Most Overhyped Art Project - Simple Things by Pharell Williams, Murakami and Jacob & Co.

Above: 'Simple Things' as displayed at Art Basel

I'd never have blogged about this collaborative 'art' project shown at this year's Art Basel except that it's receiving lots of blogger and news buzz.

While I'm a fan of much of the work of Pharell Williams, Takashi Murakami and Jacob & Co. (often referred to as Jacob the Jeweler and who was arrested last year for money laundering, found guilty and sentenced to 2.5 years in a federal prison), their combined project shown via the Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin at Art Basel titled "Simple Things" is not new or innovative.

We have seen many an artist glorify 'everyday items'. Both Tobais Wong and Big Game made a statement on commercialism with their gold editions of mundane items. Damien Hirsts' diamond encrusted skull and Koons' balloon dogs are also taking the simple and turning them into the magnificent. Even Jemal Wright's crystal encrusted toilet seats, albeit not with real diamonds, are more interesting.

This series of typical every day items (hence the name 'Simple Things'); a Pepsi can, a condom wrapper, a Heinz ketchup bottle, a bag of Doritos, a bottle of lotion, an athletic shoe and cupcake... all encrusted with diamonds and placed in a giant fiberglass, steel and acrylic psychedelic version of Murakami's Mr. DOB's head, is one of the most ridiculously overrated art projects I've ever seen.



The sculpture is based on Murakami’s signature “DOB” character and features an onyx fiberglass husk with a pearlescent glow to compliment the vibrant rainbow colors which Murakami is known for. In the mouth of sculpture are diamond emblazoned products mentioned earlier and shown in detailed photos further down in this post.



Apparently, this 'masterpiece collaboration' took over 2 years to complete and was subject of a furious bidding war at the preview and fetched a reported $2.8 Million. (there are many more pics of the piece later in this post).


above: music producer, clothing designer and entrepreneur Pharell Williams with a chair he designed

In this interview with Ute Thon (Art Magazin), Pharrell Williams talks about how collaboration with Takashi Murakami came about, the idea behind the sculpture, his interest in art and design, the artists and designers he admires, and his own design works.



With so much amazing art at Art Basel (both in Miami and Switzerland), it blows my mind that this is what many of the respected trend and art bloggers have opted to feature.

Now, of course you are thinking to yourself... "So, why feature it on your blog?"

Well, as the title of my blog suggests, I try to bring you what's 'hip' at the moment and not necessarily things that are always to my own liking. That said, take a look at the images and you can decide for yourself whether or not you feel it's an impressive art project.










Admittedly, I like the Murakami head much better than the objects within it. If you are a fan of Murakami's work, there will be an upcoming exhibit of his work from 12/09/2009 - Octobre 2009 at Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, 76 rue de Turenne 75003 Paris.


above: two Murakami sculptures at the Guggenheim Bilbao, 2009

above: Murakami's Flower wall at Art Basel Miami

related links:
Pharell Williams
Takashi Murakami
Jacob & Co.
Art Basel
Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin

The Nodus Project: 60 Fair Trade Designer Rugs & That New Carpet Smell

Nodus is a craft workshop of experimentation with a cultural plan. Reviving the oldest wisdom and knowledge in the art of carpet design, Nodus reinterprets the area rug by using the vision of the most innovate designers and architects, producing only unique pieces.


above: detail of Dark Flower, designed by Massimo Gardone


above: detail of Carpet Ali, designed by Italo Rota e Alessandro Pedretti

For the Nodus Project, the Italian interior design company, Il Piccolo, selected the best carpet manufacturers from six countries of the world (Nepal, Pakistan, India, Turkmenistan, China and Turkey) visiting them one by one, verifying material, technique, expert craftsmen and ethical production. Each carpet from Nodus is a unique piece, made by hand every step of the way.



These unique works of art were exhibited in the Il Piccolo showroom during the “Salone del mobile” in Milan last April. The Nodus carpets were to be admired for 3 weeks with a menu that changed weekly.

The Nodus Project gathered the enthusiasm and support from some of the most respected and well-known Italian and foreign designers. Among them: Bartoli Design - Fabio Bortolani, Italo Rota and Alessandro Pedretti, Alberto Artesiani, Matteo Thun e Antonio Rodriguez, Luca Nichetto, Massimo Gardone, Palomba and Serafini Associati, Donata Paruccini, Antonella Negri, Massimo Iosa Ghini, Matilde Alessandra , Pietro De Rossi, Enrico Franzolini, Francesco Lucchese, Gianfranco Fenizia, Peter Rankin, Smanks Design and James Irvine.

