#online art exhibition platforms

[astrocafecoffee]

Astro observation ( part 1)

🔹For entertainment purposes only, enjoy🔹

♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️

✨ Uranus in the first house individuals may reject authority or traditions that feels restrictive to them.others may seem them as trendsetters or avant -garde in their approach to life.

✨ Venus in the 10th house of natal chart peoples are so workaholic that they prioritise their career, success over personal relationships or self care.

✨ your spouse's name asteroid could fall in your natal 7th house. ( Not necessarily, but it can be).

✨ mercury in the 5th house can indicate a communicative and involved parenting style. This individuals may encourage their children's intellectual development, creativity, and curiosity, fostering a supportive environment that values self expression and learning.

✨ Scorpio mars individuals have a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness towards their loved ones. They can be fiercely protective of those they care about and may go to great lengths to defend and support them.

✨ regulus in 7th house of Composite chart - your relationship with your person may bring some fame/ recognition.

✨ Astrocartography mc lines - indicates which place may have a significant impact on your career or public life.

✨ Astrocartography Dc lines - you may meet your spouse/ long term partner there.

✨ Saturn in the 4th house individuals are very traditional 🙂

✨ solar return Jupiter/ mercury in 3rd house/ 10th house may indicate favorable year for cracking competitive exams.

✨ Earth dominate individuals may admire partners who take their commitments seriously whether it's in personal relationships ,career or other areas of life.

✨ juno in 1st house of groom persona chart means your spouse may influence how you present yourself to others or how you are perceived in social settings. they could bring out certain qualities in you or play a significant role in shaping your public image.

✨ South node lines in your Astrocartography chart indicates where you lived in your past lives.

✨ Briede conjunct Devine asteroid in synastry - divine/ fated relationship.

✨ Union asteroid in your groom / briede pc can indicate where you will meet your potential life partner/ spouse :

♾️ Union in Aries - dynamic / stimulating environments suggest adventurous activities, sports events, or places that involved risk taking and exploration. Gyms, fitness classes, martial art studios, organizing events , can meet through social gatherings / casual meet ups where people gather for fun or socializing. , Business conferences/ academic competitions.

♾️ Union in Taurus -

Fine dining restaurants , art galleries/ elegant social events. Settings related to finance, banking, investments , or business networking events., Exhibitions , concerts, musical performance, through mutual friends, wellness workshops.

♾️ Union in gemini -

Intellectual or educational events, workshops, seminars, book clubs , social gatherings , parties , online platforms, social media, dating apps, local festivals , neighborhood gatherings , during travel, airport, train station, writing workshop, media production, related to communication and journalism.

♾️ Union in cancer -

Family gatherings , reunions, hospitals , caregiving facilities, charity events , volunteering activities, through mutual friends, at historical sites, museums, art galleries, cultural events, small town festivals, near Lake, river, beaches, cafe , restaurant.

♾️ Union in leo -

Theatres , music venues, art galleries, or during performances and artistic events, parties , weddings, festivals , or grand gathering, acting class, outdoor festival, sports event , amusement park, related to child's education, youth organization, casinos, comedy clubs , gaming centre etc.

♾️ Union in Virgo -

Office , workplaces, professional conferences, networking events, volunteer activities, community service projects, charitable organisations, gyms, fitness classes health food store, wellness center, university, school , educational seminars, pet adoption events, parks , botanical garden.

♾️ Union in Libra -

Social getherings, parties, networking events, through mutual friends, concerts, cultural events, museums, theatre performance, settings related to law, mediation or during discussions that involve finding mutual agreements or resolutions., Teamwork, collaboration, relationship focused workshop,fashion shows, design exhibition, cocktail party, formal gatherings, courtroom, law office.

♾️ Union in scorpio -

Psychotherapy session, support groups, detective work, reasearch fields or in setting that require deep analysis and understanding., Spiritual retreats, metaphysical shops, astrology or tarot classes, tantra workshop, relationship councilling, setting related to investment, joint ventures, estate planning, holistic health centres , transformational workshop, place focused on healing practices.

♾️ Union in Sagittarius -

Travel, airport, train station, in foreign countries, or while participating in adventures such as hiking, backpacking, or exploring new cultures, University, libraries, seminars, religious gatherings, philosophy group, outdoor activities, sports events, camping trips, cultural festival, international events, language exchange program, law, publishing house, that promotes justice.

♾️ Union in Capricorn -

Office, corporate events, buisness conference, while pursuing ambitious projects, leadership roles, ceremony, cultural events, context related to banking, investments, Financial setting, teaching activities , prestigious club , organization, or during events where recognition and achievements are celebrated., Formal dinner etc.

♾️ Union in Aquarius -

Activism, volunteer work, community organization, seminars, conferences, discussion groups, online platforms, social media, tech startups, through mutual friends, social circles, online communities, music festival, Charity work.

♾️ Union in Pisces -

May meet in spiritual retreats, meditation centre, yoga studio, art galleries, theatre, music concert, poetry reading,film screening , volunteer work, charitable organisations, near Lake , beaches , hospital, clinic, wellness center, music festival, dance class, spiritual chants or ceremonies, book clubs focused on fiction on fantasy genres.

✨ Saturn in 1st house people often have RBF / Serious demeanor 👺

✨ Moon opposite/ square Saturn in solar return chart indicates emotional heaviness, feeling of loneliness or responsibilities weighing heavily on the emotions 😭.

✨ Jupiter/ Venus in 2nd house of Groom/ Briede pc indicates rich spouse.

✨ South node conjunct karma in synastry might suggest past life conflicts, power struggles or intense experiences that need healing or resolution in the current lifetime.

My other posts :

🔮 your future spouse's career.

🔮 your past life.

🔮 marriage placement in synastry and composite.

And many more on my page-

See you soon ~

- Piko ✨

[storm3326]

I had an amazing opportunity to collaborate with Esses for an online exhibit of my work! It looks amazing😆! They did such an amazing job~! It was a great chance to reflect on my approach to art. Please check out their other articles too. They are really interesting!

[pommedepersephone]

Report to the Quartermaster on MI6 employee social media accounts

Rin Rigg is online

R: Hey Q, you asked me to keep an eye on everyone’s social media accounts, so here is this week’s batch! M has an officially sanctioned Facebook account which is purposely bland and mostly composed of pictures of his grizzled old sausage dog, Pickles.

Q: That is… adorable? No, wait. Please forget I ever called Mallory adorable.

R: Moneypenny loves Pinterest, because of course she does. Her boards are VERY aesthetic and filled with shoes, bags, and surprisingly a good number of DIY furniture refurbishment projects. Also, she has a wonderful collection of fashion exhibits.

Q: I didn't even realize there were that many fashion museums in the world, let alone the UK.

R: Tanner has somehow been dealt the short straw of keeping up a presence on The Platform Formerly Known As Twitter and does a good job of sharing relevant public service announcements and the like.

Q: Always was a reliable, affable sort of chap, so it is rather his fault he is stuck trying to make us all look respectable... He has a lot of sunrise shots?

R: Oh yeah, that is his thing. The only extra info he asks for in his mission briefings is the best place to see the sunrise.

Q: So wholesome. Makes me want to say drink.

R: 004 is on Tik-Tok. She appears to love dance videos. Also follows a number of history accounts. And she does, um, cosplay... Very, um, sexy cosplay...

