Friday, 12 March 2010

Ron Arad at the Barbican

The opening of Ron Arad's show 'Restless' is sure to leave people with their mouths open at this infamous designer/artist's consistently beautiful work. From his early ready-made work to the late technological-age enhanced peices, you can view over 120 examples from one of the art and design world's most intriguing characters. Expect designs for mass-porduction, architectural designs and a new installation. The form of his work remains exquisite and the beauty of it sets it apart from that of his contemporaries.

Friday, 12 March 2010

'Gavin Bond: Music' exhibition

Gavin Bond has been photographing famous faces (mostly in music) for over ten years, though he's not adverse to taking a peek into the world of fashion too. Expect an intimate insight into the worlds of rock and roll and glamour, as Bond's distinctive style emerges via photographs of iconic artists such as the Kings of Leon, No Doubt, U2, The Killers and Jonny Borrell. Watch this space for a photographic project he is currently working on with Green Day.

Friday, 12 March 2010

David Biene: Hopped Up at Proud Camden

David Biene transports you into the world of hot rodding at Proud Camden. Far from just a side-line hobby, or even a full-time job, for most car enthusiasts this sport is their life. 'Kustom Kulture' encompasses all that these car-loving people are about, including hairstyles, dress sense, music tastes and social activities. Biene captures these in his photography, paying homage to a craze that is sweeping across Europe right now.

Friday, 12 March 2010

Chopin: The Romantic Refugee

This exhibition traces the legendary composer's work and reflects on his Polish patriotism; a sometimes complex relationship with his native country. If Chopin were a celebrity today, I doubt his agent would only let him get away with just thirty public performances, but that is all he gave them 'back in the day' (200 years ago to be precise). Marking two centuries since his birth, the British Library sheds light on the complex composer, featuring original manuscripts, a cast of his hand and two portraits of Chopin previously unavailable to the public.

Friday, 12 March 2010

Richard Hamilton 'Modern Moral Matters'

The Serpentine is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, including the exhibition, 'Modern Moral Matters.' Find yourself shouting at the polticians on TV? Or shaking your head when you read the papers? If so, grab a cuppa first, (you'll probably need one!) then take a look at this exhibition, which invites you to contemplate the way the media represents modern society today. Although it is a retrospective of Hamilton's work in general, much of it naturally focuses on global politics and the manipulation of it by the media. Covering themes such as riots, terror acts and war, Hamilton widely explores the idea that the public are perceived to be obsessed with the media and celebrity.

Friday, 12 March 2010

Pizza East launch Breakfast Menu

The funkiest pizza restaurant to join East London, Pizza East will be handing out FREE samples this Tuesday and Wednesday morning for the launch of its new breakfast menu. Sure to become a favourite amongst pizza lovers, their new 'Rollys' are pizza-style wraps featuring fillings such as sausage, pancetta, mozarella and egg. They also offer pizzas, breads and pastries and are open 7.30am on weekdays and 10am at weekends. No more of last night's pizza for breakfast or hangover cures: Pizza East will deliver brekkie fresh from the oven and piping hot to your mouth!

Friday, 12 March 2010

The Half - Simon Annand

Every actor goes through a period known as 'The Half' - 30 minutes they get to themselves before a performance, for contemplation, self-composure and getting rid of any last-minute nerves. Simon Annand captures the processes and personal rituals many actors go through during this time. His work invites the spectator to get a true and intimate insight into the personalities and thoughts of the actors he photographs.

Friday, 12 March 2010

Josie Long - '100 Days to Make Me a Better Person'

Do you think you could be a better person? (Have you got the time?) Josie Long has. She's made it her mission to lead a group of comedians, writers and musicians into 'betterment', as they follow the ritual of 'One thing, done once a day, for one hundred days.' Taking place during and as part of the London Word Festival, Josie Long leads the 'be better' crusade with over 800 people involved. The project started on 1st December and has seen some random displays of dedication to the cause, such as people leaving a hundred post-it notes in London, kissing in front of a hundred different London landmarks and micro art history essays...  Get over to Dalston Works to get a better idea of these, ahem, 'better' people and become inspired!

Friday, 12 March 2010

Affordable Art Fair 2010

It's time to invest in the best before their work gets pricey: yes, the Affordable Arts Fair in Battersea is back for another art-tastic display of bargain-friendly masterpieces by the next generation of artists.  With artwork under £3000 from over 120 galleries, you are sure to find something that is going to take the place of that designer bag you were after as your 'must-have' of the month... and it'll look much better on your wall.