Solaris 100 Industries

Bye bye Blogger!!!

2009-06-05T18:40:00.011+01:00

Wow! Big news just before the weekend: Solaris100 leaves Blogger and migrates to Tumblr! Why? No permalinks and other annoying things that go together with the old lady that is Blogger. Nothing personal but it's time to move on...

A lot of stuff happened since I started this blog on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 9:02pm on the dot. I hope YOU my lovely readers will join me on my trip to a better braver blogging world!

I will keep this blog up as an archive but all the hip new shit will happen from now on over at Tumblr...

SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!

www.solaris100.tumblr.com

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture Book

2009-06-05T13:28:00.002+01:00

Not only since KanYe called himself the Louis Vuitton Don is this label hot amongst the hipster crowd. The amazing collaborations with Murakami and high profile fans like Nigo helped the label to crossover into the urban hypebeast market.

This book looks like a great way to indulge into the world of LV without having to shell out crazy money for a monogram handbag. Coming 1.9.2009 to a LV store close to you...

via www.ilvoelv.com

Mark Ward murial @ Canoe

2009-06-03T14:03:00.003+01:00

My man MW is getting some love from Canoe...

markwardstudio.com

Ed Banger bash London

2009-06-03T09:27:00.003+01:00

Now this will be a hell of a night!

BTW don't sleep on this fresh blog written by Busy P, So-Me and some other French cool kids... blog.coolcats.fr

A sunny weekend for everyone!

2009-05-29T18:09:00.001+01:00

Metabots are GO!

2009-05-28T17:52:00.008+01:00

Picked up this robot model kit at the MoMA store in NYC. This thing comes together without any glue or cutting needed.

I felt like the biggest geek ever putting this together but it was well worth it... looks Damn DOPE! I just love the japanese Mecha look! Apparently there are a couple of other robot models available too but I am yet unable to track em down. Somehow Google is totally letting me down on this one. Anyone knows more than me?

And while we are at it...

2009-05-28T17:29:00.004+01:00

Hypebeast old skool deluxe...

via Bapetalk2

Random 4 foot Companion pic

2009-05-28T16:54:00.003+01:00

Taken at Union NYC. Posted just because it looks good.

Slam on the breaks!

2009-05-28T13:22:00.001+01:00

Dungeons & Disco vs Gamut Groove at Fluid

Date / Friday, 29 May 2009

Time / 2100 - 0400

Venue / Fluid/ 40 Charterhouse Street, Farringdon, EC1

Spring cleaning in progress!

2009-05-27T19:03:00.005+01:00

Spring is here! So blue is the new yellow. Keep your eyes peeled!
Relaunch of solaris100.com coming soon...

5Pointz: “The Institute of Higher Burnin’”

2009-05-26T22:04:00.004+01:00

Haven't really blogged much about my recent trip to NYC... because there was just way too much cool stuff to see and do. More than I could ever blogg about! Anyway... one pretty impressive stop was the legendary 5 Pointz. A shame I couldn't paint there: It's currently closed for renovation.

Read more about 5 Points here: 5ptz.com

Sunny bank holiday everyone!

2009-05-22T19:34:00.002+01:00

Brrrap!

Good old times...

2009-05-22T19:22:00.005+01:00

Ahhh... seeing two mags with these two bands next to each other is SOOOO 1995!

See what I mean here

Teriyaki Boys figures

2009-05-22T14:35:00.004+01:00

Haters keep on hating... but I am too old to let this label go! Plus the toys and packaging look damn DOPE! :P

Go Toxie go!!!

2009-05-18T20:37:00.006+01:00

Came across this poster during my last day in NYC. Now THATS a musical I wanna see... taking me right back to the days of A Levels, cheap beers and trash movies. I still can't believe they made this. For the uninitiated: Toxic Avenger is a splatter movie from 1984 about a nerd mutating through toxic waste into a hideous crimefighting monster in a ballet skirt...

AWSOME!

P.S: On a different note: Where are those Poultygeist screenings in London, Lloyd?!!!

Gotta love Shoreditch!

2009-05-18T19:21:00.003+01:00

Dressing up ...up... UPPP! since 1999...