Q: She sews these? Do you think we can convince her to work in Textiles after she retires?

R:...

R: You really are quite gay.

Q: Quite.

R: Alright, last one. Remember I asked if we should track retired staff accounts? 007 maintains a surprisingly robust Flickr, an account that goes back over a decade. It is am impressive travelog! A Shinto shrine glowing in the late afternoon sun. A spread of colorful spices at a market. Rolling lavender fields and blooming cacti and bits of mosaic work.

Q: ...

Q: Not surprising. You remember that human peacock's wardrobe. He always had a skilled eye for color and composition.

R: Oh the last few months are a lot of really artful shots of this lovely blond woman.

Q: ...

Q: ...

Q is offline.

R: Q? Q are you still there..?

[aeth-eris]

11th House: Social Media Profiles

Aries in the 11th House: Your social media profiles may feature dynamic and energetic content, showcasing your bold endeavors and leadership qualities. You might be active in online communities, initiating discussions, and sharing your achievements and adventurous experiences. Extreme sports, motivational content, and leadership seminars. #AdventureSeeker #LeadershipGoals #GoGetter Prefers Twitter for its fast-paced interaction and sharing of quick updates, as well as Instagram for showcasing their bold adventures.

Taurus in the 11th House: Your social media presence may emphasize comfort and stability, reflecting your appreciation for the finer things in life. You may share content related to food, art, or nature, and you might engage in online groups that focus on practical advice and material well-being. Home decor, gardening tutorials, and gourmet cooking shows. #FoodieLife #ArtAppreciation #NatureLover Prefers Pinterest for its focus on aesthetically pleasing visuals and practical lifestyle inspiration, as well as Facebook for connecting with friends and sharing comforting content.

Gemini in the 11th House: Your social media profiles are likely to be versatile and engaging, reflecting your curiosity and intellectual pursuits. You may share a variety of content, including news, information, and social commentary, and you might actively participate in online discussions and forums. TED Talks, educational podcasts, and current affairs discussions. #CurrentEvents #IntellectualDebates #LifelongLearner Prefers Reddit for its diverse discussions and intellectual forums, as well as Twitter for engaging in various real-time conversations.

Cancer in the 11th House: Your social media presence may be nurturing and community-oriented, emphasizing connections and emotional support. You might share personal stories, family-related content, and nostalgic posts, and you may engage in online communities that foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. Family vlogs, DIY crafts, and emotional support groups. #FamilyFirst #CommunityLove #NostalgiaFeels Prefers Facebook for its emphasis on creating and nurturing online communities, as well as Instagram for sharing personal stories and connecting with others through visual content.

Leo in the 11th House: Your social media profiles may be vibrant and attention-grabbing, reflecting your creative flair and desire for recognition. You may share content that highlights your talents and achievements, and you might actively participate in online platforms that allow you to showcase your skills and leadership abilities. Fashion trends, celebrity news, and success stories of influential figures. #CreativeExpression #ShowcaseSuccess #InspirationalLeader Prefers Instagram for showcasing their creative endeavors and gaining attention, as well as YouTube for sharing their charismatic video content.

Virgo in the 11th House: Your social media presence may be informative and detail-oriented, focusing on practical advice and self-improvement. You might share content related to health, organization, and productivity, and you may participate in online groups that prioritize knowledge sharing and analytical discussions. Productivity tools, self-help articles, and health and wellness blogs. #ProductivityHacks #SelfImprovement #HealthyLiving Prefers LinkedIn for its focus on professional networking and career-related discussions, as well as Twitter for sharing practical tips and engaging in informative conversations.

Libra in the 11th House: Your social media profiles may emphasize harmony and diplomacy, reflecting your appreciation for beauty and balanced interactions. You may share content related to art, culture, and social causes, and you might actively engage in online communities that promote fairness, equality, and respectful dialogue. Art exhibitions, relationship advice columns, and social justice documentaries. #HarmonyAndBalance #ArtisticSoul #SocialJustice Prefers Instagram for its emphasis on visual aesthetics and maintaining harmonious social connections, as well as TikTok for creating and sharing balanced and entertaining content.

Scorpio in the 11th House: Your social media presence may be intense and thought-provoking, reflecting your passion and desire for depth. You may share content that delves into psychological insights, mysteries, and transformative experiences, and you might participate in online discussions that encourage profound self-reflection and exploration. Psychological thrillers, investigative documentaries, and esoteric knowledge. #DeepThoughts #MysteryUnveiled #InnerTransformation Prefers Tumblr for its introspective and thought-provoking content, as well as Twitter for engaging in discussions about deep and mysterious topics.

Sagittarius in the 11th House: Your social media profiles may be adventurous and optimistic, reflecting your love for exploration and philosophical discussions. You may share content related to travel, spirituality, and personal growth, and you might actively participate in online communities that foster open-mindedness and cultural exchange. Travel documentaries, philosophical discussions, and cultural festivals. #WanderlustSpirit #PhilosophyMatters #GlobalCitizen Prefers YouTube for sharing their adventurous travel vlogs and philosophical discussions, as well as Instagram for connecting with a global community and sharing inspiring content.

Capricorn in the 11th House: Your social media presence may be disciplined and goal-oriented, emphasizing your dedication to achieving success and recognition. You may share content related to career, achievements, and leadership, and you might participate in online platforms that focus on professional networking and strategic planning. Business news, financial planning guides, and career development webinars. #CareerDriven #SuccessMindset #ProfessionalGrowth Prefers LinkedIn for its focus on professional achievements and networking, as well as Twitter for engaging in discussions on career advancements and industry trends.

Aquarius in the 11th House: Your social media profiles may be unconventional and progressive, reflecting your passion for social change and innovation. You may share content related to humanitarian causes, technology, and unconventional ideas, and you might actively participate in online communities that promote collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives. Futuristic technology blogs, social activism movements, and scientific breakthroughs. #InnovationNation #SocialChange #FutureForward Prefers Twitter for its emphasis on sharing unique perspectives and engaging in social activism, as well as Reddit for participating in discussions about innovative and unconventional ideas.

Pisces in the 11th House: Your social media presence may be compassionate and imaginative, reflecting your empathy and artistic sensibilities. You may share content that inspires creativity, spirituality, and emotional connection, and you might engage in online groups that prioritize empathy, support, and creative expression. Spiritual retreats, music therapy sessions, and artistic expression workshops. #CreativeSoul #EmpatheticHeart #SpiritualAwakening Prefers Instagram for its focus on artistic expression and sharing compassionate messages, as well as Pinterest for gathering inspirational and creative content.

