BUDAPEST DESIGN WEEK 2011

The 8th annual Budapest Design Week kicks tomorrow and I will be there giving regular coverage of the various exciting events which are scheduled to take place.

FORRAI FERENC EXHIBITION

After a long, art deprived August, the creative season kicks off again in Budapest. Last night I went for a much needed fix of graphic design at the opening of the brand-new Forrai Ferenc exhibition at Műhely.

DRAWING ON WALLS: NEOPAINT STRIKE AGAIN!

You may remember the feature I did on Neopaint's incredible mural at Kiraly Utca back in May. Well, the team has struck again, this time just a stones throw away from Blaha Lujza ter. Check out the video above which documents the making of their latest outdoor intervention.

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TERRITORIAL PISSINGS

KOP investigates to what extent personal domains are being claimed by individuals in public spaces.

GERGELY SZŐKE 'A'

Last night I went along to the opening party for Budapest University of Fine Arts graduate Gergely Szőke's first solo show 'A'.

IT'S NOT JUST MEDICINE - AN INTERVIEW WITH RUNE K DREWSEN

Last week I had the chance to meet up with the Danish graphic designer Rune K Drewsen during his brief visit to Budapest.

GYULA DERKOVITS ART SCHOLARSHIP: GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION

István Csákány
The 2010 Grantees of the Gyula Derkovits Art Scholarship Review exhibition is in its final week at the Ernst Múzeum. Featuring 30 artists in total, the show features a vast array of creative disciplines and styles. In this installment One A Day will focus on the graphic design and illustrative work which was exhibited. István Csákány's piece 'Suspended' immediately catches your eye as you enter the exhibition. The woodcut piece is based on an old archive image of workers removing the 'Snake Killer' sculpture by Hungarian artist Pál Pátczay. The original image dates back to post World War II events when the statue, which was supposed to be erected in honour of Raul Wallenberg, a diplomat who helped to rescue many Jews from the Holocaust, was removed and hidden by the Communist government.

Anikó Loránt
Anikó Loránt's illustrations are wonderfully carefree and full of colour. Using both paper and wood as a canvas, the images are perfectly suited for children's story books. Anikó displays 8 pieces in total, the titles of which form a poem: 'There is no model for rationality, all the gods are laughing out loud,  how could they fit in when the sun does not need them to dance on a narrow fence.' 

Ádám Albert
'Find the key!' and 'RAF manual' by Ádám Albert were firm favourites at the exhibition. The Veszprém born graphic designer has earned scholarships in Rome, Munich and has won the ESSL art award - the Gyula Derkovits Scholariship is another impressive accolade to add to the list!

Beatrix Szörényi
There was also some typographic work in the form of Beatrix Szörényi's  Prophecy font chart. The font itself has been aggressively scribbled over and defaced making some of the letters almost illegible.

Attack of the Giant Holyshit!

After giving up on the Urban Treasure Hunt last weekend One A Day stumbled across this brilliant solo exhibition by Zsolt Domsodi which is currently on show at the Gruzzwe gallery. The ever so subtly titled 'Attack Of The Giant Holyshit!' sees Zsolt mix together his love for illustration and the undead...

Zsolt draws inspiration from old B-movie posters to create his own twisted, grotesque artworks full of zombies, blood, guts, aliens and cannibalistic clowns. In another series of images, Zsolt depicts several adorable feathered and furry friends being tortured or dismembered - so the animal lovers amongst you should probably steer clear of this exhibition!

Zsolt graduated in 2010 from the KREA Contemporary Arts Institute with a degree in graphic design and has since been turning his talents towards video game design as well as exhibiting his works in and around Hungary.

To learn more about Zsolt and to see more of his work, head over to his official site

Urban Treasure Hunt

Summer seems to have finally arrived and what better way to spend the weekend than taking part in Budapest's Urban Treasure Hunt?

The Urban Treasure Hunt was first masterminded by Danish creatives Rune K Drewsen and Mimi Larsson of Rumkammerat in Copenhagen. Following the success of the Urban Treasure Hunt in their native city, the two teamed up with Hungarian artists Dénes Fekete, Marci Bojti, Análog and Dóra Jánosi to bring the challenge to Budapest.

