Hey all, July is here already. This month’s banner comes from Twisstii who, after earning a degree in animation, decided to pursue a career in illustration.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that visuals are a form of expression and an essential communication medium -apart from words- that never stops evolving, with potential at every turn.

Click for detail.

Jonathan Han just graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York, where he majored in Graphic Design. He sees himself as just a simple Singaporean boy trying to go places where no one has ventured before. In doing so, he sleeps very little.

His Mega Graphic (above) is a data visualization reflection of his life thus far. Jonathan explains: “The left and right panels work together to show the information derived from the abstract and exact (left and right corresponding) reality of my life. The intensity of my thoughts, the activities that I spent the most time on, and my life journey from start to finish is being divulged through a timeline, the fluctuations of moods and more.”

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It started in May, with four friends from the Temasek Design School — Aaron, Donson, Kaysee and Joanna. The four were really keen to introduce a different approach to fashion, and so Sigeren was born. Own designs, affordable pieces,  body type customizations and reinterpretations of local and old-school icons, are at the essence of the brand.

Aaron about Sigeren: “We were inspired by Vivienne Westwood’s quote in the AFF 2009 show video — To be a good designer, you must appreciate the past to understand the future. I think this aptly describes our design standpoint: taking what we know and what is a part of the history of our surroundings, and making it new and refreshing. Fashion always comes in a full cycle, so while everyone is trying to join the race to become the most groundbreaking designer, we are taking the road less traveled and looking to our past, for our future.”

Singapore-born han grew up in Kuching, Malaysia, where a different pace of life attuned him to the neglected and the forgotten in contemporary society.

As a documentary photographer, han has been archiving the work of artists since 2003. He also contributed to a variety of publications and periodicals including Singapore Architect and d + a. han was also a color supervisor and still photographer of two of Sherman Ong’s films, Flood and Drought.  His joint documentary -Protecting you & yours 24/7- with Ray Chua and Chan Bin Kan was featured in the National Museum of Singapore in November 2008.

The pictured book -the sky i wish to share with you- is a collection of artwork, in the form of a series of postcards, installations and video resulting from han’s unrequited longing. Scenes of encounters shot by the artist, sometimes accompanied with notes, serve as a way to share moments which han could not bring to his loved one. As interplays of real and simulated sites conjure up familiar cinematic states, this project begins his response to the speed of contemporary society; a mediation of his need for nostalgic emotional experiences.

Mark Your calendar for the official book launch on 9 September, 8 pm at Polymath & Crust (86 Club Street).

Already in its 7th edition, the annual photography festival organised by Phish Communications returns from 17 June to 19 July 2009 with a generous collection of seven exhibitions and 1 video projection, peppered with several public and fringe programmes over 5 venues: Asian Civilisations Museum; Institute of Contemporary Art, Lasalle College of the Arts; SMU Gallery; SG Private Banking Gallery, Alliance Francaise de Singapour and The Cathay Gallery.

With the theme, Engaging Asia, the Festival flaunts an impressive line-up including Steve McCurry, internationally renowned for his image of the Afghan Girl; Marc Riboud, who was among the few European photographers to photograph Maoist China in 1957; and Francoise Huguier, World Press Photo Prize winner in 1993.

Recognising the nation’s growing interest in photography, the Festival also presents exhibitions by one of Singapore’s top woman photographers, Deanna Ng, and through the annual exhibition platform, Out of Focus, three emerging Singaporean photographers: Dyn, Then Chih Wey and Jean Loo.

About the theme, Engaging Asia
The exhibitions presented during the Festival are based on the theme and will reflect how photographers have engaged with the concept of Asia not merely as a geographical entity but also in terms of the continent’s identity, culture, politics and social issues. Asia, in its sheer diversity, is a heterogeneous intersection of identities, cultures, politics, communities and societies. Photographers from east and west have often attempted to capture the many facets that make up Asia, often creating a rich discourse on the diversity of the continent. The 2009 edition of Month of Photography Asia is an attempt at portraying some of these discourses and hopes to use photography as a bridge between cultures.

Visit the website for more details.

Click for more images.

After two years of hard work, The Fire Fight will be releasing their debut full-length album “Henri”. The Fire Fight blazed onto the local music scene three years ago by earning a coveted performance slot at Baybeats 2007. Since then, they have opened for American indie-rock darlings Anberlin & Copeland, Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Switchfoot and most recently became ambassadors for Youth.SG’s national “Feed Me” campaign.