Big man Japan

2009-05-18T14:08:00.004+01:00

A middle-aged slacker living in a rundown, graffiti-ridden slum, Daisato’s job involves being shocked by bolts of electricity that transform him into a stocky, stick-wielding giant several stories high who is entrusted with defending Japan from a host of bizarre monsters. But while his predecessors were national heroes, he is a pariah among the citizens he protects, who bitterly complain about the noise and destruction of property he causes...

Geez! Cronenberg x Ultraman or what!? Gotta find this movie!

An audience with the lord...

2009-05-11T15:54:00.005+01:00

It's no secret that I love the handmade toys from Suckadelic. Managed to drop by at Suckadelic H.Q. for some local pick ups and rare colorways today. Love the Mary Paper$ japanese version inc. Murakami LV pattern. But the real bomb is this crazy rare Spooky Booty colorway... Sweet! Keep your eyes peeled for new Band of the Lost toys coming soon...

www.suckadelic.com

The Trek is back!

2009-05-09T16:56:00.008+01:00

Just watched the new Star Trek flick. JJ Abrahams did it and brought back the original geek franchise without killing everything off that was great about the show. Sweet!

And this time they even managed to NOT screw up the official movie tie-in sneaker! Although you might want to remove the lace jewels when being outside of a Trek convention to increase the chance of getting laid by 500%...

star-trek-x-staple-x-airwalk

Brrrap!

2009-04-24T09:40:00.002+01:00

Some classic material for the weekend...

James Jarvis Onwards

2009-04-23T12:40:00.001+01:00

We fell to earth @ ICA

2009-04-22T09:29:00.011+01:00

Former UNKLE member Richard Files new band played their first gig at the ICA in London yesterday. It was pretty sweet, I highly recommend to check them out. Their album is coming soon, for a teaser check out YouTube which has a couple of their tracks online. And for everyone wondering if the split with Lavelle really was amicable: The whole UNKLE crew represented last night after the gig, with a lot of hugging going on between Lavelle, File and Pablo Clements.

So can we expect an UNKLE mix of WFTE material soon? Unfortunately not according to Pablo Clements as File apparently is not to keen on remixes of his stuff at the moment. Damn...

Visit their site: www.wefelltoearth.com

Thanks to onemorex.wordpress.com for the pic!

EPIC IPHONE G FORCE FAIL!!!!

2009-04-21T13:40:00.005+01:00

*GRMPFFFFFFFFFF*

Ujino Muneteru and The Rotators

2009-04-20T19:14:00.006+01:00

Ran into this exhibition at the Hayward gallery out of pure luck. The Rotators are amazing!!! I have seen quite some installations with regular house appliances creating sound, but this one is by far the most successful. Maybe it's because he produces some good beats with his artworks instead of just a wall of unbearable noise terror...

"The renowned Japanese sculptor and musician Ujino Muneteru (born Tokyo, 1964) founded The Rotators in 2004, a band whose members consist of ordinary household appliances, including blenders, hairdryers and power tools. Each of these 'musicians' are connected to the Rotatorhead, a unit created from a specially adapted DJ's mixing desk that Ujino has programmed to automatically control all The Rotators' components."

Another piece I found on YouTube:

Read more over at the-rotators.com

Dover Street Market

2009-04-19T10:20:00.003+01:00

Somehow the news that the Supreme Nike SB's and Damien Hirst Skatedecks would make their way into London this weekend motivated me to pay DSM yet another visit. I am still amazed who is able to afford all the crazy expensive high fashion and streetwear this store stocks and their ability to make any brand look good in their shop window ( Barbie... erm... ).

BAPEX

2009-04-17T13:45:00.004+01:00

Had to go out for some retail therapy yesterday and stumbled into the Japan Centre. Came across the latest BAPE catalogue which comes with a 13cm x 13cm big wall clock, sweet. I managed NOT to buy it which is a good thing and cheered me up with some sweet SWEAT after resisting the temptation.

If anyone wants to grab one though, there were about three left for 30£ a pop...

japancentre.com

Peaches is back!

2009-04-16T13:50:00.004+01:00

It's been a long time! New video and single off their new album "I feel cream". Done by my fellow CSM homie Price James. Nice!

Check him and his videos out on : myspace.com/pricejames

Mark Ward x Stussy

2009-04-16T13:34:00.005+01:00

Mark has been making moves in the Streetwear scene for quite awhile now, peeps might remember his Vapors mag cover, quite a few dope designs for companies like Nike and Burton and his solo show at Slam City Skates last year.