The aim is to find the ten clues which come in the shape of temporary artworks and installations dotted around the city, until finally you can solve the combination to the treasure chest in the final, secret location.

Although this might sound like it is designed for kids, the Urban Treasure Hunt is a great way to experience the city in a totally new way. You start to look at your surroundings in a different light and begin to notice things you had never seen before.

I only managed to make it to the third clue before becoming well and truly confused. I ended up on a pointless quest to the top of one of the hills in the XII district of Budapest (in my mind it made perfect sense) to try and find the fourth clue but to no avail.

So if - unlike me - you have a) a map and b) the cognitive skills - then head off to the Gödör Klub for your first clue!

The Urban Treasure Hunt runs until the 29th of May 2011.
Website (in English and Hungarian): http://www.rumkammerat.dk/Rumkammerat/Basic-info

András Baranyai: Hero Recycle

One A Day had a little Q&A session with András Baranyai back in January after spotting his incredible serigraph prints at the Printa Gallery. Since then, the Debrecen born artist has been busy getting lost in his own crazy little world to create a new series of work for his latest solo exhibition.

The exhibition, titled Hero Recycle, features a new series of work including stencil-graphics and acrylic on board alongside some of his more familiar pieces - all of which showcase András' trademark
retro-futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic.

The Roham Galéria, which hosts the exhibition, has just celebrated it's one year anniversary and it only seemed fitting that András (who has collaborated with Roham for their illustration/visual arts magazine on numerous occasions) would be involved. 

Hero Recycle
Roham Galéria

Vas utca 16. 8 .ker.

Budapest, Hungary

http://roham.hu/

Runs until the 5th of June.

Under the Damp Earth - Stuart Kolakovic

Independent publishers Nobrow are unveiling their newly extended gallery space this week and have an exciting inaugural exhibition prepared! The premier show, titled Under The Damp Earth will feature the work of one Nobrow's most celebrated illustrators: Stuart Kolakovic.

Stuart's work is instantly recognisable and highly successful, with past clients including Ted Baker, Marks and Spencer and various international publications. However, Under The Damp Earth sees Stuart take a departure from his usual commercial style to focus on creating a series of much darker imagery. 

Currently based in the Midlands, the Kingston University graduate is an illustrator in the most traditional sense, relying heavily on hand rendered techniques to produce his beautifully realised images. His rich illustrations have a distinctive eastern european folk art aesthetic which he draws from his own Serbian family roots.

Stuart's exploration of his Eastern European heritage lead to him being awarded the D&AD New Blood Award for his graphic novel Milorad. The 80 page book revolves around Stuart's relationship with his grandfather and the influence he had on his life.

The pieces which are going on show for Under The Damp Earth have been kept tightly under wraps so make sure to pop along for the grand unveiling!

Under The Damp Earth
Open 5th May - 23rd June
62 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3QR, London, United Kingdom
http://stuartkolakovic.co.uk/

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A right royal interview with: Jennifer Camilleri

The last in the series of 'Right Royal Interviews' is with illustrator Jennifer Camilleri. Jennifer has been exhibiting in a number of group and solo shows since 1991 and is currently displaying some of her Monarchy inspired prints at My Big Fat Royal Wedding. With only a few days to go until the big day, lets see if any of Jennifer's predictions come true....

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

I am a small woman with big hands.

What will you be doing on the day of the wedding?  

Filing my corns

Why do you think the Royal Wedding captures so many people's imaginations?
I am not sure if it captures my imagination, but it does make me want to laugh out loud.


Best celebrity wedding of all time? 
Liza Minnelli and David Guest

What are your predictions for the ceremony?
Busty women streaks down the aisle.


What would you buy for the happy couple as a wedding gift?
Thrush cream 


Finally, how long do you think the marriage will last?
Too long 


Take a look at Jennifer's official website to see more of her stunning illustrations!

A right royal interview with: Dale Edwin Murray

London-based illustrator/graphic designer Dale Edwin Murray is one of the many creatives currently on show at My Big Fat Royal Wedding. In his piece, Dale explores the theme of 'quitessential englishness' through food-based typography.  What does he think of the whole royal wedding malarky?

What will you be doing on the day of the wedding? 