[cyber-clown]

i think that this tweet is art. i do NOT mean that i think the picture itself is art - i mean the tweet. i'm sure many people (probably including the shitposter who posted this originally) will disagree with me but i'm going to give you a quick surface level explanation of why i feel this way.

first of all, we're greeted with this vapid little soundbite of a comment. i think the cultural awareness of the piece in question makes this hollow comment with plasticine emojis ring even more frictional with the original work. instantly, we're given a stock, throwaway "wholesome" twitter caption to lead us into the "finished" work. there's something very interesting to me about this contrast - typically, captions like this are intended to be uplifting but shallow. their purpose is to bring attention to a little bit of context, gear the audience to feel a certain way, and then bow out, forgotten. this caption instead raises multiple ideas (incorporation of generative AI, the concept of "finishing" a piece that was intentionally left unfinished by its deceased creator) that are guaranteed to draw aggression from a large number of people

the contrast, then, of this piece is informed by multiple factors beyond it itself. it assumes the audience will have not just a familiarity, but a predisposed reaction to this kind of post - a kind of absent-minded, agreeable reaction to stimuli. in my opinion, this works to call into question the immediate context of the tweet:

the piece is framed as a quote reply to this relatively standard engagement farm tweet. as we will briefly cover, the piece uses external conversations and contexts to call into question the relationship people, especially online on social media, have to art, its creation, its value, and its place in society. what i, personally, find poignant is the way this then goes on to prompt a discussion on the original tweet for which the piece is an addition to - is it vapid and disrespectful, or perhaps generating a conversation and teaching people about the poignancy of art? is this conclusion in any way changed by its structure and intent, that of a twitter reply chain aimed to generate algorithmic presence and attention? is it less offensive to use the work of somebody who died of AIDS to boost your twitter metrics than it is to force your way in to "fix" or "finish" it?

the piece makes its intention to call external biases and topics into question almost immediately - the concept of "finishing" Keith Haring's unfinished painting, the nature of our consumption of art, and the AI movement and frustrations that it is a spearhead of a wider reification and commodification of art. what is rough must become polished, what is abstract must become literal, what is unfinished must, then, be finished, even if its nature as an unfinished work has been subsumed into the wider conversation around it.

this is, frankly, inflammatory. the author is clearly aware that the character they are portraying here is one who many people - even those who may not otherwise have strong feelings on the topic of AI in art - will take issue to and challenge. it is an idea that generates strong animosity for a wide variety of reasons. it is in this animosity that i believe interesting discussions can be raised. what, if anything, would we consider a respectful way to build on this piece? for example, is the display of Keith Haring's unfinished painting in a way becoming a part of or extension to the art itself? after all, the mere act of deciding to exhibit an unfinished piece by a dead person is, in itself, a decision that contributes to the discussion and perception of the piece in its wider social context. are there pieces of art we wouldn't consider disrespectful to complete, and is that effected by the tools and techniques used, the people who do it, or the meaning they put into it?

finally - the image itself. the layout of twitter as a platform quite literally frames the "finished" artwork, thrusting it at the viewer as if to taunt them. it is a work that simultaneously completes the original piece while adding absolutely nothing. there is no new visual language, there are no new ideas. the author has left no personal touch on their attempt at an extension of the original work - neither any additional commentary nor some reflection of relative personal tastes or skill levels. this is no botched restoration of jesus. the generative algorithm used has, paradoxical to its flawless reflection of technique, made some clear stylistic errors - the pattern extends out to the borders, shapes are remniscient of Haring's work on the original piece yet lack any kind of grounding or believability, turning into an abstract jumble of distantly familiar shapes. it is, somehow, only evocative of the piece that it literally is. the image presented has nothing to say because it, by its nature, cannot say anything. and yet it has generated such a strong set of reactions to itself.

most notable to this abstraction of intent, in my mind, is the way that the algorithm has covered the original's running paint. the paint dripping from the borders of Haring's handiwork conveys a grim message - his signature bold, controlled brushstrokes are in stark contrast to the sharp, thin paint, evoking a similar discrepancy to that of Haring's inspired worldview to his cruel circumstances and tragic death. this is covered in the "finished" version. like a forest paved over, the poignant, challenging, and uncomfortable are replaced with the safe and standard.

this destruction of subtext is painfully remniscient of a time where it feels as though iconography refuses to die, constantly recycled by people who couldn't give a single shit about artistry or creativity unless it has the potential to be more exploitable than any alternative. in this environment, ground must be retread as much as possible. there is no prior character undeserving of a spotlight, no location undeserving of a setpiece, no event undeserving of retelling, no dead man undeserving of sparing his work the airbrush. it is a total stagnation - no corpse may be left to rest in peace if there is the potential that it may be continually exploited for gain.

so, to cut myself off a little, that is how i feel. this piece is subversive, it is frustrating. it calls our preconceived patterns, behaviours, and biases into question. it raises potential issues over how we engage with art - both the corporate subsumation of it in our culture along with the smaller scale calficiation of art into a tool to prompt brief, unchallenging reactions during periods of engagement with the corporatised internet. it also challenges the current direction and application of artificial intelligence as, effectively, an easy tool for those who do not care to engage with art to extract value from it, which raises further questions about the exploitation of artists and labour as a whole in our society. i think it is incredibly interesting how so much meaning, feeling, and conversation can be generated by somebody shitposting on twitter

[princess-sof-time]

Could you do headcanons for Ruby, Aqua, and Akane with a s/o who likes to draw?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ──────

🅁🅄🄱🅈 🄷🄾🅂🄷🄸🄽🄾

• Ruby is fascinated by her significant other's artistic talent and finds their passion for drawing incredibly inspiring. She loves seeing the world through their eyes and admires their ability to capture emotions and stories on paper.

• Ruby becomes their number one fan and supporter, often requesting them to create illustrations for her idol-related projects. She values their artistic perspective and believes that their drawings bring a unique touch to her performances and merchandise.

• The couple often spends hours together, with Ruby as a muse, while her partner creates beautiful artwork. She enjoys being a subject of their drawings and cherishes the moments when they collaborate creatively.

• Ruby encourages her partner to showcase their art to the world, organizing small exhibitions or sharing their work on social media platforms. She believes in their talent and wants others to appreciate their skills as much as she does.

• Ruby loves surprising her partner with art supplies and books as gifts, always supporting their artistic growth and development. She is eager to learn more about art and drawing, often engaging in conversations about different techniques and styles.

• The couple finds joy in attending art events and exhibitions together, appreciating various art forms and drawing inspiration from other artists. They understand the importance of artistic expression in their own lives and celebrate the creativity they share.

• Ruby is known for incorporating her partner's artwork into her performances, whether as backdrops or on merchandise. Their collaboration not only showcases their talents but also strengthens their bond as they combine their passions.

• Ruby and her partner create a safe and supportive space for each other to express themselves artistically. Their love for art forms a deep connection between them, and they constantly inspire and motivate one another to explore new artistic horizons.

🄰🅀🅄🄰 🄷🄾🅂🄷🄸🄽🄾

• Aqua is captivated by his significant other's artistic talent and appreciates the way he can bring his imagination to life through drawing. He finds his creative process fascinating and loves seeing the world through his unique artistic lens.

• Aqua often accompanies her partner to art supply stores, spending hours browsing through different materials and discussing various artistic techniques. He loves learning from them and enjoys experimenting with her own artistic endeavors.

• The couple frequently embarks on nature walks or visits art galleries together, finding inspiration in the world around them. Aqua encourages her partner to observe and capture the beauty they see in their drawings, and they often have meaningful discussions about their shared love for art.

• Aqua becomes a thought-provoking Inspiration for her partner's artwork, willingly posing for sketches and paintings. He finds joy in being part of your creative process and values ​​artistic representations of your shared love and experiences.l

• Aqua encourages her partner to showcase their artwork, whether through local art exhibits or online platforms. He believes in their talent and helps them gain exposure and recognition, proudly supporting their artistic journey.

