East meets West

This  months cover by K.K.W,
with layout by Aleksandar Ares. 

Inside the project ['East meets West']. By K.K.W

In the course of history, cultural exchange has always lead to manifestations 

of new ideas, innovations, vibrant creativity, and eventually greater understanding between those involved. With all the technology and improvements in the world, there is still so
much we don't know about the impact and influence we have on each other. Often enough that gulf separating us is, in-fact, an invitation to cross it via the bridge we cannot see, but slowly begin to feel.  

Kenzo Tange Architecture team.
It was their plan that won the open competition 
for the rebuilding of Skopje,
after the earthquake of July 1963.   

Its an historical fact that Western civilization has generally been at odds with Eastern civilization. And yet the various ways in which the two connect, interact and influence one another is at times, amazing.

Even more amazing is how little many people know of this, on both sides, depending on which part of Eastern civilization you consider. For me, I've always been interested in history as much as art. Maps fascinated me, and I wondered about Eastern Europe a great deal.    

John Coltrane by Natalia Kiceec.
She is an artist from The Republic of Macedonia. 

Its obvious that Western civilization [The U.S, UK, Western Europe] has impacted Eastern Europe [& elsewhere] in many ways, creating social and cultural influences. However, a distinct lack of contemporary cultural influence and exchange, from Eastern Europe [especially South Eastern Europe] is quite plain and clear.

Skj_c.i#6 [reflection
in a puddle of water, after the rain. Skopje, city center.
Spliced with and image from "Blade-Runner"].
By K.K.W

Skj_c.i#30 [worn posters of Prime Minister Gruevski.
One vandalized with a Hitler mustache. A torn street-art
poster from NYC & H&M video-screen ad].
by K.K.W

And, after twice traveling to The Republic of Macedonia, I've seen the marks & signs of free-market consumerism and the embracing of Western pop-culture adoration. And yet there's a serious yearning to introduce their art & culture to the West.

Ad for the HBO series "Girls", seen from a city bus
. Photo by K.K.W

Western couple on a vintage poster for Turkish cigarette's. 

British Soldier with little boy, after
the 2001 insurgency in the Republic of Macedonia.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia 

East meets West is an attempt to creatively explore the connecting points, exchange ideas, and increase understanding between people in both hemispheres, and promote greater cultural balance and exchange.  It will also try to highlight the juxtaposition, and at times the severe imbalance of cultural & economic exchange between both areas. The exhibition will be curated by Kerwin Williamson, with artists from The Republic of Macedonia, and take place there at the youth cultural center in Skopje. The date of the opening will be October 3rd 2015. 

If you would like to know more, go to:www.facebook.com/pages/East-meets-West/1570273436587392?ref=bookmarks. And to see more of K.K.W's artwork, go to:www.fotoblur.com/people/kerwin 'Art is the reason, art is the way'

Death & rebirth [In "The City"]

This months cover by K.K.W,
with layout by Aleksandar Ares. 

Construction / Destruction: an artistic look. Photos & text by K.K.W. 

In order to understand "The City", we must look beyond its seemingly posh exterior, luxury, and examine its lesser aspects. The empty, boarded-up lots that linger and haunt the landscape. Ragged remains of what was, defines who we are, and will lead us into a future that was written.

Downtown, the financial center. 
In the spacious modern parts of Metropolis,
we forget what was, & are shadows in the moment.  

Uptown - Eastside sector. 

Downtown, Between NoHo & Canal Street Sector. 

North Flatbush, Brooklyn 

28th Street, between 10 & 11th Ave Sector

Meat-Packing district, 13th street

North Flatbush, Brooklyn 

Near Parkside Ave, Brooklyn

Near Parkside Ave, Brooklyn

St John's place, Brooklyn

Varick Street, @ the corner of Watts

If you would like to know more, go to:http://studiophoenix.blogspot.com/search?q=Dark+city, or:http://studiophoenix.blogspot.com/2013/12/dark-city_15.html. 'Art is the reason, art is the way'.

Street-art in NYC (Part 1)

This months cover by K.K.W,
with layout by Aleksandar Ares. 

Art outdoors (street-art in NYC). Photos & text by K.K.W

In a city known for great street-art & graffiti, much of it is vanishing as the city becomes more posh & clean. And of course, urban development [or over-development] is advancing the process. However some daring individuals are keeping the tradition alive, sometimes at great risking to themselves.    

East village, Manhattan - 2014.
Artist unknown

Smith street, Brooklyn 2014.
Artist unknown

Bowery Mural wall, East-Houston, Manhattan
[near corner of Bowery],
2014. This is a wall where artists are allowed
to exhibit their work [it changes every few months]

Crosby street [@ corner of Grand St], 2015.
Even though its torn, its still great. 

Wooster Street, Manhattan [I think. 2012]

Brooklyn [I think. 2012].

Brooklyn [I think. 2012].

Brooklyn [I think. 2012].

Morgan Street, Brooklyn 2012. This is near the L-train stop.
 It may have been better to move my bike. 

Morgan Street, Brooklyn 2012, This is near the L-train stop.
If you have time, and the art is still there, check it out. 

Beverly road, Brooklyn [across from
the train station of the sam name].
2011 or 2012

Beverly road, Brooklyn [across from
the train station of the sam name].
2011 or 2012

Beverly road, Brooklyn [across from
the train station of the sam name].
2011 or 2012

If you would like to know more, go to:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_art. 'Art is reason, art is the way'.

Brighton Beach Memoirs (part 1)

This months cover by K.K.W,
with layout by Aleksandar Ares. 

Away from "The City", and along the water. Photos & text by K.K.W

One of the most amazing things about NYC, is that we have a few beaches. They give us something of a sea-side escape, from our never-ending concrete jungle. Even today, Brighton beach area is like another world to many. Populated by those from Ukraine & Russia (some are Jewish - orthodox & non, others Orthodox Christian), its a charming-strange area, with ruff-patches, problems, gruff characters and friendly people. For me, its a place of fond memories, small adventures with old friends, late night excursions on the beach and first taste of passion & love. 

View from the Q train-station platform.
Even today, there's a thrill & excitement
to riding the train to Beach.  

Near Brighton 6 or 7 - you turn right
at the corner and walk to the Beach.

From late Fall - early Winter 2009.
Kodak 400 film 

From late Fall - early Winter 2009.
Kodak 400 film 

From late Fall - early Winter 2009.
Kodak 400 film. Most of my high school
lived in Brooklyn, & we would hit the beach
for a smoke & fade into the sunset.  

April 2015 - digital. 

Walking along the shore was always
calming; the sound of the waves,
scent of salty-sea water. 

As my first girlfriend was from Kiev,
there were many moments spent walking along
 the shore, & under the summer sun.

It always felt like I was leaving everything
behind, for someplace free of aging buildings
and cramp city streets. 

From late Fall - 2009.
Kodak 400 film. The faded memories
were always with me, like wisps of smoke
from a warm bong.  

April 2015 - digital. 

With the right music & a few pocket-size
bottles of wine, its a rugged version
of someplace perfect. 

If you would like to know more, go to:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brighton_Beach. Sometimes I wonder, has it been 10, 15, 20 years? Seems like a lifetime, riding on a never-ending roller-coaster. The waves like memories lapping at my soul; a sound I forget but its never really far. Wild days with friends long gone, and lonely nights on the beach with great music & Mary-Jane. 'Art is the reason, art is the way'