I'm actually a staunch anti-royalist so the whole say will pass me by to be honest. I might worm the dog in honour of the occasion. 

Why do you think the Royal Wedding captures so many people’s imaginations? 

I think as a nation, whether we like to admit it or not, we love kitsch - and there isn't much more kitsch than a Royal Wedding. 

Best celebrity wedding of all time? 

I would have to say Les Dennis and Amanda Holden - pure dynamite!

What are your predictions for the ceremony? 

Lots of flowers, lots of weeping, and lots of secret police.

What would you buy for the happy couple as a wedding gift? 

My "Full English Breakfast" print

Finally, how long do you think the marriage will last? 

Forever and ever of course!

Check out more of Dale's work over on his official website:

http://www.daleedwinmurray.com/index.html 

Drawing on walls pt. 8: Kosice

A right royal interview with: Paul Collis

Paul Collis is a freelance artist / designer whose work is currently on show at My Big Fat Royal Wedding.  His prints, which are loosely based on the wedding, depict the  Eastend Pearly Kings and Queens in an urban, street art aesthetic. So what does Paul think of the wedding? Does he think it's all a load of 'Cobbler's Awls'? We asked him a few questions to find out:

What will you be doing on the day of the wedding?

Probably be in the pub, 'celebrating' at having a free day off, although I don't get paid for having days off so that's a bit of a double whammy...

Why do you think the Royal Wedding captures so many people’s imaginations?

It's like a great fairy-tale that people can actually be part of and say they 'were there' in 2011. People just like to be nosey and see what she will be waring, and no doubt start harping on and comparing the whole day to Lady Di. 

Best celebrity wedding of all time?

Cant say I've really seen or been interested in any.... boring i know! 

What are your predictions for the ceremony?

I hope it all goes well but I have got a funny feeling its all going to kick off, what with all the protests and cutbacks that are happening. I'm sure there will be a small minority that will try and make their own mark on the day, usually for the wrong reasons. 

What would you buy for the happy couple as a wedding gift?

I wouldn't waste my money I'm afraid. But they can buy one of my prints if they like!

Finally, how long do you think the marriage will last?

As long as the 'media circus' want it too last, Man I'm getting very cynical in my old age.





Check out Paul's blog to find out more

A right royal interview with: Annabel Johnson

With the Royal Wedding looming, we thought we would start asking some of our favourite creatives about their views on the 'event of the year'. It only seemed fitting that we would start by asking some of the artists and designers exhibiting at My Big Fat Royal Wedding. One such creative who is hankering for an invite is ceramics/graphic designer Annabel Johnson. 

What will you be doing on the day of the wedding?

I'm going to try and get up to London to see the procession, be part of history in the making.  If that fails I think I'll have an afternoon tea party and watch it on the telly - perhaps wearing a paper crown and a party dress

Why do you think the Royal Wedding captures so many peoples imaginations?

Perhaps because it's one of those 'once in a lifetime' events.  I think that every little girl has wanted to be a princess at some point in their lives and now here is the chance to have some link with the Royal Family - even if it means having your design on a tea towel!

Best celebrity wedding of all time?

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton... both times!

What are your predictions for the ceremony?

I hope to see lots of large hats obscuring the view, someone turning up with the same outfit on as someone else, other than that I think it will all be perfectly divine and royal.  I'm still awaiting my invite!

What would you buy for the happy couple as a wedding gift?

One of my unique ceramic vessels obviously, adorned with pictures of them falling out of clubs into taxis, corgis, palaces and crowns to commemorate the Big day.

Finally, how long do you think the marriage will last?

Happily ever after of course!




You can lean more about Annabel Johnson by heading over to her official website or her blog

My Big Fat Royal Wedding



East End Prints are taking residence downstairs at MAIDEN on Shoreditch High Street in celebration of the upcoming nuptials of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton.



The exhibition, appropriately titled My Big Fat Royal Wedding, will feature a selection of affordable prints and original artwork based loosely around the theme of the Royal Wedding. Helen Edwards, director of East End Prints tells us more:

 "The opening night will be busy with our transvestite Queen unveiling new street art by Rich Simmons, plus the Pop-Up-Choir will also be there singing the wedding march."

