Phantasmaphile

Rudolf Kurz

Rudolf Kurz  "Poet"

Rudolf Kurz does incredible etchings which are allegorical, perverse, and extremely lovely.  I'm so impressed by his linework, as well as his ability to balance the grotesque with the sublime. 

(And thanks to the wonderful artist Lindsey Carr for recommending him to me!)

Carlo Van de Roer, again

Carlo Van de Roer  "Orb 5 (Long Island, New York)"

I wrote about Carlo Van de Roer's chromystical Aura Portrait Machine series a little while back, and just he let me know that he is hunting for a new studio space in which to continue that project. (Also, he has a new website where you can view more of these photographs - I really can't stop looking at them!)  If you'd like to help him raise money for the studio, the best thing you can do is to buy prints from his lovely, uncanny Orb series (as above), on the ever ingenious and affordable site 20x200.

Telling Tales Exhibition at V&A

Oh how I wish I could see this show up now at the V&A in London: TELLING TALES - Fantasy & Fear in Contemporary Design.  Here's the description:

"This exhibition explores the recent trend among European designers for unique or limited edition pieces that push the boundaries between art and design. It showcases furniture, lighting and ceramics, designed by a new generation of international designers, including Tord Boontje, Maarten Baas, Jurgen Bey and Studio Job, who are all inspired by the spirit of story-telling. Each tells a tale through their use of decorative devices, historical allusions or choice of materials, sharing common themes such as fantasy, parody and a concern with mortality."

It looks like the show is divided into the following sections:  The Forest Glade, The Enchanted Castle, and Heaven & Hell.  Swooooon!  It closes on October 18th.

Hunter Clarke

Hunter Clarke  "Untitled 6" (Bestiary series)  2007

I imagine Hunter Clarke's paintings of pregnant women with animal heads illicit a full spectrum of response.  Comical, disturbing, empowering...how do you feel about them?  Personally I think they are irresistibly bizarre and ferociously beautiful.  You can see some more of Hunter Clarke's work in person at the aforementioned GODDESS show up now at Under Minerva.

GODDESS group show at Under Minerva

Under Minerva, a new gallery space in Park Slope, Brooklyn, has a gorgeous show up right now which I highly recommend.  GODDESS is a group show featuring work that explores the concept of the divine feminine.  I fell in love with a bunch of the featured artists, and will be posting about their work individually this week.  For starters, the promo image above is a digitally enhanced photograph by Nia Mora.  I am crazy about her luxe, mysterious portraits.

GODDESS is up until August 14th, so be sure to check it out.  As an added bonus, Under Minerva will be donating 20% of all proceeds to the Hazel K. Goddess Fund for Stroke Research in Women.   Divinity all around.

Nicoletta Ceccoli and Eric Fortune

Nicoletta Ceccoli  "Rose Red"

Oh my goodness, get thee to Roq La Rue TONIGHT for the opening of this heart-quaking double-header.  Nicoletta Ceccoli AND Eric Fortune?  Are you kidding me?!?!  That's almost more pastel fantastica than I can handle.  On second thought, my threshold is pretty darn high.  The show is up until August 8th, and looks to be almost entirely sold out already.  As it should be!

New Alan Moore Book!

By now, you've probably realized that if Alan Moore is selling it, I am probably buying it.  It's just been announced that he's written the text for a book called 25,000 Years of Erotic Freedom, and it is already available for pre-order.  It's a survey of erotic art, edited by Eva Prinz, and published by Abrams.  Moore's text is adapted from an essay he originally wrote for the 25th issue of the ever-marvelous Arthur Magazine.  The book is described thusly:

"'Sexually progressive cultures gave us literature, philosophy, civilization and the rest, while sexually restrictive cultures gave us the Dark Ages and the Holocaust.'—Alan Moore

With each new technological advance, pornography has proliferated and degraded in quality. Today, porn is everywhere, but where is it art? 25,000 Years of Erotic Freedom surveys the history of pornography and argues that the success and vibrancy of a society relates to its permissiveness in sexual matters.

This history of erotic art brings together some of the most provocative illustrations ever published, showcasing the evolution of pornography over diverse cultures from prehistoric to modern times. Beginning with the Venus of Willendorf, created between 24,000-22,000 bce, and book-ended by contemporary photography, it also contains a timeline covering major erotic works in several cultures. 25,000 Years of Erotic Freedom ably captures the ancient and insuppressible creative drive of the sexual spirit, making this book a treatise on erotic art."

Sounds like fascinating, powerful stuff.  Can't wait til my copy arrives.

Theo Ellsworth show at Giant Robot SF!

Theo Ellsworth  "Yonka in colors"  2009

I wrote recently about comic book artist Theo Ellsworth whose work is both infinitely whimsical and obsessively exacting.  I'm thrilled to read he currently has a show called "Imaginary Friends" at Giant Robot San Francisco, up through August 19th.  His fine art is every bit as eye-boggling as his comic art is, and I imagine the single canvas format allows for the viewer to be able to truly absorb and focus on Ellsworth's loving frenzy of detail.  I think you should buy one of his pieces.  And then buy me one.  OK?

