GRAFFITI: Jaba & The Ultra Boys

I had the pleasure of meeting Jaba at Mimolette's wicked cool Reggae Night called "Jammin" with DJs JNR, Nomsta, Tomo and Roger C. It happens monthly. Anyways, Jaba is from the UltraBoys outfit which is a collective of graff writers from Belgium, France, Spain and Germany. They represent one of purist elements of hip hop, relatively untouched by commercialism, mass media and the Black Eyed Peas... I'm talking about the visual the art form of Graffiti. And these cats are old skool.

I'm definitely gonna try to get him some commissioned work. Maybe he can help me design my tattoo?

http://webringjustice.wordpress.com/
http://www.jabaone.com

LISTEN: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Counting down to Yeah Yea Yeahs in Singapore next month I've decided to posted one of my fav remixes of their song "Heads will Roll". This A-trak mix was played on the Annie Mac radio show on BBC radio one a while back and i was completely hooked! Really good club tune i reckon the crowd would go nutty after! Anyways, a catchy prelude to their show!

RIP: Larry Sultan (1946-2009)

Once again it's time for the world to say goodbye to another wonderful artist. Influential photographer, Larry Sultan died this week in San Francisco. He was 63 years old. I came to know the photographic work of Larry Sultan when I was living in London years ago. His work represented to me the physical manifestation of a some surreal version of the American dream. His style, characterized by a blend of photo documentary and conceptualism always evokes a feeling of something beneath the surface-- beyond the vibrant colors and mundane reality. I especially appreciated his highly personal series from the 1980's where he photographed his parents in their Suburban home. They depicted this uncanny relationship between photographer and subject, parent and child that was very unique for the time and was the series that made him famous. Each of his photographs embody a vast spectrum of human emotion leaving us with a lot to think about. Larry Sultan, You will be missed.


http://www.wallpaper.com/art/larry-sultan-1946-2009/4172

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/arts/14sultan.html

COVET THIS: Eley Kishimoto Women S/S 2010 Footwear

One Xmas wish down, the next one is something from this collection dear Santa. Mark and Wakako have done it again. Filling our heads with whims, fancies and longing for their delectable creations. The new footwear collection is a success with leather color blocks and sandals and thick strapped Mary Janes. The colors remind you of a faded vintage summer memory. Leaving me with hopes that my true love will bring me 12 pairs of shoes for my 12 days of xmas!!!


http://www.highsnobette.com/news/2009/12/16/eley-kishimoto-woman-springsummer-2010-footwear/

SHOP: Ambush

Change and progress are beautiful things. One of my favorite stores in town, Ambush, has always been about that. With ears on to the ground and all four fingers on the pulse, Big Al, the owner really knows how to put the cred into the street. This week, Ambush opens its doors to its latest haunt at the Mandarin Gallery and no doubt my pockets will need major mending after my visit. Ambush is responsible for introducing us to Original Fake, Jeremy Scott, Ktz, Henrik Vibskov to name a few…the new store will be full of surprises!!! Just gotta pop down to check it out…Word on the street mentioned something about "Opening Ceremony!!!" My Xmas wish is granted!! Yippee!!


http://www.ambushstore.com/

Ambush is 3rd Floor of Mandarin Gallery 333A Orchard Road

ART: Michael Johansson Sculptures

The end of the year means a many things to different people. To me, it marks a time for packing, organizing, year-end overhauls! For the past couple of weeks, I've been trying to play down my hoarding ways and embrace a life as a more organized individual. I haven't quite succeeded though i did stumble on these rather inspiring sculptures by Swedish artist, Michael Johansson that aptly reflects my current state of mind. This work reads like household Tetris or the art of a garang guni genius. in any case, I like it a lot and may consider taking cue from him by submitting a collection of my belongings to the SAM archives when the new year rolls around.

WEBSITE LINK

FILM: Invictus

There are a couple of directors whose films I look forward to with great enthusiasm. Clint Eastwood is one of them. His new film, Invictus has him teaming up again with Morgan Freeman who plays Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, the South African team captain. Eastwood films are never ostentatious. His quiet consideration always results in meticulously simplistic depictions of the complexity of the human condition. I am certain that this one will be no different.