As part of their Spring/Summer 2009 Collection, Stussy teamed up with him and let him loose on a couple of fresh new shirts!

Read the whole interview and check out his artwork here: Stussy X Mark Ward

Greece is for lovers in Milan

2009-04-15T14:07:00.003+01:00

Greece is for lovers are showing off their amazing greek mashed up products in Milano this April. Check em out if you are around!

www.greeceisforlovers.com

Helping Futura to grow old comfortably

2009-04-07T16:27:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Nao from Tokyo for the hook up! :)

Objectified

2009-04-06T18:00:00.004+01:00

I instantly thought: Thats "Helvetica" for Product Designers! And as it turns out this documentary about our relationship with manufactured objects is done by the same guy who shot that typo documentary. As I am quite into my nice designed objects ( FUTURA IPhone case arriving tomorrow *yum yum* ) I will be in the cinema with the rest of the London designer tribe when it his our screens next month.

More here: objectifiedfilm.com

Monsters INKED exhibit coming up!

2009-03-31T18:57:00.007+01:00

Here a little teaser of a new massive mural by Pete Fowler for the upcoming Monsters INKED exhibit at the Generation gallery.

"Monsters Inked will explore the development of monster drawings from the deepest, darkest depths of an artist imagination, onto the sketch pad and finishing on the gallery wall - in an incredible exhibition of more than 100 monster images.

The exhibition will take an exclusive and remarkable look at the inner-workings of artist's mind, to find out exactly where mind-boggling monster illustrations come from...revealing the story behind how & why they were created.

Including:

* A new commission of Pete Fowler's surreal and pyschadelic Monsterism Island will be installed on an 800 sq foot wall using Wallapeel kindly donated by LTD.

*World first exhibition of 20 illustrations by Rob Steen from Ricky Gervais' much loved Flanimals book.

*Illustrators from the Central Illustration Agency will be showcasing the world's best illustration and creative talent.

*A unique Moshi Monsters Den and a thrilling Moshi Monster Hunt will let the imagination of the gallery's younger visitors run wild!

Monsters Inked: Inside the minds of The Gods of Monsters

8th April - May 4th 2009

Gallery opening times:

Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm

Saturday & Sunday 12 - 5pm

www.ideageneration.co.uk/generationgallery

That's what I call a houseparty

2009-03-31T18:43:00.000+01:00

Jasper Goodall at Electric Blue gallery

2009-03-31T14:03:00.007+01:00

I am a bit late to the party as the exhibit only runs till mid March, but peeps shouldn't miss this show by one of Londons hottest illustrators. Often imitated but never equalled, Jaspers hot women and photoshop skills are still getting my pulse racing... and bringing back sweet memories of the times The Face was still alive.

electricbluegallery.com

And you thought you had a crap job...

2009-03-30T13:57:00.001+01:00

Matt Small @ Black Rat Press recap

2009-03-27T18:45:00.003Z

Pretty impressive stuff from Matt Small...

More info at www.blackratpress.co.uk

Word to Mother exhibit recap

2009-03-26T13:38:00.005Z

Just thought I post up some pics from the current exhibit at Stolenspace by Word to Mother. I really like what D*Face is doing with his gallery, putting the art back into Streetart. There is just too much crap artwork out there at the moment ( *cough* BAZART*cough* ) so Stolenspace is going the right direction by pushing more the fine art side of things.

Although I think that WTM work is not crazy original, he is amazing in art directing his pictures and puzzling together his canvases by combining everything from tree trunks to rusty metal.

In addition to his paintings WTM had 25 handmade wooden boxes for sale for 450£ a pop, replacing the regular artist screenprints that are normally on sale at Stolenspace private views. Nice touch!

It's pretty obvious that WTM is on the come up thanks to elevating his paintings to higher "fine arty" spheres using a wide array of techniques and materials, so keep your eyes peeled...

Read more here Stolenspace gallery

Coming soon...

2009-03-19T15:45:00.004Z

Stumbled across this teaser trailer for the animated Astro Boy movie. Look pretty good! Never been into Astro Boy when I was younger but as a proper Japanophile I know how sacred this character is in for every proper manga otaku on this planet. Let's keep the fingers crossed it won't dissapoint!

Visually much more exciting is this trailer for the new film by Kazuaki Kiriya, who directed the amazing Casshern. Everytime I think my eyeballs can't be impressed anymore by a new flick someone cranks the eyecandy up yet another notch! How great would it be if this movie would be showing in an IMAX theatre? One can only dream...