• The couple enjoys cozy evenings at home, with Aqua providing a calm and supportive environment for her partner to focus on their art. He creates a soothing atmosphere and respects their need for creative solitude when they're immersed in their drawings.

• Aqua surprises her partner with art-related gifts, such as new sketchbooks, drawing tools, or tickets to art workshops. He loves seeing their face light up with excitement and knows that these gestures help fuel their artistic passion.

• Together, Aqua and her partner appreciate the power of art to convey emotions and tell stories. They bond over their shared love for creativity and find solace and inspiration in each other's artistic expressions.

🄰🄺🄰🄽🄴 🄺🅄🅁🄾🄺🄰🅆🄰

• Akane is instantly drawn to her significant other's talent for drawing and appreciates their ability to capture the essence of people and objects on paper. She finds their artistic interpretations fascinating and enjoys discussing their thought process and techniques.

• Akane often becomes a source of inspiration for her significant other's drawings. Her unique and captivating appearance, combined with her expressive personality, provides endless artistic possibilities for her partner to explore.

• Akane enjoys sitting for portrait sessions with her significant other, allowing them to capture her beauty and charisma on paper. She values the intimate moments shared during these sessions, as they strengthen their connection and allow her to see herself through her partner's artistic lens.

• Akane encourages her partner to exhibit their artwork and shares their drawings on her social media platforms, proudly showcasing their talent to her fans and followers. She wants the world to see and appreciate their artistic abilities.

• The couple often visits art galleries and museums together, immersing themselves in different art styles and movements. They engage in deep discussions about the meanings and interpretations behind various artworks, fostering a mutual appreciation and understanding of the art world.

• Akane surprises her partner with sketchbooks, art supplies, and books on famous artists as gifts, showing her unwavering support for their artistic endeavors. She believes in their potential and encourages them to continually grow and experiment with their drawing techniques.

• Akane incorporates her partner's artwork into her idol activities, using their drawings as backdrops during performances or featuring their illustrations on merchandise. This collaboration allows them to combine their talents and create something truly unique.

• The couple enjoys exploring new artistic techniques together, experimenting with different mediums and styles. They find joy in learning from each other and pushing the boundaries of their artistic abilities.

• Akane's partner serves as a source of motivation for her to pursue her own creative outlets. They inspire her to express herself beyond the stage, experimenting with art forms that complement her idol persona.

• Together, Akane and her partner form a creative and supportive bond, constantly encouraging and inspiring each other to reach new heights in their artistic journeys. They celebrate their shared love for art and draw strength from the beautiful connection they have.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ──────

[pentrologram]

What Normal People Do - 5

Art fair! sorry to the ghost truthers i just realised simon has brown eyes and not blue… i changed it in chapter three. idk how i got it in my head that his eyes are blue :’) ao3! ghost/soap/gn!reader (established ghoap)

I Need You Here

Johnny has been looking for a job.

Simon knew this day would come, admittedly. Crafts from Hobby Lobby would only tide Johnny over for so long before his hands grew a mind, taking him away from the private little paradise they’ve built together.

Now, Johnny often sprawled over Simon’s laptop, searching for any hands-on job nearby. It wasn’t uncommon for him to come to Simon, asking questions about the workforce since all he’s ever known is the military. They talk about handyman jobs, which Johnny seems most attracted to, assisting artists at a nearby college or even teaching an art class at the college, which revolts Johnny.

“Ae don’t ken anythin’ about art, Si!” He protests when Simon taps into the job listing.

“Sure you do. Your sketchbooks, Johnny.”

“That’s nae college level!”

He does half of the application just to fuck with Johnny.

Johnny finds a listing at the clinic you work at for a janitor. He froths at the mouth while thinking about working in such proximity to you for four days a week, but the pay brings him back down to earth. While technically they’d be fine forever with their retirement money, having extra cash could never kill them. For twelve pounds an hour, Johnny decides he can do better.

Johnny calls it quits after a week of searching for jobs. Everything he found started too early or too late, had too many days or not enough. He was either overqualified or underqualified and he was beginning to think that maybe he should go back to the military and take a civilian job because nowhere else seemed to understand his need for flexible hours. He tells Simon as much.

“No, Johnny, you just need to find your thing,” Simon says, rubbing Johnny’s shoulders reassuringly as they curl up on the couch together, Riley asleep by their feet. “It feels discouraging now, yeah, but you just might not be looking at the right stuff, y’know?” Johnny huffs.

“I’m dyin’ of boredom here, Si,” he gripes.

“I wasn’t joking about teaching that art class, you know.” He says, quietly, after a second.

“There’s no way, Si. A’m not like that. I dinnae know value from shade.” He grumbles back.

“Well, it’s the twenty-first century, love. You can sell your work. Or teach an amateur class online.”

Johnny goes quiet for the rest of the movie. He’s quiet as he takes a shower, brushes his teeth and gives Riley her last walk of the day and quiet as he crawls into bed.

He spends the next day researching things about a platform called ‘Etsy’. He barely takes breaks to eat or drink and Simon has to manhandle him to wash his hair. He spends most of the night doing whatever the hell on Etsy and Simon gives up on forcing him into bed and just falls asleep.

By the time he wakes up at 1000, Johnny is slumped at his desk, the laptop dead in front of him and covered by some of Johnny’s old charcoal figures. He sighs and cleans up the mess on the desk before putting a pillow under Johnny’s head and throwing a blanket over him. Then he makes breakfast and puts a full plate underneath Johnny’s nose, to help him wake up.

He takes Riley for her morning walk after breakfast and they detour to your apartment to say hi. You’re chirpy, finally fully recovered from the breakup as it seems, and genuinely happy to see them. Riley loves up on your legs like usual while you idly chat.

“There’s another fair coming to town next week,” you bring up.

“But didn’t we just have the strawberry one?”

“Yeah. But the college nearby is opening a new museum so they’re hosting a tiny version of one of the exhibits in a fair and bringing a bunch of local artists in.”

“Really?” Simon says, mind already churning into high gear when you mention local artists. “Johnny’s gonna love that.”

“It sounds like it’ll be his speed.” You say.

Simon nods. He has something to chew on now and he says an abrupt goodbye before going back to the apartment, hanging up Riley’s leash. Johnny is quick to pounce on him, immediately yapping about the Etsy page he made and all of his old art he put up for sale and how he’s already sold five whole pieces and needs to go ship them out.

Simon praises him, because he’s done such a good job- because, well, he’s doing something to occupy himself without leaving the relative safety of their apartment and that alone is enough to soothe him.

He tells Johnny about the fair during dinner, and Johnny lights up like the sun.

“Oh, oh, Si, can we go wi’ the bon, please, Si?” He begged with his biggest puppy eyes.

“Nn. You’ll have to ask them yourself.” He says, which makes Johnny immediately jump up to go and do just that. He’s stopped, obviously, with a sharp tug on the neck of his shirt.

“It’s ten in the night, Johnny.” He says. “Eat your damn dinner.”

“But ye said-“

“I didn’t mean right now, you bloody maniac. Calm yourself.” He says. Johnny pouts and pokes at the rest of his mashed potatoes like a child.

When Johnny does get to ask you the next day, though, he looks fully prepared to guilt trip you into agreeing. You agree without resistance, only ever so gently coaxing Johnny into going on your off day next week as opposed to that very second. He agrees only because it’s you.

