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Artistic Chaos - The Tokyo Design Festa blog
As I entered the futuristic-looking Tokyo Big Site building on Odaiba Island, I was greeted by a person with the head of fish. Beyond him/her/it and all about the place wandered a colorful assortment of strange characters which appeared to have been born in fertile imaginations bred on Japanese Anime, Gothic Horror, and Salvador Dali. It was then that I knew I had reached my destination: the Tokyo Design Festa.
Design Festa is a chaotic showcase of artists, musicians, craftsmen, designers, dancers, and performers - the sublime mixed with the avant garde. The Design Festa takes place twice a year in Tokyo and has been going on for 14 years.
Artists come from all over the world to participate. Booths are set up to showcase their creations and crafts. Visitors can look at, handle, and purchase their favorite pieces. In addition they have the chance to talk with the artist to learn more about them and their artwork.
For artists, the Design Festa gives them the opportunity to get their work noticed and possibly sold. The event is a breeding ground for future art as a lot of networking goes on between artists which can lead to potential collabrations.
There is so much to see, do, and absorb in a weekend at Design Festa. The place is literally a beehive of activity. There are performances to see, workshops to attend, bands to hear, painters to watch, and oddity to puzzle over.
Some of the booths offer short workshops to teach visitors a bit their craft. I tried my hand at the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy. Calligraphy in old Japan was considered an all important skill. In the far off days of the Heian Period (794-1192), a person’s calligraphy was believed to be a mirror of their character. I would have been laughed out of the Heian Court with my paltry attempt at the turtle kanji character. My turtle looked a bit more like a sickly chicken strung up by clumsy anti-poultry vigilantes. My teacher, a ten year old girl, was patient with me and guided me as best as she could.
At a makeup special effects booth, visitors were able to get horrific body scars which didn’t hurt a bit. I got myself a nice deep scar running down my arm which later fooled a few drunks at my local bar.
There were several fantasical creations from this booth wandering around surprising the unwary and small children. One was tall elegant alien creature frighteningly realistic but fortunately sweetenly demure.
Another creation was a ghastly sculpture of a half-tree half-woman monster with the severed head of a man in her/its hand. Her/Its roots were nourished with the blood and gore of other men. It was a macarbe cocktail of environmentalism and feminism blended horrifically together.
Along with the countless booths, there are a variety of showings throughout the day in different sections of the event area. Bands, short films, musicians, eclectic performers can be seen outside, upstairs, and in the main hall. I was able to see rock bands, taiko drum groups, naughty nurses, a gyrating eyeball man, and a dancing ninja troupe.
One of the popular returning performance groups is Mr. Eyeball Love Globe from Taiwan. The group is headed by man with an enormous eyeball as his head. His outfit is covered with a similar pattern. His story from his flyer is that he is an alien here to spread love. The Eyeball group was one of the most out-there groups and attracted a lot of attention. They have been to Design Festa several times before.
Design Festa takes place twice a year in May and November. For more information please check:
http://www.designfesta.com/index.html
As I entered the futuristic-looking Tokyo Big Site building on Odaiba Island, I was greeted by a person with the head of fish. Beyond ... more -
Ghostly Lady from Tokyo Design Festa
Here's a little avant-garde weirdness from Tokyo Design Festa.
She's from Taiwan and was one of the performers at the Design Festa. Her group is known as the Mr. Eyeball Loves Globe.
The music is by SevenCycleTheory:
http://www.myspace.com/sevencycletheory Here's a little avant-garde weirdness from Tokyo Design Festa. ... more -
Arthur Russell's Wild Combination
The documentary film "Wild Combination" highlights the life of Arthur Russell, whose varied and eclectic musical career spanned disco and avant-garde genres in early '80s New York. The documentary film "Wild Combination" highlights the life of Arthur Russell, whose varied and eclectic musical career spanned disco ... more
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Artistic Chaos!!! - The Tokyo Design Festa
The Tokyo Design Festa is a semi-annual event where artists, craftsmen, performers, musicians, film-makers, and what-not gather from all over the world to exhibit their creations.
