Studio-phoenix blogspot is an art-blog bringing you some of the best in new visual and performing art, music, food, fashion, politics and events in NYC, the Balkans & elsewhere in the world . The main focus is to post articles and cover stories about emerging artists in New York City, with a strong focus on Brooklyn. Please stay with us as we seek to improve, and refine our methods. "Art is the reason, art is the way". Cheers!
This months cover by K.K.W, with layout by Aleksandar Ares. Original "Street-art" found on Canal street, near Walker street (downtown Manhattan), artist unknown
From the project Rise Of The Young Ones:A tale of 2 cities. Photography & text by K.K.W
Every city see's the rise (figuratively) of many things that shape it and becomes a precedent for further change. However, architecture is one of the few aspects of a city that rises literally, figuratively, alters the landscape, affects the lives of many, and the perception of the city as a whole. As so many buildings are now constructed with large amounts of glass (or some kind of semi-reflective material), this makes for a considerably different visual subject.
Watch like a hawk, move like a shadow.
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What we create, reflects aspects of who and what we are. In this way we mimic the creative force and nature, which is not one but many things. Showing a dim reflection - an equal opposite - this aspect of modern architecture is a disturbing & beautiful example of human nature. There was never one city, but many (even within one).
This months cover by K.K.W, with layout by Aleksandar Ares. Original "Street-art" found on Canal street, near Walker street (downtown Manhattan), artist unknown
Palestine: Documentaries & films to increase
awareness. By Aleksandar Ares.
With yet another round of hostilities between the military wing of Hamas & Israel, the rest of the world watches through the media & social networks. Most of us know little of beginnings of the situation between the two countries, or the region know as Palestine. And with all things, one must understand how it works and began in order to have a relevant opinion. Change for the better, not just for one side, will only come with the facts being known. British double-dealing, to win the war against the Ottoman Empire, and satisfy the their French allies would lay the seeds of future conflicts.
Before the state of Israel was created, going further back to the era before world war one (the days of Ottoman Empire), "...the population of Palestine in 1850 was 350,000 inhabitants, 30% of whom lived in 13 towns; roughly 85% were Muslims, 11% were Christians and 4% Jews..." [Justin McCarthy] "...In 1914 Palestine had a population of 657,000 Muslim Arabs, 81,000 Christian Arabs, and 59,000 Jews..." [Justin McCarthy] and 1,339, 763 non-Jews by 1946.
After WW I the British were formally awarded the mandate to govern the region of Palestine [although since defeat of the Ottomans, they indirectly controlled the area]. In 1947, following WW II the British announced its desire to terminate the mandate, and the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending partition into an Arab state, a Jewish state and the Special International Regime for the city of Jerusalem. The Jewish leadership accepted this, the Arab Higher committee rejected it. A civil war began. More then 700, 000 Muslims were displaced from their home, and would never see them again.
While many support the state of Israel, which is not wrong, many of these people perhaps do not consider the wrongs done by Israel (and Zionist groups who engaged in "terrorism") since 1948 which have lead to the situation today. However, the wrongs done by militant groups within Palestine, and outside of it, to the Israelis after peace agreements were made is certainly not right. In some ways it may have been better that the state of Israel, should never have been created. How do you give a larger portion of a land, or any of it, to a small group of minorities (most of whom had emigrated from Europe in recent years prior to 1948 and soon after)?
This months cover by K.K.W, with layout by Aleksandar Ares. Original "Street-art" found on Canal street, near Walker street (downtown Manhattan), artist unknown
Palestine: Documentaries & films to increase
awareness. By Aleksandar Ares.
With yet another round of hostilities between the military wing of Hamas & Israel, the rest of the world watches through the media & social networks. Most of us know little of beginnings of the situation between the two countries, or the region know as Palestine. This is a very good film that is not meant to give all info about the lives of Palestinian's, but a dramatic look at the choices and actions of two young men (similar to others who end up in the same place). I had first seen the trailer for Paradise Now on the DVD for Good Night and Good Luck. At the time I didn't watch it, that was much later, but I found it was quite good and moving.I hope you enjoy it, cheers.
This months cover by K.K.W, with layout by Aleksandar Ares. Original "Street-art" found on Canal street, near Walker street (downtown Manhattan), artist unknown
Palestine: Documentaries & films to increase
awareness. By Aleksandar Ares.
With yet another round of hostilities between the military wing of Hamas [in Palestine] & Israel, the rest of the world watches through the media & social networks. Most of us know little of beginnings of the situation between the two countries, or the region know as the "The Middle East". And with all things, one must understand how it works and began in order to have a relevant opinion. Change for the better, not just for one side, will only come with the facts being known. British double-dealing, to prevail in WW I, and satisfy the their French allies would lay the seeds of future conflicts.
While many support the state of Israel, which is not wrong, many of these people perhaps do not consider the wrongs done by Israel (and Zionist groups who engaged in "terrorism") since 1948 which have lead to the situation today. However, the wrongs done by militant groups within Palestine, and outside of it, to the Israelis after peace agreements were made is certainly not right. In some ways it may have been better that the state of Israel, should never have been created. How do you give a larger portion of a land, or any of it, to a small group of minorities (most of whom had emigrated from Europe in recent years prior to 1948 and soon after)?
This months cover by K.K.W, with layout by Aleksandar Ares. Original "Street-art" found on Canal street, near Walker street (downtown Manhattan), artist unknown
Those who say Nymph()maniac is a porn movie, didn't watch it carefully.