Needless to say, Johnny is nothing but unbearable during the wait; talking Simon’s ear off to the point where he thinks he’ll get a permanent migraine. Thank bloody hell he’s so easily distracted by shiny things- most of the time, he was able to redirect questions about you to a collection of cross-stitch sets he had bought years ago. That, and helping Johnny pack and mail the odd dozen or so artworks that he's sold for a good dollar help keep him occupied. The works are mostly charcoals on fancy mixed media paper, all of them vaguely an unmasked Simon or the dog. It doesn't seem to matter much to the people who're buying his stuff, though.

The day finally comes, though, and Johnny sniffs you out. It’s very bloodhound-esc. You don’t seem to mind all too much, looking content to be dragged around.

Johnny first takes the three of you to a little make-your-own painting stall hosted by an oil painter located a few hours out. Johnny is utterly concentrated, leaving Simon and you to foster a quiet conversation while you paint on the provided canvases. When Simon goes to pay, Johnny shows you his painting proudly; it’s a portrait of you and Simon hunched over your portraits while engaged in a conversation. He’s somehow captured the essence of the summer afternoon and you’re entranced by how he’s painted you; the sun is almost right behind you, in his painting, and it makes your hair glow and eyes shine, even as they’re downcast.

“Wow….” You murmur, and Johnny beams, proud. Suddenly the still life you had done of the stall is no longer impressive. Johnny still insists on seeing it, forcing you to show it to him. He might be a little too generous, but still. It seems as though he means it, so what else could you ask for?

Simon comes back and he nearly mirrors your response, but he doesn’t seem as surprised as you had been. Johnny also manhandles Simon into showing his painting, but Simon is a lot more resistant. It takes Johnny squirming under one burly, hoodie-clad forearm for Simon to relent and begrudgingly show him a heartfelt landscape of simple green grasslands. Johnny still seems earnestly honest, nattering about how natural the few flowers look.

Then you’re toted to a make-your-own pottery stall, which is a lot harder than it looks. Johnny (obviously) takes to it like a fish to water after one or two bad first attempts, but neither Simon nor you take to it as quickly or smoothly. You end up coaxing a few deep chuckles from Simon with your poor attempts, but you’re not afraid to laugh at him, too, when he doesn’t do any better. Johnny makes an elegant, tall vase and Simon manages a lumpy yet characteristic mug. Your bowl is cute and has a swirly design you're rather proud of. Again, Simon pays and registers the group to be notified when the pots (as poor as yours and Simon’s were) are finished with glaze and firing.

Lastly, since by this time it was beginning to get dark, you take photos in front of painted backdrops done by different artists. They're all unique and beautiful, each done in their own, unique style. Johnny takes twenty minutes to just appreciate the artistry before making you take photos in front of his favourite backdrops with him. It’s another twenty until you’re able to rope Simon into taking one photo.

Johnny looks so utterly inspired, clutching the tote bag that holds his and Simon's oil paintings with a starry-eyed look as he takes one more look around the fairgrounds. It's awfully adorable. He begs you to just peek into a few more stalls while you wait for Simon to go to the person who ran the little photo area and get the photos printed out for you, so when you inevitably parted ways at the doorways of your apartments, you had a small 3x6” souvenir- ready to be pinned up on your wall.

[mybeingthere]

Svetlana Rumak is a professional artist and illustrator who currently lives and works in Istanbul.

Svetlana Rumak was born in 1969 in Poltava (Ukraine).

At 5 years old she moved to Russia with her family.

Svetlana graduated from the Arts Department of the Pedagogical Institute in Russia (1992).

She has been involved in exhibition activities since 1993.

Rumak Art Gallery was founded in 2021 as a Nonprofit Cultural Organization (NCO «Rumak Gallery») by Moscow artist Svetlana Rumak.

In 2022, the gallery deliberately expanded its mission and since then has been striving to become a strong and active platform for professional artists from different countries.

Now the gallery cooperates with more than 50 artists from 10 countries, such as Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Great Britain, Norway, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Israel, and Kyrgyzstan.

[the1975attheirverybest]

Brad Troemel, "Art," and S...ATVB

As promised, this is the post about Brad Troemel, his work, his connection to Matty, and what this might mean for "Still....At Their Very Best." Research sources, images of the art described, etc will all be included at the end of this post.

Who is Brad Troemel?

He's a NYC based artist in his mid-thirties who makes "post-internet art." He actually got his start RIGHT HERE on this very platform, Tumblr, in 2009.

What is "Post-internet Art"?

post-internet art is art that is made either using the internet or in association with the internet. The idea of it usually comments on or critiques i the effect of internet use on our culture, aesthetics etc.

For example, this statue of Rihanna. Or this conceptual art performance "ART WHORE"

I should point out that according to the scholarship I look at, not all experts agree that this kind of thing counts as "Art."

What kind of art does Brad Troemel make?

Troemel considers his work to be challenging the traditions of art galleries and exhibitions and thinking about how art objects can exist outside these spaces. Like, in normal, everyday life.

For example, he's made a bench out of old Apple computers (see image below) and the MacBook pic that later became a meme (see below).

He started this in 2009 posting photoshopped images on Tumblr. Later, he went on to open an Etsy store which would mail customers the materials and instructions needed to make the art themselves.

In some cases, he deliberately made art pieces that don't last (fall apart, dissolve, or disappear shortly after they are made).

He's quoted as saying that's work is both rejecting traditional rules and trying to imagine what art might look like if those rules didn’t exist. “You can’t make this with a straight face.You’d have to be a real lunatic to do that."

Some of you might recognize a meme he made during election campaigns that was mistaken for a legit ad for Joe Biden (see below). Troemel eventually had to take it down because he was accused of false advertising/ spreading misinformation/ fake news. which....ironically is his whole point about internet culture, lol.

Today, he does a weekly series of cultural commentary posts on instagram.

What does this have to do with The 1975?

Matty announced on instagram that Troemel has co-written and will be co-directing the "Still....At Their Very Best" show.

How do Matty and Troemel know each other?

Matty's been a fan of his for a while and has liked his posts online, followed him on social media, etc.

On the Ion Pack Podcast, Matty spoke about Troemel's work, describing him as "someone who has strong cultural awareness and someone who gets art from the inside and from the outside. Gets it as an artist and as a consumer of art" and someone who "lit the fire and [Matty's] ass. and that he's been using Brad Troemel's language in interviews. the guy is fuckin' goated."

What does this mean for The 1975 and the "S...ATVB" tour?

WELLL...its not entirely clear yet BUT

Matty's current highlight reel titled "SHOW," has posts that are written as if Brad Troemel made them, not Matty. Hint at what the show is gonna be like?

We know that Troemel's style lines up with, and expands on, Matty's. They both present ideas, ask questions that challenge the status quo, and love irony. So, there's likely to be a lot dramatic irony and cultural criticism within the show

Of what? The posts Matty's made so far have been commenting on cultural constructs of masculinity, so, perhaps a continuation of what he started with ATVB?

What's it gonna look like? idk, but Matty's been really leaning into the TRUMAN BLACK/ MATTY HEALY dichotomy. With the lab coat and name tag onstage and in ATPOAIM, with changing his name to "TRUMAN BLACK" on instagram, etc.