Juliet Jacobson

       Juliet Jacobson  "I'll Be Your Mirror"  2005

You probably already know what I'm about to say about this piece:  you MUST click on it to see it large!  Juliet Jacobson's graphite tableaux are erotic, mysterious, and full of shadowy magic.  These drawings are quite big - the piece above, for example, being 48 x 90 inches.  I can't wait until I have the opportunity to stand in the same room as her work, and let it dwarf me with its precise majesty.

Lorenzo De Los Angeles

Lorenzo De Los Angeles  "Palmisty"  2008

The work of Lorenzo De Los Angeles is absolutely marvelous.  It is positively dazzling how his colored pencil technique yields such electrifying, pastel images that seem to radiate off the page.  I would love to see a whole storybook illustrated with these mystic drawings. 

TONIGHT at Observatory: Jesse Bransford, Crowley, & the Thoth Tarot

****DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, A SECOND TIME SLOT FOR THIS EVENT HAS BEEN ADDED!  Jesse will be giving this talk at 7:30pm and again at 9:00pm tonight, Friday, July 17th.  Seating is first come, first served.****

OBSERVATORY and Phantasmaphile proudly present:

Layered Orders: Crowley's Thoth Deck and the Tarot

(a personal narrative by Jesse Bransford)

Date: Friday, July 17th
Time: 7:30pm and again at 9:00pm
Admission: Free

A deck given to his brother by his mother in 1986 sat in Jesse Bransford’s childhood bedroom from the early 90’s until recently, delivering itself into Bransford’s possession at an opportune moment...

The Tarot in general and Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot in particular represent a miasmic confluence of image and thought into a single structure that is both liberating and overwhelming in its scope. In creating the deck, Crowley (in collaboration with painter Lady Frieda Harris) sought to integrate the mythological structures of the major mystical systems of both Western and Eastern occult traditions and to bring them into line with contemporary scientific thinking. The symbolism of the cards blends Kabbalah, Alchemy, Astrology, Egyptian mythology, quantum physics and even the I-Ching in ways that are at the same time clear and utterly confounding.

In an image-soaked personal narration Bransford, whose research-based artwork has delved into many of the territories Crowley sought to unify, will discuss some of the basic concepts of Tarot symbolism, returning to Crowley’s deck as among the most total example of the cards’ syncretism and as the most controversial.

Jesse Bransford is a Brooklyn/Queens-based artist whose work has been exhibited internationally. He received a B.A. from the New School for Social Research, a B.F.A. from Parsons School of Design, both in 1996, and an M.F.A. from Columbia University in 2000. He is currently a Master Teacher with the post of Undergraduate Director at New York University where he has been teaching since 2001, as well as a member of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism.  His work is represented by Feature Inc. in New York, Kevin Bruk Gallery in Miami, Galerie Schmidt Maczollek in Köln, and Shaheen Modern and Contemporary Art in Cleveland. Images of his work, a complete bio and related articles can be seen at www.sevenseven.com/, a website he has continuously maintained since 1997.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Directions:  ***PLEASE USE NEW ENTRANCE (see below)***

Observatory is located at 543 Union Street at Nevins.

Please enter Observatory via doorway on 543 Union St.

R or M

 train to Union Street in Brooklyn: Walk two long blocks on Union (towards the Gowanus Canal) to Nevins Street. 543 Union Street is the large red brick building on right.

F or G train to Carroll Street: Walk one block to Union. Turn right, walk two long blocks on Union towards the Gowanus Canal, cross the bridge.  543 Union Street is the large red brick building on the left.

For more information, see observatoryroom.org

Riikka Sormunen

Riikka Sormunen  "Thunder"

Riikka Sormunen's illustrations have it all:  fairytale logic, roiling sexuality, and unbelievably fresh colors and composition.  Seriously, someone needs to stage an intervention for me here, because I cannot.  look.  away.  You can follow her on her blog as well, which seems to have some different images than her site does.

(Thank you so much, Deborah!)

Edith Rimmington

Edith Rimmington  "The Decoy"  1948

Here's yet another artist from the past I'm appalled to have not heard of before now.  Edith Rimmington was a member of the London surrealist community in the 30s and 40s, and her work is lovely lovely.  Sadly, I was not able to find many examples of it online, but there are a few great ones reproduced in the most excellent book Women Artists and the Surrealist Movement by Whitney Chadwick. 

Teetering Bulb

Teetering Bulb  "Dragon Egg"  2009 (from upcoming graphic novella Troglodyte Rose)

I have been meaning to post about illustration team Teetering Bulb for months now, and had the good fortune of meeting Zelda Devon and Kurt Huggins last week.  Nothing like seeing someone in person to remind you that you oughta post about their brilliant work already!  They have perfected the pencil-meets-Photoshop technique, resulting in breathtaking, moody pictures which tell marvelous tales.  Also check out their gorgeous comic online right now at Tor.  Can't wait to see more from these two.