It's a weekend of artistic chaos! The Tokyo Design Festa is a semi-annual event where artists, craftsmen, performers, musicians, film-makers, and what-not gather from a... more -
Beep-Beep, Toot-Toot: David Byrne Plays the Whole Building
New Yorkers would pay very good money to silence the daily New York Symphony, sounds composed and performed by the urban din of garbage trucks, car speakers, bus brakes, warped manhole covers, knocking radiators, people yelping down from high windows and the racket of numerous blaring television sets.
But just leave it up to the goofy David Byrne, an avant-garde artist and musician, to create a huge sound installation in New York City that makes such "music" on purpose, although many wouldn't call it music at all!!
David Byrne’s "Playing the Building" is a sound installation in which the infrastructure of New York's Maritime Building has been converted into a giant musical instrument: a gargantuan cast-iron orchestra.
Photographs and two videos of the "Playing the Building" sound installation are included. New Yorkers would pay very good money to silence the daily New York Symphony, sounds composed and performed by the urban din of garbag... more -
The Old Photomaton: A Picture Box for the Masses
In 1926, an inventor named Anatol Josepho opened a photo booth in New York City's Times Square, the first Photomaton in the world. Josepho kept his Photomaton open 24 hours a day, and 280,000 customers had entered his booths to take pictures during his first six months of operation.
It was such an instant hit that the photo booth spread from that very spot in Times Square to arcades, amusement parks, state fairs, bus depots and five-and-dimes all around the country. Across eight decades the photo booths have recorded countless youthful frolics, untold numbers of funny antics, romantic kisses and unspeakable inebriated indiscretions.
This article includes wonderful vintage photographs, three videos (one of them is absolutely hilarious) and a great photo-gallery. In 1926, an inventor named Anatol Josepho opened a photo booth in New York City's Times Square, the first Photomaton in the world. Jo... more -
Vantage
'Vantage' is an experimental film that I produced at the end of my junior year in high school. I became inspired in experimental film production after a visit to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's film facility.
Imagery plays a critical role in this film. It is up to the viewer's discretion and interpretation to evaluate this film as well as question his or her own reality... 'Vantage' is an experimental film that I produced at the end of my junior year in high school. I became inspired in experimental film ... more -
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - I Had a Dream, Joe
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was originally formed in 1984 by two former members of the Australian band The Birthday Party: Nick Cave (vocals, songwriter, keyboards, harmonica) and multi-instrumentalist Mick Harvey. They were joined by Einstürzende Neubauten member Blixa Bargeld (guitar), Hugo Race (guitar), and former Magazine member Barry Adamson (bass, piano). Cave's former girlfriend Anita Lane was also a creative influence and occasional lyricist. This line-up recorded their debut album, From Her to Eternity, released in 1984. During their initial Australian tour, Birthday Party bass guitarist Tracy Pew also performed with the band.
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_cave_and_the_bad_seed... Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was originally formed in 1984 by two former members of the Australian band The Birthday Party: Nick Cave (... more -
Current 93 - Since Yesterday
Current 93 are an eclectic British experimental music group, working since the early 1980s in folk-based musical forms. The band was founded in 1982 by David Tibet (né David Michael Bunting, renamed 'Tibet' by Genesis P-Orridge sometime prior to forming the group).
Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (b. February 22, 1950) is an English performer, musician, writer and artist. His early confrontational performance work with COUM Transmissions in the late 1960s and early 1970s along with the industrial band Throbbing Gristle, which dealt with subjects such as prostitution, pornography, serial killers, and occultism, generated controversy. Later musical work with Psychic TV received wider exposure, including some chart-topping singles. Genesis P-Orridge is credited on over 200 releases. Current 93 are an eclectic British experimental music group, working since the early 1980s in folk-based musical forms. The band was f... more -
Durutti Column Missing Boy 1980 RE: Ian Curtis Suicide
The Durutti Column is an English post-punk band formed in 1978. The band is an ongoing project of guitarist (and occasional pianist) Vini Reilly who is often accompanied by drummer Bruce Mitchell. Their music is acknowledged as the rough prototype from which the chill out genre of electronic music emerged.