Is he going to dramatize that and "play" both characters? himself AND Truman Black? what about the absurdity that they're BOTH him!

[ will update this as we continue to receive hints about the show.]

Referenced images

Consulted Sources:

New Yorker Article about Troemel: Art Troll

Artspace Bio

Post-Internet Art

[pamelaaminou]

Sugimoto's Monochrome Mastery: A Black and White Perspective

For the past few weeks, Sugimoto’s exhibition has been at the top of my must-visit list. Having previously encountered his work solely through online platforms, the desire to immerse myself in his art firsthand became irresistible. As a devoted black and white fine art photographer, stepping into Sugimoto’s exhibition at the Hayward Gallery felt like entering a realm where time stood still, and…

[infodailyblog]

Do you know about Jaart011?

Unveiling Jaart011: A Comprehensive Overview

In the ever-evolving landscape of virtual art communities, Jaart011 has emerged as a noteworthy platform capturing the attention of both artists and art enthusiasts. Positioned as more than just an online gallery, Jaart011 serves as a dynamic, live environment for artistic creation, breaking conventional barriers and presenting a fresh perspective to the art world.

What Sets Jaart011 Apart?

Jaart011 is not merely an online gallery; it's a cutting-edge digital sanctuary dedicated to showcasing and advancing art in its myriad forms. It offers a unique space for individuals, regardless of their level of experience, to immerse themselves in the world of art.

Significance in the Virtual Art Community

Jaart011 has swiftly become a cornerstone in the online art community for several compelling reasons.

1. Diversity and Accessibility:

Jaart011 has democratized the creation, viewing, and sharing of art, making it accessible to everyone. The platform welcomes a wide range of creative expressions, fostering the exhibition of artwork by artists of diverse backgrounds.

2. Creative Platform for Artists:

Functioning as a launchpad for artists, Jaart011 facilitates increased visibility and global connections. The platform's emphasis on diversity and inclusion attracts creative individuals seeking a supportive environment.

3. Interactive Space for Art Lovers:

More than a visual experience, Jaart011 provides an engaging platform for art enthusiasts to interact with artists, participate in conversations, and gain insights into the creation process behind each artwork.

The History and Goals of Jaart011

The birth of Jaart011 originated in Jaart City, known for its thriving cultural scene. The platform emerged as a response to the growing gap between artists' brilliance and the largely inaccessible global audience.

1. First Conceptualization:

The initial idea was to create an online platform that mirrored the rich, creative culture of Jaart City – a simple yet effective concept.

2. Coordination and Development:

A collaborative effort involving designers, IT specialists, and artists resulted in the creation of Jaart011, a visually appealing and cutting-edge platform.

Jaart011’s Vision

Jaart011's vision revolves around bridging the gap between artists and art enthusiasts and developing a user interface that makes interacting with art natural and enlightening.

1. Bridging the Divide:

Jaart011 is committed to reducing the distance between artists and art enthusiasts, enabling skill discovery for enthusiasts and broader audience reach for artists.

2. Sensual User Interface:

Jaart011 aims to provide a user-friendly interface that facilitates seamless exploration and interaction with art, catering to users of varying digital proficiency.

Jaart011’s Special Features & User Interaction

Jaart011 distinguishes itself as a vibrant, interactive environment, going beyond the conventions of a typical online art gallery.

1. Personalized Profiles:

Artists can create personalized profiles, acting as digital portfolios to showcase their creativity. Enthusiasts can also build interactive profiles, expressing their preferences and finding like-minded artists and styles.

2. Engaging Features:

Virtual galleries, live sessions, workshops, art challenges, and group projects contribute to a dynamic and stimulating user experience.

Jaart011 stands as a testament to innovation, inclusivity, and a shared passion for art within the virtual realm.

Click given link to read more:

[cleoashbee]

The Authenticity Trap

The neo-humanism manifesto- cleo ashbee

Here’s the thing no one really talks about—there’s this constant, low-level tension between who we are and who we want people to think we are. And in the era of social media, this tension’s been cranked up to an almost unbearable degree. Authenticity and acceptance—these two forces we’re all navigating—seem like they should live in harmony. Like, in theory, the more “real” we are, the more we’d find people who truly accept us, right? But that’s not what happens. It turns out, the more you lean into authenticity, the less likely you are to fit into the neatly curated boxes society offers as paths to acceptance. And the more you chase that sweet, dopamine-laden acceptance from the digital masses, the less authentic you become.

It’s like a pendulum. Swing too far towards authenticity, and you risk being ostracized for breaking some unwritten, algorithmic rule of online engagement. Swing towards acceptance, and you’re on your way to becoming just another carbon copy in the endless scroll of influencers selling detox teas, self-care routines, or hashtag whatever the latest feel-good consumer trend is. What makes this even more maddening is that social media has amplified this divide. The internet, which could have been a place for true self-expression, has instead become a marketplace of personas.

Here’s where capitalism comes in, sneakily, but completely predictably. See, capitalism thrives on this gap between authenticity and acceptance, because it’s profitable. Social media platforms, built on the promise of connection and authenticity, have been quietly rigged to capitalize on your most desperate need: the need to be liked, to belong. Every like, follow, or share is currency in this new economy, where attention has become the most valuable commodity. The more you scroll, the more ads you see, the more products you’re sold—not just physical goods, but ideas, lifestyles, identities. And what’s really sinister is that this whole system thrives on distraction, on keeping you looking outward, obsessing over who you should be, rather than turning inward to who you actually are.

It’s no accident that we’ve become addicted to this endless exhibition of ourselves online. Social media offers a seductive kind of escape from ourselves—an opportunity to craft a version of ourselves that’s optimized for consumption. We crave distraction from the hard, unglamorous work of self-acceptance, so we turn to the next best thing: validation from others. But this validation is hollow, fleeting, designed to keep you chasing after the next hit. It’s like cotton candy—it tastes sweet for a moment, but it dissolves before it can actually fill you up.

And now, the pendulum swings wildly between two poles. On one side, you’ve got authenticity—raw, unfiltered, sometimes messy but real. On the other side is acceptance, which, in the digital age, has been hijacked by algorithms and monetized by platforms that have turned you into both product and consumer. We’re in a strange era where fame, something that used to be reserved for people who achieved remarkable things (whether through talent, leadership, or art), has been democratized—or, more accurately, diluted.

Welcome to the age of the influencer, where anyone with a phone and a knack for “content” can become famous. But here’s the rub: we’re not just elevating people because they’ve got some unique insight or skill. We’re making people famous for being famous. And it’s not the thoughtful, talented, or creative voices rising to the top; it’s often the people doing the most outrageous, fake, or plain stupid things that go viral. Half the viral videos you see are staged, engineered for maximum shock value, all in the hopes of triggering the algorithm’s jackpot: virality. We’ve gone from turning to experts—think world leaders, scholars, musicians, artists—for advice, to looking up to influencers whose only real qualification is that they’ve cracked the code on how to game the system.

What’s really terrifying, though, is how complicit we all are in this. We’re the ones following these influencers. We’re the ones liking, sharing, commenting, and perpetuating this system. And the thing is, we’re not just scrolling for entertainment; we’re scrolling for validation. We’re looking for someone to reflect back to us who we want to be, to tell us we’re doing life right. But in doing so, we’re feeding into a culture that prizes appearance over substance, clicks over connection, and shock value over authenticity.