(And thanks, Samantha!)

Erika Somogyi

Erika Somogyi  "Self Portrait as the Lost Coast"  2008

Yet another hat tip to Meighan for turning me on to one more superb artist.  Erika Somogyi depicts the interconnection between spirit and nature with such intelligence and grace.  It's so easy to dismiss the concept of being "At One with Everything," but she reminds us how true - and truly beautiful - of a maxim it really is.   Her paintings stir me at my core, and make me breathe easier. 

Yuval Pudik

Yuval Pudik                                                        

I chose this drawing by Yuval Pudik to showcase his flawless rendering skills and riotous imagination, but it was only after much deliberation.  But please do go to his site, and gaze at his other harp-headed, S&M booted, tree-topped creatures as well.  Pudik is like Robert Longo on hallucinogens. 

(Thanks, Pete!)

Breaking Open the Head

I just finished Breaking Open the Head by Daniel Pinchbeck, and I can honestly say it is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read.  It is at once a history of the psychedelic movement, an exploration of shamanism, and an autobiographical spiritual narrative recounting the author's own mind-boggling experiences.  I found myself underlining entire chunks of the book, as there were so many rich ideas which were either brand new to me or else entirely affirming of my own suspicions and views.  I think I will leave it there, as it's far too brilliant and complex a book to sum up in just a few words, and I am frankly still digesting it.  I will say that I did discover two of Pinchbeck's other projects, Reality Sandwich and Evolver, and have been delightedly poking around those two sites recently.  Have a look. 

Thoth Tarot Lecture with Jesse Bransford at Observatory!

OBSERVATORY and Phantasmaphile proudly present:

Layered Orders: Crowley's Thoth Deck and the Tarot

(a personal narrative by Jesse Bransford)

Date: Friday, July 17th
Time: 7:30pm
Admission: Free

A deck given to his brother by his mother in 1986 sat in Jesse Bransford’s childhood bedroom from the early 90’s until recently, delivering itself into Bransford’s possession at an opportune moment...

The Tarot in general and Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot in particular represent a miasmic confluence of image and thought into a single structure that is both liberating and overwhelming in its scope. In creating the deck, Crowley (in collaboration with painter Lady Frieda Harris) sought to integrate the mythological structures of the major mystical systems of both Western and Eastern occult traditions and to bring them into line with contemporary scientific thinking. The symbolism of the cards blends Kabbalah, Alchemy, Astrology, Egyptian mythology, quantum physics and even the I-Ching in ways that are at the same time clear and utterly confounding.

In an image-soaked personal narration Bransford, whose research-based artwork has delved into many of the territories Crowley sought to unify, will discuss some of the basic concepts of Tarot symbolism, returning to Crowley’s deck as among the most total example of the cards’ syncretism and as the most controversial.

Jesse Bransford is a Brooklyn/Queens-based artist whose work has been exhibited internationally. He received a B.A. from the New School for Social Research, a B.F.A. from Parsons School of Design, both in 1996, and an M.F.A. from Columbia University in 2000. He is currently a Master Teacher with the post of Undergraduate Director at New York University where he has been teaching since 2001, as well as a member of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism.  His work is represented by Feature Inc. in New York, Kevin Bruk Gallery in Miami, Galerie Schmidt Maczollek in Köln, and Shaheen Modern and Contemporary Art in Cleveland. Images of his work, a complete bio and related articles can be seen at www.sevenseven.com/, a website he has continuously maintained since 1997.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Directions:  ***PLEASE USE NEW ENTRANCE (see below)***

Observatory is located at 543 Union Street at Nevins.

Please enter Observatory via doorway on 543 Union St.

R or M train to Union Street in Brooklyn: Walk two long blocks on Union (towards the Gowanus Canal) to Nevins Street. 543 Union Street is the large red brick building on right.

F or G train to Carroll Street: Walk one block to Union. Turn right, walk two long blocks on Union towards the Gowanus Canal, cross the bridge.  543 Union Street is the large red brick building on the left.

For more information, see observatoryroom.org

Hope to see you all there!

Joshua Field

Joshua Field  "The Rebirth of Beauty in the Midst of Conflict"  2008

I can't for the life of me recall how I came upon Joshua Field's magical, muted work, but I am so glad I did.  I love his disjointed images which seem to be floating in an aetheric realm, communicating secret messages in some sort of visual code.  It's like dream hieroglyphics or rebus puzzles from the unconscious.  Beautiful.

Amir H. Fallah

Amir H. Fallah  "An Altar For Your Life, For your Death"  2008

Amir H. Fallah's mixed media work is chromatic, ecstatic, and laden with imagery to the point of near-collapse.  Working mainly with the idea of altars or pedestals, his totemic painted towers are stacked with collage elements and icons in a teetering frenzy.  You can see examples of Fallah's unique vision in person right now at SF's Catherine Clark Gallery, where he has pieces in the group show "Remix" up through August 15th.