Read more over at Toysrevil

BAZART / Word to Mother

2009-03-18T10:20:00.006Z

The BAZAART exhibit this Thursday is shaping up nicely... looking forward to see what the peeps from Little Art Books came up with. The big skull is already looking sweet! Parallel to this will Word to Mother kick off his new show at Stolenspace. Looks like this will be another hectic East End private view marathon!

BAZAART | 19.03.09 - 22.03.09

A grand handpicked collection of original paintings, stencils, photography, pastings and installations from some of the most prolific and in demand urban and street artists.

Lab present their latest artist screenprints including the brand new Mo Coppoletta VS Prodigy print in two colourways,

Pin Up, London's Hot Club night is lining up live bands, DJ's and visual artists.

Uber cool jewelery collection curated by Odette and Co.

Lady Sew and Sew turn on the sewing skills for all to get involved.

Live screen printing by LAB with 100 stamped and numbered event prints free on a first come first basis.

More info over at www.littleartbook.com

Word to Mother | 19.03.09 - 05.04.09

‘Lost For Words’ opening in our Dray Walk Gallery on the 19th March will showcase new works by artist Word To Mother. This much anticipated solo show, his third at StolenSpace, will feature paintings in mixed media on wood, canvas, found objects and installation pieces. This show will also see the release of limited edition wooden boxes hand made by the artist.

More info at www.stolenspace.com

A ghost in the shell?

2009-03-17T18:58:00.002Z

Now is is actually pretty scary and awesome at the same time...

Standing at just over 5-feet tall and 95-pounds, HRP-4C, developed by Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, will make its catwalk debut next week at the Tokyo fashion show. The she-bot features 30 motors spread throughout its body with an additional eight motors in its face.

I wonder if she comes with adaptive camo and a big ass gun too...

KAWS Dissected bearbrick

2009-03-17T12:49:00.003Z

I am a happy man today! And from the look of the new OF catalogue a lot of tasty pieces for the wardrobe will drop soon as well...

My new hero

2009-03-16T11:33:00.001Z

Made me chuckle...

2009-03-13T14:05:00.001Z

The monster is alive!!!

2009-03-10T12:26:00.005Z

Ronzo just put out the craziest, biggest and mightiest sculpture in the history of Shoreditch. Is it a bird? Is it a plane?... No, it's Crunchy the credit crunch monster!

More at www.ronzo.co.uk

Lifestyles of the rich and famous...

2009-03-05T14:43:00.006Z

Poor Jay Kay's 1m Ferrari got smashed. I just love how "disappointed" he appears to be. Cheers!

P.S: I am pretty sure he deserved it tho...

Two Lovers rocks!

2009-03-05T14:37:00.005Z

Designers have a heart too...
Was able to catch a preview screening to this new drama yesterday at the posh Mayfair Cinema. What looked like your average menage a trois set up a la Woody Allen's "Matchpoint" turned out be one of the best movies I have seen this year so far.

Trailer and movie poster don't do this flick any justice so check it out for youself. Not sure if it's the right movie to watch with your girlfriend or boyfriend though as heated discussions about the nature of love and relationships could ensure...

Will be released on 27 March 2009 in the UK.

Getting there...

2009-03-03T10:18:00.001Z

808 & Heartbreak triple vinyl

2009-02-25T13:10:00.004Z

What ever you might think about his latest album... the sleeve design is damn LUSH!!!

Her

2009-02-25T13:10:00.001Z

KAWS interview in LA Times

2009-02-22T12:11:00.001Z

"Over the course of a career that has variously infuriated anti-graffiti task force officers and enthralled Japanese street couture collectors -- meaning winning props from hip-hop superstars Kanye West and Pharrell Williams -- the pop artist KAWS has carved a unique niche for himself. The soft-spoken 34-year-old Jersey City native, born Brian Donnelly, created a new business model that bridges the high-low culture divide in ways that would have made steam come out of Andy Warhol's ears. "

Read the whole thing HERE

Breaking news: Binge drinking may relieve stress!!

2009-02-20T17:09:00.004Z

And just in time for the weekend... YAY! Lets stop taking drugs and get pissed :D

Goldie art exhibit

2009-02-20T10:00:00.004Z

maverikshowroom.com

Drrroooppp!!!