The result is a collection of 60 carpets that outline a new horizon of shapes and colors, that unhinges borders and go beyond simple functionality. The unusual collection of carpets incorporate dynamic and organic forms, various plays on old patterns and colors, and inspiration from contemporary and everyday products such as fabrics, tablecloths, books and maps.

All 60 are fabulous, but here are a few of my favorites:


above: designed by Peter Rankin

above: designed by Francesco Lucchese

above: designed by Matteo Thun e Antonio Rodriguez

above: designed by Antonella Negri

above: designed by Bartoli Design

above: designed by James Irvine

above: designed by Alberto Artesani

above: designed by Matteo Thun e Antonio Rodriguez
The ones below are different carpets that actually "tie" together:

detail of how the small carpets above tie to one another:

above: designed by Luca Nichetto

above: designed by Pietro Derossi

above: designed by Antonella Negri

above: designed by Alberto Artesani

above: designed by Matteo Thun e Antonio Rodriguez

The carpet below is designed to have a portion leaning up against the wall:

above: designed by Luca Nichetto

above: designed by Antonella Negri

above: City Up Milano by Peter Rankin

Most of the 60 rugs are available to customize and purchase. The site's customization process is so much fun, you may just want to play on it. Simply choose from their styles, then a screen like the one shown below appears. On the right is a line art drawing of the chosen rug and on the left is a color palette upon which you can click to see that style rug in your color choice:

above: rug shown in customization screen is City Up Milano

Next, you choose the shape, the size and finally whether or not you want 100% wool, 100% silk or a combination of the two. Note: For obvious reasons, some of the shapes and colors can not be customized.

FAIR TRADE:

Whether you purchase or only appreciate the quality of a piece from Nodus, you can be assured that the carpet has been produced with the utmost respect, first and foremost for human rights, and the right to good working conditions and fair compensation.

Their partner in Nepal for the carpets weaving adheres to the “RUGMARK” association. This way, they are sure and can reassure their clients and customers that their products are made with the utmost respect of human rights and a complete transparency of the productive chain.

The guarantee is from Rugmark, the international foundation that for 14 years has been working to end the exploitation of child labor, and rigorously inspects the manufacturing process every 3 months. For more information visit www.rugmark.org

That New Carpet Smell:
A weird co-branded item? Maybe, but Nodus also has a fragrance. And no, it doesn't smell like new carpet... read on.



In their words:
Nodus as sensory experience. We have created carpets that are recognized without being seen and remember the good feelings by creating a relaxing atmosphere.

"Nothing in the world of great has been done without passion" --Hegel

Olfactory Notes
Composition and fresh aromas spiked with touches of eucalyptus and cypress in the note head. The sparkling agreement of juniper berries that characterizes the note body, evokes the scents of the Mediterranean scrub. The ground slightly amber induces a relaxing atmosphere.

Symbology
Pagan culture in the juniper was considered a protective element, and then to transfer the element of home and of living in harmony with your space. Even in the north to go east to Russia and south in the Middle East it was believed that juniper had magical and protective properties for the home.
Buy the Nodus Scent here.


Purchase or see all 60 rugs here.
Choose your rug and start customizing it here.

Jonathan Adler Spices Things Up With His New Salt & Pepper Shakers

Interior decorator, designer, TV personality and author Jonathan Adler has just introduced a bunch of new salt and pepper shakers inspired by his well known pottery lines.


above: Jonathan with one of his pieces

Made of high-fired stoneware, with matte white and black glazes, each set is adorably boxed and consists of various animals, themes and modern organic shapes from his various lines of ceramics. Each pair costs $48.00 and is available to purchase at the online store. Take a look.

Garden of Eden (serpent and apple):


Lantern (organic shapes based on his lantern collection):


Penguins:


Whales:


Fish:


Birds:

Cats:

Mr. and Mrs. Muse:



Each boxed pair shown above costs $48.00.


The Utopia salt and pepper shakers shown above, which are not new to the line, are now on sale for $47.60 from their original $68.00 as well.

Shop Jonathan Adler here.