Ian Kevin Curtis (15 July 1956 – 18 May 1980) was the vocalist and lyricist of the band Joy Division, which he joined in 1976.
Years after his death, critics and fans continue to write and discuss at length Curtis's music, possible motivations and inspirations. News of his suicide in 1980 spurred many rumours, further accelerating interest in his work and troubled life. The Durutti Column is an English post-punk band formed in 1978. The band is an ongoing project of guitarist (and occasional pianist) V... more -
Tuxedomoon - In a manner of speaking
Tuxedomoon is an experimental Post-punk/New Wave group formed in San Francisco, California consisting of core members Blaine L. Reininger, Steven Brown and Peter Principle.
Blaine now lives in Greece. I've lost track of Steven and Peter. Tuxedomoon is an experimental Post-punk/New Wave group formed in San Francisco, California consisting of core members Blaine L. Reinin... more -
Inauguration of the crushed velvet pleasuredome (pt.2)
This synch combines Kenneth Anger's "inauguration of the pleasuredome" with the Legendary Pink Dots "Crushed Velvet Apocalypse" CD. The end result is very moody and well timed with a few lyrical synchronicities. Enjoy responsibly.
Kenneth Anger (born February 3, 1927) is an American underground avant-garde film-maker and author. In August 2007 he announced that he is "dying of prostate cancer" and has predicted that his own death will occur on Halloween night 2008.
The Legendary Pink Dots (LPD) are an Anglo-Dutch experimental rock band formed in London in August 1980. Although far outside the mainstream (in terms of their music and career path), LPD have released more than 40 albums, have a devoted worldwide following, and tour frequently. This synch combines Kenneth Anger's "inauguration of the pleasuredome" with the Legendary Pink Dots "Crushed Velvet Apocalypse" CD. Th... more -
Inauguration of the crushed velvet pleasuredome (pt.1)
This synch combines Kenneth Anger's "inauguration of the pleasuredome" with the Legendary Pink Dots "Crushed Velvet Apocalypse" CD. The end result is very moody and well timed with a few lyrical synchronicities. A brief synopsis:Lord Shiva, The Magician, wakes. A convocation of Theurgists in the guise of figures from mythology bearing gifts: The Scarlet Woman, whore of heaven, smokes a big fat joint; Atstarte of the Moon brings the wings of snow; Pan bestows the grapes of Bacchus; Hecate offers the sacred mushroom, Yage, wormwood brew. The vintage of Hecate is poured. Pan's cup is poisoned by Lord Shiva. The orgy ensues - the magick masquerade at which Pan is the prize. Lady kali blesses the rites of the children of light as Lord Shiva invokes the godhead with the formula "Force and Fire".
Kenneth Anger (born February 3, 1927) is an American underground avant-garde film-maker and author. In August 2007 he announced that he is "dying of prostate cancer" and has predicted that his own death will occur on Halloween night 2008.
The Legendary Pink Dots (LPD) are an Anglo-Dutch experimental rock band formed in London in August 1980. Although far outside the mainstream (in terms of their music and career path), LPD have released more than 40 albums, have a devoted worldwide following, and tour frequently. This synch combines Kenneth Anger's "inauguration of the pleasuredome" with the Legendary Pink Dots "Crushed Velvet Apocalypse" CD. Th... more -
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band that initially earned recognition for their psychedelic or space rock music, and, as they evolved, for their progressive rock music. They are known for philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative cover art, and elaborate live shows. One of rock music's most successful acts, the group have sold over 200 million albums worldwide including 74.5 million albums in the United States alone.