2009-02-18T18:17:00.000Z

Yeah I am a Hypebeast... so sue me! :)

Welcome to heartbreak vid

2009-02-18T14:03:00.003Z

KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Great video hands down. YouTube pixelation meets Predator heatvision... KanYeezy got the style locked down.

All hail Anvil!

2009-02-16T13:43:00.004Z

Checked out the Secret cinema night yesterday and was treated to a preview screening of the documentary "Anvil - The story of Anvil" at the Shepherds Bush Empire inc. a suprise gig of the Band after the movie. Freaking awesome! It's like real life Spinal Tap with a big heart.

The film will start this Friday officially nationwide. Future "Secret cinema" screenings coming up soon so keep yo eyes peeled!

anvilmovie.com

Pics from the night via chichard41 Flickr

www.secretcinema.org

He he

2009-02-13T12:45:00.000Z

Pretty cool KAWS documentary

2009-02-09T14:08:00.003Z

Nerdcore calender

2009-02-06T09:41:00.005Z

There is just not enough hotness for us geeks out there. Looks like our prayers have been answered. Looks like Suicide Girls with the right references... love it!

via www.aintitcool.com

or head straight over to www.totallynerdcore.com and order your copy today!

So wrong

2009-02-04T14:05:00.001Z

God bless Britain and they Beans variations...

Streetart is gay

2009-02-03T13:23:00.000Z

At least according to ESPO!

via www.supertouchart.com

Shame on you Iggy!!!!

2009-02-03T10:21:00.005Z

Why oh why must he sell his soul? I didn't give a shit that Rotten sold out for that Butter ad... but now Iggy? Such a damn shame... one more hero down!

P.S: Here is the Rotten bit... Sid is rotating in his grave!

The crunch is shaping up...

2009-02-02T14:16:00.002Z

Remember the block of white plastic last year?

Oldie but goldie: Chicks with guns

2009-01-30T13:01:00.002Z

Coraline

2009-01-29T15:34:00.001Z

New flick by the director of Nightmare before christmas. Looks like goths might get a new favorite movie...

Murakami is coming to London

2009-01-28T18:09:00.004Z

Just got the heads up from my friend Mjar over at hookedblog that a new exhibition showing new artwork by Murakami will open in London in February. It surely won't be the crazy 3 floor extravaganza like the show he had in Frankfurt recently but it's still an opportunity to check out his latest work on your doorstep ( ... if you are in London that is :P ).

Bad news: There won't be any posters / prints for sale, so I guess a pop up LV shop is out of the question as well. Booooo! WE WANT TO BUY SOMETHING!!!!

TAKASHI MURAKAMI

NEW PAINTINGS
FEBRUARY 10 - APRIL 9, 2009

Gagosian gallery

17-19 Davies Street
London W1K 3DE

Mon-Sat 10-6

Ha ha ha!

2009-01-27T18:12:00.003Z

Nearly there Yeezy! P.S: I want those sneakers you did for LV dawg...

Now THATS what I call...

2009-01-23T17:47:00.005Z

... a cool patch! Watchmen hype riiising!

via toysrevil.blogspot.com

Jaydiohead

2009-01-21T13:55:00.005Z

Ok, this will give die hard Radiohead fans the shakes: Dj Mindy fresh beats pulls a Dangermouse and laces Jiggas raps with Radiohead beats. He got 99 Problems but apparently copyright aint one...

Sounds pretty dope tho! For more info and download check...

http://jaydiohead.com/

Metal on metal

2009-01-19T14:08:00.004Z

Where man meets machine... yeah bwoy! They just don't do em anymore like they used to. I Robot? Boooring...

The Nigodfather...

2009-01-19T13:56:00.003Z

I guess every Hypebeast knows about the Nowhere Popup store in Dover Street Market. The Nigonizzer came down to reward all his committed Apesoldiers with his official Ape General signature.

Back against the wall...

2009-01-19T13:37:00.007Z

Not too shabby... stepping up ma game in 2009!

Meanwhile on the opposite wall... Dielooted crew gets busy!

R.I.P Number 6...

2009-01-16T00:19:00.007Z

Just as I was reading the newest movie gossip over at www.aintitcool.com I came across the sad news that Patrick McGoohan passed away in Los Angeles today aged 80. Now, a lot of people will not know the name but every geek over 30 in the UK worth his/her salt at least knows him from the surreal and visionary show "The Prisoner" he produced, directed and starred in.