So here’s the aha moment: you, me, all of us—we’re not just participants in this system; we’re its architects. Every time we scroll, like, or share, we’re reinforcing this pendulum swing between authenticity and acceptance, driving the very algorithm that keeps us stuck. And if we want to find balance, to bring that pendulum to rest in the middle, we need to stop feeding the machine.

The solution isn’t radical—it’s actually pretty simple. First, we can start by questioning what we consume and why. Ask yourself why you’re following certain people or engaging with specific content. Does it add something meaningful to your life, or is it just noise? Second, unplug—literally and metaphorically. Step away from the digital marketplace that’s turned your attention into a commodity. Go for a walk. Read a book. Have a real, face-to-face conversation. Finally, and maybe most importantly, practice being yourself, without performing it. This doesn’t mean dumping your entire emotional landscape online in the name of authenticity; it means cultivating spaces in your life where you can be real without needing an audience.

Bringing the pendulum to rest isn’t about abandoning social media altogether, but about reclaiming our ability to experience life—and ourselves—without the constant need for external validation. It’s about finding a way to be authentic and accepted without sacrificing one for the other. And it starts with recognizing that the person responsible for swinging that pendulum back to center is you.

[trending-makeupcourses]

Nisha Lamba: A Story of Perseverance and Success

Prominent hair extension specialist Nisha Lamba is known for her creative methods and love of hair design. She makes natural-looking extensions that boost volume, length, and overall beauty, drawing on her training in cosmetology. She stands out for her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to client happiness. This blog discusses Nisha Lamba biography, covering her hardships, triumphs, and other details.

Who is Nisha Lamba?

Nisha Lamba is renowned for her creative yet professional approach to hair extensions, which she uses to completely change the appearance of her clients. The fact that Nisha Lamba age was very young when she began her path with a passion for beauty and is now regarded as a leading authority on hair extensions is evidence of her ability, hard work, and steadfast commitment to her profession.

Entry into the Hair industry

To provide excellent outcomes that surpassed her clients' expectations, Nisha Lamba had to demonstrate her abilities via her work, always improving her art in the Nisha Lamba Salon. She also needed to devote time and energy to self-promotion, making the most of networking events and social media to exhibit her abilities and draw in a devoted fan base.

To be competitive and provide her clients at the Nisha Lamba Salon with state-of-the-art services, Lamba had to keep up with the most recent trends and techniques in the hair industry.

Lamba's Rise to Fame

Lamba's success can be ascribed to her effective networking abilities and strategic marketing initiatives. She has been able to increase her reach and draw in high-profile clientele by skilfully marketing her services and establishing connections with important figures in the business. Not only has her prominence increased as a specialist in hair extensions, but it has also allowed her to open the Nisha Lamba Salon.

Overcoming Challenges and Struggles

Nisha Lamba biography in the cutthroat hair extension industry is proof of the strength of resiliency, drive, and enthusiasm in conquering challenges and realizing goals. Aspiring professionals in the beauty industry should draw inspiration from her experience to persevere through difficulties and never lose sight of their objectives.

Continuation of Nisha Lamba Mission

Nisha Lamba's proteges and mentees must maintain the same dedication to quality, ethics, and client happiness to guarantee the continuation of her purpose and principles. Nisha can leave a lasting legacy by imparting her knowledge and skills to the upcoming generation of hair extension specialists.

Moreover, Nisha's influence can reach a larger audience and encourage even more people to pursue a career in the hair extension sector by recording her techniques and disseminating them to the general public through workshops, seminars, and online resources.

Philanthropic Ventures of Nisha Lamba

Nisha Lamba is dedicated to humanitarian causes; she gives her time and money to programs that promote mental health awareness and women's empowerment. Nisha Lamba is an excellent example of how beauty professionals can have a beneficial influence outside of their field by using their platform to raise voices and encourage change.

Nisha provides a motivating example for people in the beauty industry on how to use their influence for significant and long-lasting change by combining advocacy, social engagement, and charity holistically.

Top 5 Hair Extension Academies of India

The Nisha Lamba biography has been covered thus far. After reading her heartwarming tale, you must be motivated to consider pursuing a career in her field. These are a few of the most renowned hair extension academies in India.

1.Meribindiya International Academy

2.Zorains Studio

3.Renuka Krishna Academy

4.Nail Mantra

5.Bharti Taneja Institute

Conclusion

Nisha Lamba biography is a prime example of the beauty industry's ability to succeed through persistence and creativity, demonstrating how a strong work ethic and a focus on client happiness can lead to extraordinary success. Her impact goes beyond her career accomplishments because she actively supports social causes and serves as an inspiration to upcoming generations of beauty experts.

[fans4wga]

Is writing fanfic, making fan art, or cosplaying considered scabbing/crossing the picket line?The general consensus online seems to be that it’s okay if you aren’t being paid by any of the struck companies and don’t have any plans of joining either the WGA or SAG-AFTRA (at least that’s the impression I got), but what if you might want to join either organization someday? It might be a long shot and I totally understand if you don’t really have an answer because the rules of making/consuming fan content during a strike seem pretty ambiguous at the moment, but I’d really appreciate any information you could give me! Thanks!

Hello! In most cases no, it's not scabbing. Fanfic especially is safe because it's not monetizable or ever used in studio marketing.

Fanart and cosplay can be trickier because they can be used as an arm of studio marketing—think about the phenomenon of popular fanartists being contracted to create art to promote a new season of a show, or cosplayers officially partnering with brands to do cosplays of characters to promote a show. In cases like that where influencers meet SAG-AFTRA's definition of a social media influencer, fanart/cosplay might be scabbing!

Here's SAG-AFTRA's definition of an influencer, right from their website:

"Influencers are popular content creators who have amassed a social media following that they capitalize on by making deals with advertisers to promote brands through the Influencer’s creative content which they distribute through their social media feeds.

Influencers exhibit their content through personal feeds on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, SnapChat, Pinterest, etc.

Followers can range from a few hundred to a hundred million

This provides a “one stop shop” for advertisers:  The Influencer provides performance, stills, posts, production, creative, editing, directing, lighting, distribution, etc.

Agreements between Influencers and advertisers vary significantly. There are no set rates and other terms can be very different as well."

Your average Tumblr user is not an influencer and can't scab because you're not remotely affiliated with the industry, and couldn't really be seen as doing marketing for the studios. So a good rule of thumb is not to do anything that could fall under the influencer agreement! But regarding your question, fanfic is totally in the clear, and fanart/cosplay is a case-by-case basis.

If fanart/cosplay is something you do a lot of, and you're wondering how to keep up content on your account, one idea is to focus on fanart/cosplay of non-US shows/films with no association with the struck studios, or switch to books/audio dramas/comics and other works that are definitely not struck!

[mieeiraa]

Performance Art with New Media Technology [ASSIGNMENT 1]

For this assignment, I was tasked to do a case study on international and local artists who incorporated the use of new media technology with their performances. From these artists and their chosen work/performance, we can observe how the technology used improves the performance and how they can be improved in the future.

International artist chosen: PLAVE

PLAVE is a five-member virtual idol group operating under a virtual entertainment company, VLAST.

They are known for using game engines and motion capture technology to track each member's gestures and facial expressions, similar to the concept of virtual YouTubers or Vtubers in short.