Pink Floyd had moderate mainstream success and were one of the most popular bands in the London underground music scene in the late 1960s as a psychedelic band led by Syd Barrett; however, Barrett's erratic behaviour eventually forced his colleagues to replace him with guitarist and singer David Gilmour. After Barrett's departure, singer and bass player Roger Waters gradually became the dominant and driving force in the mid-1970s, until his eventual departure from the group in 1985. The band recorded several albums, achieving worldwide success with The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). In 1985, Waters declared Pink Floyd "a spent force", but the remaining members, led by Gilmour, continued recording and touring under the name Pink Floyd. Although they were unsuccessfully sued by Waters for rights to the name, they again enjoyed worldwide success with A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987) and The Division Bell (1994). Eventually they reached a settlement out of court with Waters allowing them use of the name.
Waters performed with the band for the first time in 24 years on 2 July 2005 at the London Live 8 concert.
Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band that initially earned recognition for their psychedelic or space rock music, and, as t... more -
DEATH IN JUNE - Leper Lord featuring Klaus Kinski
Death In June is the musical brainchild of English folk musician Douglas Pearce, better known as Douglas P. Death In June was originally formed in Britain in 1981 as a trio, but after the other members left in 1985 to work on other projects, the group became the work of Douglas Pearce and various collaborators. Pearce now lives in Australia.
Over Death In June's two decades of existence, numerous shifts in style and presentation have occurred, resulting in an overall shift from initial post-punk and Industrial Records influence to a more acoustic and folk music-oriented approach. Although sometimes considered controversial, Death In June has become very influential in certain post-industrial musical circles. Pearce's influence was instrumental in sparking neofolk, which his music has subsequently become a part of.
Official Site: http://www.deathinjune.net/ Death In June is the musical brainchild of English folk musician Douglas Pearce, better known as Douglas P. Death In June was original... more -
Avant-garde collective The Residents, singing 'bout me!
The Residents are an avant-garde music and visual arts collective who have created over sixty albums, created numerous musical short films, designed three CD-ROM projects and ten DVDs, and undertaken six major world tours. Throughout their career, spanning nearly four decades, they have maintained complete anonymity. All public relations, interviews and promotions are handled by their spokesgroup, The Cryptic Corporation.
(complete anonymity to most *wink*)
Official Site: http://www.residents.com The Residents are an avant-garde music and visual arts collective who have created over sixty albums, created numerous musical short f... more -
Avant-garde collective The Residents, singing 'bout me!
The Residents are an avant-garde music and visual arts collective who have created over sixty albums, created numerous musical short films, designed three CD-ROM projects and ten DVDs, and undertaken six major world tours. Throughout their career, spanning nearly four decades, they have maintained complete anonymity. All public relations, interviews and promotions are handled by their spokesgroup, The Cryptic Corporation.
(complete anonymity to most *wink*)
Official Site: http://www.residents.com/ The Residents are an avant-garde music and visual arts collective who have created over sixty albums, created numerous musical short f... more -
Crowd Control with pc muñoz
Bay Area artist pc muñoz presented his most recent performance project, an artist-audience collaboration piece called Crowd Control, on April 20 in Berkeley, CA. The performance was part of a benefit for Fusion and featured his band, Left Hook, who demonstrate their skills for creating improvised, unconventional and funky soundscapes.
Listen up!
www.pcmunoz.com
www.fusionprogram.org
Bay Area artist pc muñoz presented his most recent performance project, an artist-audience collaboration piece called Crowd Control, o... more -
Everett Taasevigen Photographer directory listing on Only in Houston
Contact info for talented and innovative Houston photographer and major cat Everett Taasevigen.
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Inspired photography by Everett Taasevigen
A friend of mine recently put up a site with some of his amazing work. If you enjoy truly great photography or if you are looking for a professional photographer... you should check out his site. Great work Ev! A friend of mine recently put up a site with some of his amazing work. If you enjoy truly great photography or if you are looking for ... more
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