I heard a lot about the show and started watching the episodes ruffly two years ago. I am still blown away how damn daring that show was, dealing with issues of identity, the big brother state and personal freedom. Its 1984 meets Alice in Wonderland. Created in 1967!

I can't recomment this show enough. It's currently streaming free over at AMC TV... check it!

And don't forget... we are not numbers... WE ARE FREE MEN!

Be seeing you...

Soothsayers x Solaris

2009-01-13T18:11:00.004Z

Just finished a CD cover design for London based collective Soothsayers...

It's coming out March. Keep your eyes peeled...

Shit for sale

2009-01-05T18:47:00.003Z

Upcoming new toy from KAWS... warm regards! Looks like he is finally able to make turds into hot hard ca$h!

via Highsnobiety

Vans go all fruity

2008-12-23T01:11:00.004Z

Ok, who let Skatething into the Vans design studio? Hello?

It's all a bit like: "Let's see how you Hypebeasts combine...... THIS!!!! with any of the stuff you already have. Buharr har har!"

Anyway, I try to raise to the challenge January 2009...

Check out more info here: trashbagaesthetics.com

New BBC Icecream lookbook for season 8

2008-12-23T00:27:00.005Z

Ah BBC/Icecream... what a crazy fucked up brand. You never know if Skatething finally went insane or just decided to take the piss at Streetwear in general. Still... the crazy colors, waffle prints and melting midsoles are 100 times more entertaining than the regular droppage of yet another black stadiumjacket by Streetbrand Whatever.

This season Carri Munden took over styling duties and whoever knows her tastes knows that she is the right girl to get her hands on the brand. The result is definitely more Super Super and less Hip Hop Connection and might shock the regular BBC/IC consumer but I guess will make the label more respectable with the skinny jeans/rave color crowd.

Will BBC become the next Cassette Playa? Let's just wait and see. It would make sense though to take the waffle and go all the way...

Check the lookbook here: BBC Lookbook 8

I am gonna cut your head off...

2008-12-18T02:33:00.008Z

... see if that works!

New X-Men movie coming up, this time focussing on the baddesst mofo in the X-Men camp: Wolverine. Now, the X-Men series gets a lot of shizzl from geeks everywhere. I personally even liked X3, then again, I was never precious about the source material.

But I was always aware of Wolverines special status as Mr. Badass himself in the X-Men canon. Jackman is born to play this role and I just hope the movie rocks as much as this trailer. Plus: If there ever was a comic book movie women actually want to see it's this one... if only for Hughs hairy chest.

Streetart comes full circle... kinda...

2008-12-11T22:50:00.004Z

Geez, when I was backing up all the pic from my laptop I saw to how many great shows I have been this year: WK, Lister, Futura, Ronzo, INSA, Sickboy, AlexOne, Fowler, D*Face... the list is endless. Streetart broke through to the mainstream, with gazillion of shows ( Tate ole! ) and all the ad agencies jumping onto the bandwagon ( I think I have never seen so much graffiti and stencils in car ads EVER at the same time...). Somehow it feels like when graffiti made it into the galleries in 80ties New York.

While someone might doubt the relevance of a 10.000 pound Banksy print in a museum instead of a clever stencil on a Dalston street corner, it's good to see some artists finally cashing in.

Although I promised myself not to buy anymore written stuff about Streeart, with these two titles I couldn't resist...

First and fresh off the press today is 'StreetArt - In the artists own words'.

I had to buy this not only because it spills the beans about the whole Streetart thing but because it features a lot of places and faces I know from just walking down my street thanks to my strategically perfect location in London: Shoreditch and Bricklane are basically one big damn Streetart explosion with studios, galleries and streets full of artists and their work.

It's a very interesting book because it's not only about the art itself but more so about the politics and business behind it. That angle elevates it above other publications who rarely give you more info than pages full of pretty pictures.

Next up... the latest edition of Vapors mag featuring Futura 2000

At a credit crunch friendly 2.95 it was a no brainer. The flipside to all the recent Banksy's in this world for me is good ol' Lenny. That dude has been around for so damn long it's insane. From blowing up in the 80ties, coming back in the 90ties thanks to Lavelle and MoWax all the way to his empire building right now. I doubt there is another Graffiti artist out there with so many products featuring his artwork ( just ask Bothanspy and his insane Futura collection). That guy has done it, been there and got literally thousands of TShirts.