BY Leni von Geleva (edited by K.K.W).
The explicit scenes with nudity do not make this film (1 & 2) a porn. Between those scenes there are lengthy conversations on serious topics like religion, music, sex, and even mathematics you won't find in any other film.
Lars von Trier proves with every one of his movie that he is the philosopher of our time, and what I personally like is his provocative character. He mocks those calling him a Nazi, by trying to explain his view on Nazism and anti-semitism in this film. One of the main characters in "Nymph()maniac..." is Seligman, who is a Jew and who himself says he is anti- Zionist, which is not the same as being anti-semite.
He also talks with admiration about German culture, especially German music, like Bach, Wagner and Beethoven. Lars von Trier has been criticized a lot for the technical aspect of his films. When it comes to photography, he can be the master, (as a fan of Carl Theodor Dreyer, von Trier even has his coat in his possession; it is noticeable he studied him carefully) just watch his films Europa, TheElement of Crime, or even Melancholia in which there are a few scenes that are a masterpiece of European cinematography.
But he decides to break all the rules intentionally, and not out of lack of knowledge (which is again part of his provocative nature). He also pays respect to his favorite directors Tarkovsky and Kubrick by using music from their films.
In the end, this film is about love, most of all, just as Breaking the Waves is, but from a different point of view; even the under-title itself says it, "forget about love". Although Joe (the main character) persistently denies loves, she is still not completely unaffected by it. Her relationship with her father is the purest love, then also her relationships with Jerome and P. grow into love. Whereas P. is someone who she identifies with and she unselfishly wants to help, but P. as her true successor shows no empathy for her in the end.
Eventually almost everyone of us, has had experience with failed love in their lives, only here it is matter of a sickness - which the society condemns and fails to understand. That's why she manages to have sympathy even for a pedophile, who has suppressed his urge all his life and has never hurt anyone, because they both have something in common; unaccepted sexuality and loneliness.
Leni von Geleva, photo by Sandra Hartleb.
Leni von Geleva is a well-known visual artist from The Republic Of Macedonia, working in photography. Aside from her pursuit of creativity, writing is something she is working towards perfecting. She has an immense knowledge of culture and is always up for a good debate.
This months cover by K.K.W, with layout by Aleksandar Ares. Original "Street-art" found on Canal street, near Walker street (downtown Manhattan), artist unknown
The editors eye: Nadine Strohhaecker. By K.K.W
"I've always had a passion for art and film and knew I wouldn't settle for a life outside of the arts."
Even without access to camera's, editing software, she took VHS recorders and connected them to her T.V, making films from tapes. It was only a matter of time before she ended up in the editors chair.
Nadine Strohhaecker. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Originally from Northern Germany, Nadine Strohhaecker moved to London and discovered digital editing as a new passion, using the university's equipment for her own films [also working tirelessly on many projects in fashion, music and art].
With a clear passion for the field she was lucky enough to work on some great commercial projects. This would not only gain her needed insight, technical and industry-standard know-how, but guide her towards a higher-calling.
"I know advertising can be very restrictive editing-wise. I'm glad to now concentrate on cutting trailers which is a very creative process. I consider it an art form. Maybe it's sometimes over-looked as it's still advertising a product (a TV show or a movie)."
Recently Nadine sent me a link to "The Blues - 'Marion Co Jo 2' " [music video] that she edited, shot by Raphaela Riepl. Its an electric, beautifully disturbing, hypnotic, super-8 piece, that flows at you like synaptic sparks on a foggy night. Strohhaeckers editing is superb; an even, careful approach with obvious control. She brings a balance to the scenes, melding it into a visual story while allowing it to retain its psychedelic intensity. She's got the skillz, the careful touch and a passion for her craft thats totally apparent. And so I'm sure many others, aside from myself, are looking forward to seeing more from her.
Nadine Strohhaecker. Photo courtesy of the artist.
If you would like to see, and know more, go to:https://vimeo.com/99740448. 'Art is the reason, art is the way'
This months cover by K.K.W, with layout by Aleksandar Ares. Original "Street-art" found on Canal street, near Walker street (downtown Manhattan), artist unknown
"Crystals" - new single release by her Majesty. By K.K.W
As the sound-check was finished in the small bar, the lights were raised just a bit more, the audience seemed full of anticipation. Each with a drink in hand and a smile on their face.
@ Rockwood Music Hall [July 30th]. David Leatherwood , Dayle Raymond Jellymond, John Pasagiannis, Joan Chew & Konrad Photo by K.K.W
John Pasagiannis stood on the edge of the stage, the walls behind him and other band members bathed in dim lights. As their set began, a generous wave of electricity and passion filled the room. That evening @ Rockwood music hall saw the premiere of their new single "Crystals" - a slow-paced, tender song full of romantic yearnings.
"She draws the curtain, watches the dust dance round her feet...", the heartfelt lyrics carried by lead singer John's voice. Elegant sound-waves, with interesting arrangements - the bands playing is tight - evoking feelings of splendid, nostalgic days. Jody Porter (Fountains Of Wayne) joins the band, adding a generous dose of surreal guitar-work, enhancing the dream-like quality of the over-all song. "Crystals" is certainly one of their best songs, totally imbued with so much energy its beautiful.
I've come to realize that her Majesty is one of the more interesting bands, at present in New York City. With a sound thats unique, full of vivid and often abstract themes, they fold you into particular, genuine, wonderful emotions.
her Majesty - Joan Chew, John Pasagiannis, Konrad & David Leatherwood. Photo by Larufoto.