Working with local illustrator and musician Jon Chan (Plainsunset), the band has produced a visual story of Henri the bear on his journey: fourteen watercolour paintings accompany fourteen songs in a manner reminiscent of a children’s book, drawing you into the whimsical city of Elemenopee to bring you a more eclectic side of the album. The band elected to work with Jon Chan due to his ability to produce art that communicated an understated form of elegance to compliment the band’s indie outlook.

With the impassioned melodies of Joshua Tan (vocals, guitars), the modest innovative tunes of Jonathan Leong (guitars), the dynamic-compelling rhythms of Iain Tham (drums) and Jbarks (Bass), The Fire Fight combines diverse influences ranging from The Promise Ring and Maritime to Death Cab for Cutie and Jamiroquai to bring you music with a raw, early 90s indie-rock sound with a hint of modern expression.

The Fire Fight will guide you through the story of Henri the Bear -told through both album artwork and song- on 31 July, 9:30pm at the Esplanade Recital Studio. Tickets: $25 from SISTIC.

Today’s artist is 22-year-old Michelle Lim a.k.a. Michy Witchy, who graduated with a diploma in Fine Arts (Printmaking) and is currently doing her Ba(hons) at Lasalle College of the Arts.

Her work ‘Staring at Death’ really strikes a chord, as it commemorates her grandfather’s death. “The work also seeks to connect with the viewer by reminding them of their being, and confront them to reflect on the people around them, and to love and appreciate them before it is too late,” Michy adds. “What I was concerned with at the time of creating this piece coincides with the recent loss of my grandpa, who left my side just a week before. Due to his passing, my work placed an emphasis on memory and loss, with my grandpa as the driving force for this work.

What affected me the most when I started the project was the constant image of my grandpa lying on his deathbed. I was standing beside him, watched him for five hours before he slowly went before my eyes. The feelings of regret and helplessness filled my spirit- because I watched someone I love take his last breath, and there was nothing I could do to save him or relieve him of his suffering. For this reason, Staring at Death and the book that complements it -Kites for My Grandpa-  focuses on that mental image that conjures -now and then- the moment before they removed the oxygen mask, which signifies his slow and painful departure.”

This designer needs no introduction. She has a stunning folio of work which you undoubtedly have seen many times before.  Her work has always managed to catch my eye, and above are pictured three of her designs.

I am talking about the talented Clara Teo,  an inquisitive being who loves to observe, explore and try out new experiences. Many things under the sun fascinate her, from design, to technology, to music. “I enjoy meddling with things and try to innovate all the time. Which is why I am in love with the web (and google),” Clara adds. “I began my career as a web designer at Kinetic Singapore after graduating from Temasek Polytechnic, and I am currently working as Senior Designer for Asylum.”

‘Being Lost, Being Found’, is the debut solo exhibition of artist Lim Shengen. Showcasing the hybrid nature of his practice, the exhibition consists of an oeuvre of work researched and produced over the span of the last three years. It presents visions of contemporary and accelerated urban living.

Based on observations of being lost, Void: Physical, Metaphysical is the main highlight of this exhibition. The installation of multiple light projections offers a static reality that is simulated. The series of photographic images displayed are a collection of landscapes that the artist has wandered to in his travels, claiming real space through unrealized space.

Shengen about his exhibition: “Although it is not generally acknowledged yet, when we talk about photography -especially in terms of contemporary photography- it all boils down to two types/styles/understanding of what contemporary photography is. There is ‘The Art of Photography’, and there is ‘The Photographic Art’. ‘The Art of Photography’ focuses on the traditional aspects of what photography is about, the technical approach of producing a photographic image, like for example, Ansel Adams’ landscapes. ‘The Photographic Art’ focuses on the conceptual element of what photography can achieve, although sometimes it is not finalized as a perfect photographic image -intentionally or unintentionally-, the works usually transcend the physical and into the meta-physical. Examples of artists that have dealt with the photographic art are, Yves Klein, Andy Warhol and Alain Fleischer.

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Dorothy Tan graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a Diploma in Visual Communication last year, and is now focusing her efforts towards getting her BA honours Graphic Design at the School of Creative Arts (University of the West of England).

About herself: “I’m someone who likes to quietly observe the world around me; it is where I find my inspiration, in people, places and culture, this helps me to take my designs into perspective and detailed consideration. Being easily excited by challenges, changes and playing with a variety of design styles, I look forward to different experiences that will shape my design process and ideas.”