You can read the issue for free here: www.vaporsmagazine.com

Anyway, two good reads. Do it, do it!

P.O.W Xmas Xtravaganza

2008-12-07T23:03:00.006Z

No Santa's Ghetto this year from Pictures on walls, but an endless queue for the exhibition and the opportunity got get a Banksy for free via a raffle for charity. Let me win Santa! Puhleeezeee...

Ronzo preview

2008-12-07T22:32:00.001Z

What is he up to now?

First ever Futura prints released!

2008-12-05T01:15:00.003Z

Damn you credit crunch! I need these...

"Art collectors and print connoisseurs have two new objects of desire; a set of fine art limited edition prints (with a run of only 100 each) by celebrated contemporary urban artist Futura.

These highly textured, hand-pulled editions exemplify the potential of modern fine art printmaking - and seeing them on the wall shows just what is possible thanks to recent advances in the craft. Utilizing various textured inks and highly developed techniques of serigraphy, the master printers have painstakingly recreated every minute detail of the original works with exceptional clarity and true artistic craftsmanship.

The prints are priced at £525 each, excluding delivery.

Website subscribers can preorder the prints from December 8th; all other buyers can purchase them from December 10th. "

Stolenspace Xmas show

2008-12-05T01:05:00.004Z

Didn't I say there is a new show on every day in London? Don't sleep on this years Xmas groupshow from one of the most exciting urban galleries in London, Bricklane's Stolenspace... featuring an All Star lineup including Obey, D*Face, Ronzo, Fowler and many many more!

More info here: stolenspace.com

Sickboy exhibit

2008-12-05T00:54:00.005Z

Not a week passes by in London without another Streetart exhibition. This time it's Sickboy who represents for the first time on a solo tip. After Hoxtons hipsters froze their butts off in the queue outside the venue everyone was treated to a massive house installation and lots of new artwork from the sick boy. A very nice touch was Sickboys little sweatshop which produced little giveaway badges throughout the opening. Check FlickR for more pics!

Check his site here: thesickboy.com

New Dalek prints available...

2008-11-25T23:17:00.004Z

New prints available from Dalek. Sweet! Available now at: Dalek store

Bad idea #342: Urban Bar-B-Queing...

2008-11-23T20:56:00.002Z

Guess who's back!

2008-11-14T21:09:00.005Z

Personally I would have preferred a more retro sculpt... this one looks very Yod-ish to me! Still good to have Martin back. Adding an online exclusive BxH Kid Hunter colorway is a nice touch as well. But my fave must be the original orange sweater Martin, the colorway just rocks!

Fanboys finally seeing the light of day?

2008-11-04T18:55:00.009Z

Now... Fanboys is somekind of a geek legend... like that rare Boba Fett toy that can fire missiles. Especially if you are a devoted reader of aintitcool.com or a Star Wars geek (or most likely both) than you know about the battles that were fought over the storyline of this movie that locked this flick in development hell for years and years with the odd post about it popping up on various geek blogs.

Set in 1998, the story tells of a group of friends who, anxious for the premiere of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, decide to break into Skywalker Ranch and steal an early print of the film. The reason: One of them is suffering from cancer and wishes to see the film before his death. There was a lot of bruharhar about the removal of that cancer storyline in favor to make the movie more of a pisstake than a hommage to SW fans. Anyone interested can check the whole backstory at starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Fanboys.

For me the biggest question was: Will I give a damn about a movie that's about a movie that SUCKED and was the beginning of the end of the cooles Sci Fi trilogy ever?

Now this trailer hit the web and I must say: It looks damn funny. It resonates with me, being an Ex Star Wars geek. It can still be crap but at the trailer made me chuckle. So I do have A Last Hope something related to Star Wars isn't just a lame pointless cash in... and I might actually enjoy it! I just pray George Lucas wasn't involved in the script...

Happy Halloween from Solaris100!

2008-10-30T13:27:00.002Z

Pretty cool...

2008-10-26T18:11:00.003Z

Reuniting the boys after 8 years to big up Obama...

WASSSSSSAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHPPPPP!!!!

Team Bond represent!

2008-10-25T22:13:00.004+01:00

007 hype is heating up! Loving this custom Bondmobile I walked past today... hand painted detailing is where it's at...