On March 12, 2023, PLAVE made their official debut. Focusing on music production in the Korean pop or K-pop music industry, they periodically release music albums and singles just like any other idol group.

Performance chosen: Hello, Asterum!

The concert took place over two days, 13th - 14th April 2024 with the first day being a fully physical performance and the second day being an online performance that was simultaneously aired live online for international viewers.

Domestic fans in South Korea were able to purchase tickets to enter the concert venue during the performance day. Meanwhile international fans were given the option to purchase online tickets for the online streaming scheduled for the second day via Weverse, an entertainment platform originated from South Korea.

They performed live on both days as seen by the clear discrepancies when comparing the two performances side by side, with the pre-recorded videos or VCR being filler segments played in between singing performances.

Technology used:

Motion capture

3D Assets

LED Screens

Stage special effects (pyrotechnics, smoke and haze machines, confetti and streamers, bubbles, drones)

Sound system

Local artist chosen: Abdul Shakir

Known by his stage name "Grasshopper," Abdul Shakir is a multidisciplinary multimedia artist and one of the co-founders of Filamen, a company that specializes in interactive installations, light installations, and projection mapping.

He has experience working in production and post-production agencies and has completed a range of design and art-related projects, including interactive installations, motion graphics, graphic design, and projection mapping.

His projects have transcended Malaysia and are now being shown in China, Hong Kong, Spain, and the United States of America. He has shown his art in a number of prestigious exhibitions, including the George Town Festival, Rainforest in the City, Urbanscapes Art Festival, and LAMPU Festival.

Work chosen: Rimbun

“Rimbun” was showcased during the Singapore Night Festival exhibition back in 2023. This work is basically a form of organic projection where he experiments with the mapping process on living things, including trees and leaves.

For this exhibition, it is focused on projection mapping of cultural Malay designs personally created by Abdul Shakir himself on plant leaves of different plants during the night time.

Featuring seven distinct motifs inspired by plants like Starfruit, Nutmeg, Common Fig, Jujube, Sugarcane, Citron, Cocoa, and Guava, these motifs reflect his personal interpretation of these plants and their significance during Singapore's role as an entrepôt between east and west.

Technology used:

Projector

PC computer

Rendered plant motifs via TouchDesigner

How does New Media Technology Improve the Concept and Stage Performance?

From the implementation of new media technology in performances which are the usage of motion capture technology and projection mapping, they offer the possibility to enhance their storytelling and visual graphics as a whole for a more enjoyable experience.

Visual elements prepared using computer graphics, not limited to pictures and videos but including various multimedia elements such as motion capture and projection mapping allow performers to creatively express themselves and their artworks while being able to captivate the audience.

For example, in “Hello, Asterum!” PLAVE and VLAST were able to utilize the visuals in 3D space effectively, resulting in their performance to look like a projection of a hologram while they were in fact only using a flat screen.

Another instance is the ability to manipulate the space to fit each member’s solo performance, creating environments that fit the genre of the songs being performed.

Being able to manipulate 3D space with their virtual models allows PLAVE to showcase an alluring and captivating stage performance in real time, suitable with their concept of being virtual idols.

As for the idea of organic projection mapping as seen in “Rimbun”, I would say that it promotes the idea of seeing mundane things in our lives in a new light.

As Abdul Shakir mentioned that the patterns and motifs being projected were inspired by plants, it shows a connection shared between the man-made motifs and the plants being associated with, subtly showing the beauty and inspiration from nature.

In my opinion, it is a unique way to show how one element may be related to the other and a great medium for an entrancing storytelling since the audience will need to approach the installation in order to fully immerse themselves with the artwork.

How can it be innovative in the future?

Simply put, stage performance visuals are no longer limited to 2D space as they can be manipulated to be shown as 3D regardless of the projecting medium.

Organic projection can introduce a new method to showcase one’s creativity in storytelling, ensuring that the message conveyed can be understood.

Synchronized light projections via light sticks held by the audience in a large crowd may increase the immersion and elevate the experience during a stage performance.

Conclusion

As technology advances further with time, we can expect to see more implementation of new media technology in future performances.

Taking the opportunity to include and utilize them in stage performances especially may help to increase immersion for the audience and deliver a comprehensive and meaningful performance.

Hopefully, with new media technology, artists and performers are able to experiment with their creative freedom and in the end, bring forward inspiring and innovative works of art for us to understand and appreciate.

[ghostbloodmothbones]

ghost notes vol.i

a fragmented collection of thoughts and feelings about my practice, art and teaching that I just want to get out

i.

Devany Amber Wolfe is an artist that I've followed for a long time, today she announced that she was stepping back from social media and honestly, her post resonated a lot. One of the biggest struggles I've found in trying to use platforms like instagram to share work is that it rewards content creation, not creativity because creativity takes time. To make something, to follow a project through its ebbs and flows is not quick, it's not a process that can resolve in time to please an ever hungry algorithm. Content creation, is inherently not creative because in this manner, it's simply reproducing that which is popular and formulaic. It doesn't actually require much thinking, just a bit of technical know how, but to do something really creative takes time, and a lot of that time is fucking stuff up so you eventually get to a finished product. I don't necessarily think social media is the cause of all the worlds ills, but I have noticed in the students I work with such defined subjects and trends that they stick to rigidly and don't think to push past them. I think that is certainly something that is caused by social media, and herein lies the issue. When you're making things to please an algorithm or to be brand/family friendly it automatically limits the spaces that you get to explore with your work. The boundaries you can push, because anything that pushes too far from easy consumption and makes people think about difficult things, it's hidden via shadow banning and straight out censorship. This is something that the Art Newspaper has written some interesting articles on too. Is Instagram censorship changing art itself? // Are you being 'shadowbanned'? // Censored: the exhibitions that Instagram doesn’t want you to see // Censorship on social media not only limits artists' online reach—it can prevent future opportunities, too // Invisible by numbers

You can see the whole post by Devany Amber Wolfe here

ii.

Finished assessing student work this week, and as much as I love my job it's also deeply depressing sometimes. It's a short unit but a lot of submissions felt so very half arsed and I just don't get it. Art school is a place where you get to fuck around for three years before you have to jump into the real world, and it's not exactly a career you can go in if you want to be really employable, so surely you should be doing an art degree because you're passionate about it? But, just no. It's like a lot of my students just don't really care, like they barely even like doing photography and it just seems a waste to me. I won't pretend I'm not jealous of the fact they get to have that freedom just to play and learn their craft so I guess I find it extra galling to see so little passion or enthusiasm for the medium they elected to study.

iii.

We live in an era of camera's so good at making images that often times you feel more like an operator that someone actually crafting an image. I used to have a Sony A7iii, and as a work horse camera it's brilliant. The eye/face af is incredible and it makes you really have to think less when you're shooting.

But apparently for me, that seems to be the problem. Nowadays I have a cropped sensor Fujifilm, with fine autofocus but not on part with the Sony's and honestly I actually enjoy using it more as a tool. It's got its quirks, and now I'm using a lot of cheap manual focus lenses nailing the shot is much harder and more involved but I actually feel like I'm making things again. Not relying on the camera to do the hard work for me. Think I finally crossed the threshold from being a photographer to being an artist and i feel 40% more pretentious.