Dorothy’s “I’m Not Scared” Sibling Support Kit,  is a step-by-step storybook created to facilitate acceptance and understanding in children towards their siblings who have been diagnosed with Autism. “This project is inspired and dedicated to my little brother, who was diagnosed with Autism when he was three,” Dorothy explains. “The book simplifies what Autism is. It helps a child understand why their siblings with Autism are behaving differently. It acknowledges their fears and struggles, helping them to interact and help their siblings. It shows them what they can do to express their emotions and where they can go and seek help.”

Witness what happens when ten Singapore illustrators meet to produce colors on canvases. Yes, you may buy the art works too.

Details are as follow.

Date: June 25 and 26 2009
Time: 7:00pm to 12:00am
Location: Loft, 16A Haji Lane, Singapore

Artists include:

- TWISSTII
- EESHAUN
- BRICK (anyone here got a URL to link to?)
- RANDOM SUNDAY
- MINDFLYER
- KUANTH
- MOJOKO
- KITTOZUTTO
- SOKKUAN
- SHERYO

Email mojoko@mojoko.net if you have any questions.

On the way to the airport, a mother frets over her daughter who is leaving home for the first time. Suddenly, she finds herself on a curious detour that plumbs muddy memories, only to surface with a dazzling lesson in both life and swimming.

This is the synopsis for “Swimming Lessons”, an SIFF-winning short film by SIFF Best Director, Kat Goh.

Kat about her movie: “Most Singaporeans have the luxury of growing up living under the protection of their parents. However, we often hear complaints from our young generation about over-protective parents. Are their parents really so unreasonable or do they just love their children too much? Maybe the best thing to do is to just let go.”

A veteran of television production, Kat is one of the few female filmmakers to emerge from Singapore. Cutting her teeth on epic TV productions during an eight-year stint at both MCS and Channel U, Kat’s work on the small screen includes the highly-rated comedy series Durian King (2004).

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I’ve been meaning to post up reckless ericka’s wicked cool designs for a little while now. Pictured is a look from their first collection, “Brit Kid goes to India”, featuring cut-out tops, layered cropped jackets, Union-Jack inspired multi-wearable garments, silk-screened leggings and a mad mix of checked outfits with turban-like headgear and  zany accessories.

“It is a mish-mash of multi-layering and colors, fusing the spirit of naturalness and grunginess,” Afton explains. “Playing with tactile qualities and cut, the tailored jackets, draped tops, and layered silhouette, emphasizes the beautiful facets of the human body. Though adaptable to whomever wears our collection, it bears our strong and impertinent style.”

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Click to watch the video.

Louder Than Light is the first independent full length album release for Wicked Aura Batucada, and features a collection of tracks that fuse Afro-Brazilian rhythms with rock, funk and pop sensibilities with much crossover appeal.

Wicked Aura is a motley crew of drummers/friends who formed pretty much to play a one-off gig at Zoukout 2003. But they stayed on and kept making more noise on the streets of Singapore.  2005 onwards saw the band incorporating vocal tracks as part of their growing repertoire of originals to diversify and expand their sound.

The track “Fight” was shortlisted for the BBC’s Top 20’s Next Big Thing in late 2007. Since that time the song - the second single released in Singapore  -  has been perfected, re-recorded and filmed, and is now gaining much attention.

Visit these stores to get your hands on this wicked release.

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Ki-kei-no socks started out as a simple trial and error pastime on a lazy Sunday afternoon.  Ki-kei-no is Japanese for deformed, or defective, which is exactly what these sock toys are. Creatively designed and hand crafted without perfection in mind, yet expressive enough to allow each one of them to adopt its own character and story.

Designer Gladys Phan graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic’s Digital Media Design, specializing in animation. “However, I moved on to become a Graphic Designer to expose myself more in this field,” she adds. “Hectic schedules mean there is hardly any time to really think about what I love the most - to create. “I am freelancing now, which means I have more time to myself. That is when I discovered something I’m really passionate about: craftwork. I started to learn how to cut, sew and ruin socks, seeking help in books and through sewing tips from mum. I find satisfaction in every sock toy I create. They are one-of-a-kind plushies and that’s what spurs me on to keep developing new characters.”

Glaydys has a facebook fan page, which you can join here.