“Good business is the best art.”
— Andy Warhol

Pop Life explores a newer generation of artists that have made use of the media to capitalise on their art and indeed their own names. There was a fairly large section devoted to Andy Warhol’s entrepreneurial leanings in the 80s, at a time where he continued to court celebrity, and made all sorts of unlikely appearances, like in Aaron Spelling’s The Love Boat, as well as randomly taking a stroll about in the back of a late 80s pop video.

There was a wall dedicated to the 80s cover art of Warhol’s magazine: Interview. This was compelling evidence of his part in unleashing that certain 80s style of commercial art on the world.

Also on show were episodes of Andy Warhol’s Fifteen Minutes, which were a series of laid back chats with celebrities, made for MTV. I managed to catch a few minutes with Jerry Hall and John Oates (the follicly superior half of Hall & Oates).

Upon further exploration, I was pleased to find that there were works of artists other than Andy Warhol being exhibited. Damien Hirst had his False Idol on display – a preserved calf with gold feet. Funny thing about Damien Hirst, I’m yet to meet someone that likes his art. Personally, I take a morbid interest in dead things in formaldehyde. And if they’ve got bling, more power to them.

Jeff Koons had some of his particular flights of fancy included, notably Made in Heaven, discreetly tucked away in one of the “adults only” rooms. Here we get an intimate glimpse of Jeff and his wife, Italian blue movie star and politician “La Cicciolina”, celebrating their special kind of adult love in a highly colour-saturated, Garden of Eden themed series of photos, along with a somewhat generously proportioned sculpture.

The last room in the exhibition featured the very chirpy and only slightly twisted art of Takashi Murakami, where we were inundated in illustrations, sculptures and toys to perfectly compliment the well endowed lactating cartoon lady we saw in the first room. As a nice cheerio, we were treated to a big screen playing Turning Japanese, as sung by a nice blue-haired cosplay Kirsten Dunst.

All up, Pop Life was interesting and provocative, and a good excuse to get yourself over to the Tate Modern. Pop Life will be there until 17 January.

Published at HenryTapia.com – Experiencing and designing things

Whaddya think this is? Bush Week!?

Bush Week: “A fictitious festive week when country people come to town and are easy targets for con men.”

The ABC’s Kel Richards sheds light on other terms and phrases here. (Note: Since they re-did their site, Bush Week no longer seems to be in the list)

Published at HenryTapia.com – Experiencing and designing things

In a fine display of conservative fiscal policy, the Liberal Party have gone with a cheaper advertising strategy for the upcoming Australian federal election.

The Howard government has obviously adopted a more humble approach and has spurred a grass roots effort to attract voters to their cause. This poster of sorts was found on a street post in an inner Sydney suburb and features such pearls of wisdom as:

“People of Austalian bashing people is no good”

and

“you watch people Latham is a Kenting.”

WTF?

A one of a kind scoop, and you saw it here first people.

(Click the image to enlarge.)

Confounding. Disturbing. Brilliant.

Thanks to Ash for this find.

Published at HenryTapia.com – Experiencing and designing things

Clint Howard is known for such classic roles as the voice of “Roo” in the Winnie the Pooh films, a tourist in Leprechaun II and “Johnson” in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

Update – 21/04/2005

Holy Poop, I just found this site! http://www.clinthoward.com/

Published at HenryTapia.com – Experiencing and designing things

Published at HenryTapia.com – Experiencing and designing things