October 2010
Text: Gabriel Knowles Images: ABC
For a man whose list of notable achievements includes placing a fatwa on Rove, being exorcised of demons, placing a curse on an ex-girlfriend and streaking naked through Jerusalem it’s hard to fathom that he could top them all. But when John Safran headed off to the Philippines to take part in a crucifixion re-enactment, complete with real, appendage piercing nails, he more than outdid himself. John Safran explains to Gabriel Knowles why his new series isn’t quite as outrageous as it sounds and how he’s managed to wield enough power to finally get himself nailed to a cross. Continue reading…
Text: Louise McClean Images: Angelique Houtkamp
It is a rare occasion when you come across an individual in which you can say with true fervour that they were born with an ability of a most striking kind. Angelique Houtkamp of Amsterdam is one such person – she has used her uncanny creative finesse to just do about anything that springs into her mind. She has been developing and refining her talents over a host of mediums and projects, making her mark on bodies, canvases, journals, bags, shoes and greeting cards to name a few.
Best known for bringing modern, feminine elements to old style tattoos, her style purveys sentiment, beauty, nostalgia, romance and death – gifting us with a powerful and illuminating visual experience, communicating her deep interest in history and symbolism. Angelique’s industrious nature has resulted in a second book Tattoo Mystique which promises to be as beautiful and inspirational as her first. Louise McClean finds out a little more about the lady herself. Continue reading…
Text: Tristan Ceddia Images: Grafik
Circulating in one way or another since the mid-80s, London’s Grafik magazine showcases multidisciplinary design work from the worlds most influential known and unknown creatives. Building a cult following from discerning designers and students a like, the magazine supplies a fresh look at the current state of the world in design. On the eve of Grafik’s trip down under for Semi Permanent, Tristan Ceddia asks editor-in-chief Caroline Roberts to shed some more light on this influential publication. Continue reading…
Text: Oliver Georgiou Images: Krozm
Krozm is a Melbourne based, three-part directing collective made up of Chris Hill, Lachlan Dickie and Ewan Macleod. After only three short years together they have managed to compile an impressive reel of music videos for local acts including Midnight Juggernauts, Cut Copy, Van She and Jet. Drawing from a seemingly never ending skill set, Krozm utilise pretty much every film making technique, from hand drawn animation to CG, rotoscoping to live action, stop motion to digital effects and all the way back again. After gaining US representation with Mighty 8 earlier this year and recently directing Jet’s latest film clip in LA it would seem that Krozm are set to make Australia proud. Continue reading…
Text: Adriana Giuffrida Images: Karla Spetic
Everyone knows that lIfe changes constantly, sometimes these changes are scary, and sometimes they can be extremely exciting. For Karla Spetic, her life changes involved a new country and new lifestyle which have helped shape her concepts. Her debut collection at RAFW 2008 caused everyone to look twice at the details within her garments and the care taken with each piece. This year, her collection Blossoms Will Run Away, saw the addition of beautiful nostalgic swimwear, stunning photo floral prints and scalloped tailored detailing – allowing you to be as feminine, structured, whimsical or powerful as you want to be. Adriana Giuffrida takes a moment to ask Karla how the changes in her life have influenced her design process, and proves that home is always where the heart is. Continue reading…
Text: Caroline Clements Images: Tamas Jones
I wanted to find a connection between building houses and building music – a relationship between the two, for the sake of Tamas Jones. Though an architect by day and DJ by night, notably as one part of Hey Convict!, in his mind there are in fact no particular links between his two chosen ventures. For him, simply, work is one thing, and music is another, and he splits his time between the two. In the meantime, this bearded rogue has also managed to re-record a track with Dominik Von Senger, which is to be released in just a few weeks. Continue reading…
Text: Melissa Loughnan Images: Amber Wallis
Amber Wallis’ loose and abstracted imagery is inspired by the landscape, relationships, experiences and emotions. Her strong lines and bold use of colour often incorporate references to the landscape and the figure. Her work has inspired numerous fellow artists in Melbourne through its rawness and ability to convey often very powerful messages. Her work can be seen shortly as part of the upcoming Shilo Project at the Ian Potter Museum of Art, Melbourne, and she has solo exhibitions lined up for Sydney and Melbourne in 2010. Amber is currently living in Paris as the winner of the tenth Brett Whiteley Travelling art scholarship, awarded by the Art Gallery of NSW, Melissa Loughnan caught up with Amber Wallis during the last stages of her scholarship. Continue reading…
Text: Gabriel Knowles Images: I Heart Hiroshima
I Heart Hiroshima are a prime example the modern trend that requires every band to sound like another band for referential purposes. Around the traps they’re described as sounding like various bands they actually sound nothing like. In the case of the Brisbane based and bass-less band it might just actually be their fault.
“When we just started playing I remember we first set up our Myspace page and I was filling out the influences section and I had no idea what to write. So I just wrote down what bands we kind of sounded like as a reference point for people in case they liked those bands so then maybe they’d like us. I think that whole sounding like other bands thing comes from actually planning on playing a certain type of music.” Guitarist and co-singer Matt Somers cheekily offers, confessing that the band, which also includes Susie Patten and Cameron Hawes, had found much amusement in perpetuating the myths. “It’s funny though because some of the bands we put there we don’t actually sound like but we just like and they would always turn up in reviews and on little press releases as bands that we sound like.” Continue reading…
Text: Luke Lucas Images: Mario Hugo
Mario Hugo’s illustration, typography, design and art direction is of such a standard that it sets the minds of even the most left-brained amongst us alight. He’s as much a darling of the bloggers as he is of the world’s biggest magazines, proving that the best visual communication really does speak to everyone. Luke Lucas caught up with New York based illustrator, designer and business man to talk antique shops, drawing and the fate of print design. Continue reading…
Text: Gabriel Knowles Images: Asuza
They say if you need something done you should ask a busy person. If that’s the case then the men behind Asuza are worth asking if the need arises. Not content with holding down full time jobs of some repute, or playing and recording albums with their respective bands, Jonny Goldcoast and Dan Preston decided the time was right to enter the men’s fashion game with their special brand of retro futurism. With a dedication to combining the best of now, then and what we haven’t even seen yet – stealthy designs coupled with classic craftsmanship that focuses on the finishing touches – Asuza are breaking to mould. Gabriel Knowles catches up with the Asuza crew to find out more about their philosophy. Continue reading…