"I hand-picked the finest artists to work with," continues Helen. "Some are from my own publishing company and some of the work comes from new submissions that have recently come in.  I love their work, sense of humour and creativity  - that’s why I work with them!"

Amongst the talent on show is ceramics designer Annabel Johnson. “[East End Prints] is a humorous take on the wedding of the year! There are lots of satirical tongue in cheek references - I don't think any of us have taken ourselves too seriously!" In one of her pieces, Annabel recalls every young girls dream of becoming a Princess by quoting lines from Cinderella alongside silhouettes of the future King and Queen with a corgi at their feet.

Freelance artist Paul Collis will be showing three of his prints which depict the Pearly Kings and Queens of London celebrating the Royal Wedding in a bold street-art style. "The Royal Wedding is like a great fairy-tale that people can actually be part of" Paul tells us. "Also people just like to be nosey and  see what she will be waring, and no doubt harping on and comparing the whole day to Lady Di."

Not all the pieces on show reflect the theme of the Royal Wedding in such literal ways. Graphic artist Dale Edwin Murray explains the reasoning behind his tasty-looking typographic print:  “When I was thinking about what to do for the show it occurred to me how Royal Wedding hysteria is a typically English phenomenon. So I decided to do a piece that centred around 'Englishness' - and what is more English than the 'Full English Breakfast'?"



MAIDEN,
188 Shoreditch High Street,
E1 6HU

Show runs until 3rd May.

Opening Times 11-6pm

More info at the East End Prints Website

A special delivery from Tímea Andorka

We were very excited to receive a parcel from graphic designer Tímea Andorka (who we interviewed a while back - you can read the article here) the other day and look at what was inside! We are now in possession of Shadow Movie, a film created by The Symptoms (the packaging of which was designed by Tímea),  plus a notebook featuring one of Tímea's book cover designs, titled "The Origin of the Work of Art". Can't wait to watch the DVD! Köszönöm szépen Tímea!

Q&A with Anthony Burrill

Legendary British designer Anthony Burrill is taking residency in the Somerset House Open Studio as part of Pick Me Up, the UK's first and foremost contemporary graphic art fair. As part of his ten day residency, Anthony will be inviting long-time collaborators such as Wilfrid Wood and Emily Forgot to produce new work from a variety of different mediums. I was lucky enough to get the chance to ask Anthony a few questions during his busy schedule - here's what he had to say:

How are the preparations going for the Open Studio at Pick Me Up?

Everything is going well; all the artwork is almost ready for the opening night next Wednesday. I've made lots of new work, and revived some very old work.

 
You've collaborated with Michael Marriott on some furniture - how did this come about?

Michael and I have worked on exhibitions and projects in the past, it was a natural development to make some bespoke furniture for my temporary studio. We’ve screen-printed on to ply wood, which we will use to make the furniture. It is all very simple and geometric; I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

Everywhere has produced interactive iPad software using your graphics - how do you see new innovations such as the iPad and Kindle influencing typography in the future?

Each new bit of technology that becomes available will help everything develop and change. I’ve always been interested in using new technology to make my work - even though the outcome can look quite traditional, it's exciting to play with something new and see how you can make new work with it.

 You're well known for your 'Think of Your Own Ideas' slogan - which ironically has been appropriated by other designers across the world. With all the stories in the news at the moment surrounding plagiarism it seems even more poignant. What are your thoughts on these current 'revelations'?

Plagiarism is never good, it's a shame when people take somebody's work and claim it for themselves. It’s OK to be influenced by great work, I have many influences that I draw upon, but it really isn't good to steal ideas, you always get found out!

Are there any newcomers within the sphere of Graphic Design who you are particularly inspired by at the moment?

I’m always excited to see new work by emerging artists. I’m collaborating with some of my favorites as part of my residency - Emily Forgot, Ian Stevenson, Melvin Galapon and Jack Featherstone. It will be fun to work with them and make new work.

Pick Me Up: Contemporary Graphic Art Fair will take place at Somerset House from 17-27 March 2011. www.somersethouse.org.uk/pickmeup

Anthony’s open studio schedule, including a full list of guest artists can be found here: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual_arts/pick_me_up_2011/1319.asp