Andy Warhol "Other Voices Other Rooms"

2008-10-24T16:50:00.011+01:00

Although a poster I saw last week proclaimed " Warhol is over if you want to" but it's amazing how relevant he still is 21 years after his death. Especially with Streetart crossing over to the art mainstream, YouTube 15min celebrities and labels like BAPE and Maharishi unabashingly celebrating the man the Warhol legacy has a firm place in each Hypebeasts life.

So just got around yesterday to catch the latest Warhol exhibition at the Hayward gallery and it's great! It gets a lot of mediocre reviews but I really enjoyed it.

Apart from the obvious screenprints the the very well designed exhibition space showcases a wide selection of his films and offer the possibility to watch all 42 episodes of Warhol TV he did for a small cable channel. The 15min long shows are basically portraits of him and his celeb mates and hilarious to watch. Also on display is a "time capsule", basically a box full of stuff he collected in a certain period of time. Reminds me of my boxes full of pop crap, flyers, mags and stickers that spam my bedroom... so there you go. It's not crap, theses are "time capsules". ok?!

Anyway, viva la Pop! Looks like Warhol ain't over just yet...

www.haywardgallery.org.uk

Oh FUCK!

2008-10-23T01:26:00.004+01:00

I am sorry... but I really really like the new Madonna CD. Argh... damn you Neptunes!!!!!!!!!

The asians do it again...

2008-10-22T18:58:00.002+01:00

FREAKING AWSOME!!!! A typo fountain...

I need to go...

2008-10-22T11:17:00.002+01:00

Some pics from the Murakami Exhibit in Frankfurt / Germany via Ronzo

I need to go!!!

AMBUSH bling...

2008-10-21T22:04:00.003+01:00

Ahahaha... sweet! Now this is Hip Hop Bling I would rock if I would rock Hip Hop Bling... Beethoven mofoz!!! Now bring on Mozart allover print hoodies and Chopin New Era caps... *BRRRAP*

2008-10-21T19:30:00.007+01:00

Not the biggest fan of the KAWS Star Wars companions but this is a pretty sweet pic...

But my favourite Stormtrooper ever will always be:

Royal "Basic Words"

2008-10-21T12:12:00.003+01:00

New work from an old friend from Canada!

This small (10x15cm/4"x6"), 107 page dictionary printed in 1944, turned upside down and back wards holds a compilation of illustrations by Barcelona based artist "Royal". Check out more of his work at juancarlosnoria.ca

It's up for sale as well so drop him a line if interested...

Alexone in Switzerland...

2008-10-21T10:58:00.002+01:00

Paintings, works on paper and installation | Show: 12.11.2008 - 13.12.2008

Alëxone "Gros comme une Maison" / Paintings and works on paper

French born Graffiti artist Alëxone has been working since the early 90’s in Paris. In 1995, he starts to develop his calligraphic work on walls all around Europe under the name of “Oedipe”. In the year 2000, he starts to introduce characters in his work and becomes Alëxone.

For his first show in Geneva, Alëxone brings along with him very colored and calligraphic paintings and a new series of large drawings. His works are made with great care and requires a long and meticulous preparation. Using natural and homemade pigments, glaze, resin, spraypaint, fluorescent ink, pasted papers. The show "Gros comme une Maison” will lead us into the artists surrealist universe.

Check out the gallery speerstra.net to find out how to get there...

Is Laptop the new Hard Rock?

2008-10-17T11:06:00.007+01:00

Checked out Drums of Death yesterday. Big makeup and big gestures! It's quite funny how artists trying to breathe energy into laptop sets lately. While old skool knob twiddlers like Luke Vibert stare at their screens without barely moving, new artists like Flying Lotus, Daedalus and Drums of Death jump, spit, tweak and jump. Especially DoD exceeds at in the Rock Show department. I just wonder how he gets all that sweat and makeup from his MacBook screen...

Check him out at www.drumsofdeath.com

Aaron Rose

2008-10-16T18:18:00.004+01:00

It's crazy how many big guns of the Street Art scene pay London a visit recently. This time it's Aaron Rose who hits the UK for the screening of the Beautiful Losers movie. The ICA will host a Masterclass event with him talking about various aspects of the mechanics of Street Art. Pretty hyped for this one!

Freshen up your knowledge and check out this great interview with the man over at fecalface.com