Hush

I have spent much time debating over which topic I was going to discuss in this post, and after quite some time, it was suddenly obvious. After spending so much time doing illustration work and rendering for a current assignment, I have done what I thought was impossible.....found even more respect for artist, Jim Lee's work. 

Upon currently re-reading my favorite graphic novel, Batman: Hush, I have found myself paying much more attention to the imagery and artwork that I already loved so much. Lee's attention to detail, and use of heavy shadowing gives off such a dark, gritty vibe which compliments the narrative perfectly. Combined with the brilliant ink work of Scott Williams, and you have yourself something that is truly amazing.

The surreal Dali Theater-Museum!

For a recent assignment, I was asked to research a design museum of my choosing. I have always found myself fascinated by the works of the one and only, Salvador Dali, so the choice was obvious. The Dali Theater and Museum is home to the biggest collection of Dali's work in the world. The Museum is located in the artists' hometown, of Figueres in Spain, a town quite near to the French Border.

An outside view of The Dali Theater-Museum

The interior of the Museum

Dali is not only know for his insanely popular work as one of the greatest surrealist painters of all time, but also for his sculptures and his jewerelly work, and this theater is the greatest collection of them all that the world has to offer. Dali's work and his ability to create such obscure and abstract artworks have always inspired me, and I would love to someday have the chance to visit this museum.

A visit to the Walker Street Gallery

Recently, I had the chance to visit the Walker Street Gallery in Dandenong, Melbourne, and really quite enjoyed what I got to see. With my visit, I was lucky enough to catch a brilliant exhibition that they are currently showcasing; the 'Silk Cut Award for Linocut Prints, Founders Collection' exhibition. This exhibition consists entirely of beautiful, Australian linocut pieces, all owned and donated by the Ryan family.

'The Kraken' by Michael Metcalf

My favorite piece of the day, was easily 'The Kraken' by the incredibly talented, Michael Metcalf. This brilliant linocut depicts the epic mythical sea monster of the same name, taking down an old ship with it's giant tentacles, which is just the coolest thing ever. Now, if this awesome image with it's intricate detail weren't enough, Metcalf has gone one further, and flawlessly put in a passage about the beast in the background of the cut, which just looks simply amazing.

I would highly recommend a trip to the Walker Street Gallery for anybody with an appreciation for an art medium a little different than the norm. This exhibition is only running for 5 more days though, so get down quick! 

"Another day when the sun ain't shining..."

This July saw the release of the latest album from Boston hardcore quintet, Defeater. Defeater are known for their ongoing conceptual narrative that has been carried out through their last two albums, and 'Letters Home' is no different! The lyrics from each album contribute to a larger story, which follow struggles and hardships faced by a working-class family in post World War II New Jersey. Letters Home is told from the perspective of the father, and this time follows his time spent on the front line in WWII.

Vocalist Derek Achambault

Letters Home artwork

Personally, I find that the album artwork of Letters Home, is just perfect. It is everything that the lyrical aspect of the album conveys, and it just has such a raw feeling to it which I love. The designer of this piece has created something for Defeater that truly looks like it has been taken right from their story, and brought to life flawlessly.

Arkham anticipation!

Octorber 25th shall see the release of the next installment of the incredibly popular Batman: Arkham video game series. Arkham Origins has regularly been teasing it's eager fans with a number of artworks and screen shots, being released over the course of the past few months.

Batman: Arkham Origins cover art

A screenshot of The Dark Knight in the upcoming game!

The design of these two images show the dark, gritty and raw vibe of the Arkham series, I personally find them both to be amazing pieces. Not only do they convey the tone of the game flawlessly, but the attention to detail in Batman's suit, and the surrounding city backdrop of Skyscrapers looks so incredibly vivid.

I absolutely love the artwork released so far, and I cannot wait for this game!

The Monash Gallery of Art

The Monash Gallery of Art

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Monash Gallery of Art, a public gallery located in Wheeler's Hill. The MGA is currently showcasing two awesome exhibitions, the first of which is named 'TOPSHOTS.' This exhibition is made up of amazing pieces from VCE students, and gives us an insight into some of the serious talent that these students have to offer. The second exhibition focuses on the work of Carol Jerrems. Jerrems' work is renowned as a part of Australian History, and her pieces show people "trying to find a new way of life and action in the 1970's".

"The Yarra River" by Sarah White

 My personal favorite piece of the day, was one i stumbled across in the TOPSHOTS exhibition. The piece is titled "The Yarra River", and was created by VCE Studio Art's student, Sarah White. White describes the river as "a landscape in which reflects the world she lives in", and that in trying to create this image in an innovative way, she opted to present it as a circular panorama.

The Monash Gallery of Art is an awesome gallery containing some amazing pieces, and showcases truly great exhibitions for a gallery that is free to the public. I definitely recommend these exhibitions to anybody with an appreciation for photography, design. Go and check it out while you still can!