eight-speeds would come in handy. The Secret Service proved to be a slightly sportier model than it's cousin, and likely, the kind of bike a roadie would enjoy.

After reviewing the features of these bikes with Stephen, I could see why they've become so popular with the commuter crowd. Both models come with a Shimano Nexus hub mounted, dynamo powering headlamp and tail lamp; a Brooks sprung saddle; and an enclosed chaincase. All of which makes for a stress-free ride to work. If the staff at Dutch Bike Chicago exhibits even half the enthusiasm as its founders, this shop is sure to win over most any skeptic. It's a must see on any visit to the Windy City, regardless of one's riding style.

Dutch Bike Chicago
651 West Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614 map
tel +1 312 265 0175

Cut&Paste Contest: The 55DSL Logo Remix

by Karen Day

In celebration of their 15th anniversary, Diesel spin-off brand 55DSL is inviting designers to visually remix its logo. Collaborating with digital design tournament gurus, Cut&Paste, they're keeping to their tradition of innovation by inviting you to redesign the iconic 55DSL Shield logo, allowing you to graphically play around with the label's fun-loving attitude.

The laid-back brand is giving you full reign, but the panel of eight judges (including graffiti artist Emit and 55DSL's Andrea Rosso) are looking for a successful blend of the influences that have always remained at the heart of the label: urban culture, extreme sports, music, and graphic design. All of the submissions will be showcased at Cut&Paste's online gallery, where you can vote for your favorite logo and help elect the People's Choice Award winner. The contest starts today and will run through 5 December 2008, so get your submissions in on time because the Grand Prize winner walks away with $1055€ and a T-shirt in 55DSL's 2010 Summer collection.

For more details and to enter online, visit 55DSL Logo Remix.

Photographer Joshua Lutz

by Lost At E Minor

Meadowlands, a monograph by New York photographer, Joshua Lutz, is a collection of photos taken of the 32-square-mile area between New York City and New Jersey. It's a locale that most New Yorkers have never heard of or taken the time to visit, unless you are a Giants or Jets football fan.

This project—ten years in the making—includes an introduction by Robert Sullivan, who describes life in the Meadowlands as being "more resilient than regular life." The colours and subject matter are rather subdued and quiet, but we find the images creep into out minds when we least expect it.