Raghava KK, a world renown cartoonist/ contemporary artist, gave a talk at the recent TED Conference in February. Most known for this larger than life paintings that were done by his hands and his feet, Raghava gives an intimate glimpse into his 5 poignant and substantial marks in his artistic career that went hand-in-hand with his life’s experiences.

Death of Strangers

Flame (Painted with hands and feet!)

Yen

If You…

It’s an endearing talk, different from other TED speakers, because of his nervous giggles and boyish charm. He conquered so much by the age of 18, and continued that momentum well into adulthood and his artwork is representative of that.

If you are in the mood to listen to a great story and possibly be inspired, this is a video you definitely need to watch.

All photos via Raghava KK

For all you museum-going New Yorkers, the always glorious Metropolitan Museum of Art has an exhibit called “Playing with Pictures: the Art of Victorian Photocollage.” Previously, the invention of collage had vaguely been attributed to the likes of Braque and Picasso, but this exhibit suggests that collage had been practiced some 60 years earlier, in large part by aristocratic Victorian women.

These aren’t just the works of casual hobbyists, however. These women artists have cut, gouached, watercolored, and glued some seriously compelling works of art.

These photocollages appear to be a precursor to some of the pop surrealist trends seen in contemporary illustration today.

The NY Times has posted a review of the show, where non-New-Yorkers can view a slideshow of the exhibit.

PowerShovel, Ltd. and the super cool, New Museum in New York will be teaming up NEXT FRIDAY for an exhibition dedicated to the Digital Harinezumi camera! The name of the exhibition, “Imperfect As They Are” is far from the impressive pedigree of video artists they have lined up to showcase their unique take on their Harinezumi world. Unfortunately, this event is invite only, and for one night, but we are sure some these artists will be posting their videos online after the event, and maybe inspire a new generation of video artists around the world!

Some of the artists being exhibited at this event include:

Agnes B, So Yong Kim, Bruce La Bruce, Harmony Korine, Isabel Coixet, Patrice Leconte, Claire Denis, Albert Maysles, Christopher Doyle, Jonas Mekas, Mount Eerie, Erroll Morris, Charlotte Gainsbourg (!!), Chan-Wook Park (!!), Kim Gordon, Kelly Reichardt, Miranda July (!!) and more…

Here are some of the ethereal videos Vimeo users have captured with their Harinezumi’s:

Play all three at the same time and you have an instant video art installation!

We have only a few more in stock at Poketo.com, so get ‘em while they’re still hot!
Digital Harinezumi

The Underfull Tablecloth is a prototype from Norwegian designer Kristine Bjaadal, who has crafted a way to turn hapless accidents into beautiful patterns.

Below, subtle butterflies emerge in vibrant color under spilled wine. A stain is no longer a blemish, but a blessing.

(via) Mocoloco conducts an interview with Kristine, in which she discusses her process, more ingenious pieces, and future plans for the “Under” line.

Just saw these pics last night and it blew my mind away. On Thursday night, Animal Collective, along with Danny Perez (their visual mastermind), transformed the entire Guggenheim Museum in New York into an audio/video art installation. No, there wasn’t a live performance but band members Avey Tare, Deakin and Geologist were there (no Panda Bear). I also read that there was an impromptu 11PM group scream. ow!

photos by Rez Avissar

Photo via Ithaca Times Art Blog

On March 1st, OK Go released its RGM video for the single, “This Too Shall Pass” off their newest album Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. Known for their outrageous, low-cost, and highly innovate viral music videos, OK Go, surprised us yet again with their collaboration with Synn Labs. The video was shot in a two story Echo Park warehouse and was directed by James Frost. One of the most elaborate and complex Rube Goldberg machines I’ve ever seen…(Didn’t know it had an official name and its own wiki page!)

What an amazing feat.

Even better! There will be an official launch party for OK Go THIS FRIDAY @ LACMA! Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased here.

The MAK Center presents How Many Billboards? a public art exhibition that showcases 22 contemporary artists all over Los Angeles. The exhibition which goes from February to March 2010, will also include a reception, public panel discussion with some of the artists, and an open topped bus and bicycle tour that takes visitors on a tour of all 21 billboards around Los Angeles.

By David Lamelas

By Jennifer Bornstein

By Kenneth Anger

By Kerri Tribe

By Yvonne Rainer

Entire list of participating artists include: Kenneth Anger | Michael Asher | Jennifer Bornstein | Eileen Cowin | Christina Fernandez | Ken Gonzales-Day | Renée Green | Kira Lynn Harris | John Knight | David Lamelas | Brandon Lattu | Daniel Joseph Martinez | Kori Newkirk | Yvonne Rainer | Martha Rosler with Josh Neufeld | Allen Ruppersberg | Allan Sekula | Susan Silton | Kerry Tribe | James Welling | Lauren woods

Kimberli Meyer, the Director and master mind behind the installation had always wanted to showcase fine art on billboards, especially in Los Angeles because of its strong presence within the city landscape. And since the recession, this proved to be a boon for Meyer as more billboard space became available.

It’ll be interesting to attend the public panel discussion to see why artists and curators and chosen the locations they did, and what relevance the art had toward that respective part of Los Angeles. All the information, as well as a Google Map of the 21 billboards can be found here!

These are no ordinary landscapes. New Jersey based artist and photographer Matthew Albanese carefully constructs extraordinary models out of ordinary materials like paprika, faux fur, and dry ice. These miniature scenes then become very real through the lens of his camera.

This volcano, entitled “Breaking Point,” was created with tile grout, cotton, and phosphorus ink. Its realistic glow was supplied with 6 60 watt light bulbs, according to the artist.

A process shot

The artist at work

Amazing!

via Drawn!