As the Helsinki Photography Festival steps into its 12^th year, Europe is eagerly  awaiting an amazing artistic experience. The famous Helsinki festival always inspires new ideas in visitors from all over the world. This event has a well-established reputation for featuring photography that reflects the scenic beauty of Finland and other locations. This year the festival will be held for an entire month. The exhibition can be enjoyed in collaboration with partnering museums and galleries. The organizing committee is a union of artists and photographers. The festival will feature Finnish art and culture, as well as international styles. Organizers are anticipating a larger crowd in 2012 than in previous years.

Theme of the festival

The theme of the Helsinki festival is city and urbanity. This event theme will explore the placid nooks and corners of the city through different photos taken by experienced photographers. The selected photography reflects a unique perspective of the city. The images capture local scenery in a way that encourages visitors to discover new places. Through this event Helsinki will get an opportunity to show its scenic beauty to the foreign visitors as well as to the countrymen. Some Helsinki locals may have a very different way of looking at their city than places like Paris or London. This incredible exhibition uses photography to capture the natural beauty and wonder of the area.

When and Where

The festival will take place from the March 1-30 at the Helsinki city museum and partnering galleries. The cultural office for the City of Helsinki is an active partner.

New Features for 2012

One new feature is the actual theme of the event. To support the theme, some parts of the festival will take place in urban galleries and museums in order to attract the masses towards the urban area of Helsinki. If you have a love for design and art-related events, then this festival would be an excellent choice. The Helsinki Photography Festival 2012 will also feature an exhibition of moving images that will be available for viewers to enjoy. So take the time to enjoy a photography festival that centres on urban beauty. This is an art event you will not want to miss!

If you’re looking for original photography brief the Exchange now!

American artist Beverly Fishman attempts to question our ‘pill popping’ society with her latest installation ‘Addict’. A collection of 120 unique brown glass pills, from 6 – 15 inches wide were scattered amongst the floor as if having been discarded from a bottle. Both aesthetically addictive and beautifully crafted, the pills juxtaposition an enticing appeal against a negative of side effects.  She decorates colourful and attention-grabbing objects that make us forget for a minute the implications of getting hooked.

Beverly is known for her abstracted presentation of science and medicine, with a consistent approach of vibrant colours, patterns on mixed media.

Building on her other ‘pill’ works she aims to portray the message of branding within our society and how a certain industry or company can manipulate your loyalty towards a product; ultimately ending as a placebo.

Colorful medication, mesmerizing and addicting to look at.  This is, we guess, precisely what she wanted.

Paper Boat Creative

To celebrate the season of hearts, we would like to feature a new series of images photographed by Emma Innocenti, in collaboration with highly skilled makeup and prosthetics artist, Beatriz Lopez.

They worked together to create a series of photographs of what we might find in our hearts.  If you notice, the model is all the same, just made up so differently in each shot.

In the first image, we have her looking cold and serene, but with a heavy heart of gold.  The second image shows charred interiors from trash and food, while the last shows an interior as cuddly soft  and cute as a puppy.

Emma wanted to show how we can so easily alter our appearance based on the deeper values we hold within.  It’s nothing new to any of us, of course our thoughts and personality will manifest physically, from our makeup to our language, posture and facial expressions.  But to be able to superimpose an actual chest cut open with things pouring out is a new way of seeing this well known truth.

Beatriz Lopez created the hearts using a concoxion of wax, foundation and various resin to give us the texture of broken skin. Gory but cute at the same time.  She spent days scorching the items inside, and finding all the right textures and items for each layout.

The next time you look at yourself in the mirror, try to picture what Emma and Bea might have put inside your heart.

We left you hanging with our last blog...The World Press Awards announced the first prize winner of its 55^th Photo Contest on the 10^th of January 2012.  Spanish photo-journalist, Samuel Aranda, captured an image of women embracing a distraught man in a Yemen Mosque, which became a hospital refuge for injured demonstrators against the rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, on October 15^th of 2011. The anonymous women whom is fully veiled in black robes with rubber white gloves comforts a naked man in her arms.  Metaphorical, and with a renaissance art quality, it is symbolic of the crucial role women played in the revolution that unfolded in the middle east; it is an intimate portrayal of tenderness and compassion.

According to one of the 19 distinguished jurors, Aidan Sullivan: “The winning photo shows a poignant, compassionate moment, the human consequence of an enormous event, an event that is still going on. We might never know who this woman is, cradling an injured relative, but together they become a living image of the courage of ordinary people that helped create an important chapter in the history of the Middle East.”

The contest, which is arguably the most prestigious photography competition in the world, saw 5,247 photographers from 124 countries submit a total of 101,254 images by the January 2012 deadline.  57 photographers were awarded prizes under nine themed categories.   The winning images will be exhibited in a travelling international exhibition, and will be available in a book.  The World Press Awards is an non-profit organization.

Professionals, amateurs and photography enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting the results of the 55^th World Press Contest as it reaches a verdict for the photojournalist of the year on the 10^th February 2012.

The competition which is run by a non-profit organization, founded in the Netherlands in 1955, is the world’s largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest in the world; the role of photojournalism highlighted to an audience of millions.  2011 also saw the first additional contest for Multimedia submissions.

The travelling exhibition of the prize winning photographs reaches 45 countries and is an opportunity to not only showcase talent, but highlight the human condition.

Jodi Bieber won the Photo of the Year, 2011 with her portrait of Bibi Aisha, 18, whom ‘was disfigured as retribution for fleeing her husband’s house in Oruzgan province, in the center of Afghanistan’.

Any guess on who the winners might be this year?

Whether you agree with street art or not, there is no denying that the movement is creating waves with visually stimulating adornment of our concrete and brick cities. Even more importantly, freedom of speech has found a contemporary niche; encourages a broader audience to question the reality of our fishbowl urbanization through art.

For some artist whom have been elevated to an iconic status amongst art critics and collectors –such as London’s own Banksy– the streets have become a platform to raise awareness of social and political issues.  A contemporary hybrid of graffiti, it finds its origins in Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire and Urban Gangs to mark territories or broadcast social and political views.  Historical cave drawings throughout the world suggest an inherent desire to communicate through art as far back as up to 35,000 years.

While there is no question that illegal street art is vandalism, according modern artist Bansky “You live in the city and all the time there are signs telling you what to do and billboards trying to sell you something. I always felt that it was all right to answer back a little bit, I suppose. That the city shouldn’t just be a one-way conversation. ”

What do you think? And although it might upset Banksy, you can brief your other commercial artwork requirements now!

Paper Boat Creative

Amidst London’s maze of unconventional warehouse style accommodation, a new talent is emerging from the underground art scene with a force to be reckoned with.

Eugene Wood’s studio, a large classroom in an old run down school building distinctly smells of wet oil paints and is cluttered by random curios, such as the stuffed fox that greets you at the entrance.  The large canvasses that fill the room entice and hypnotise; transporting you into a dark and mysterious world.

‘Illuminating the Void’ couldn’t be a more befitting title for this body of work which is currently being exhibited at Art Work Space, London,  till the 4th of March 2012.   Wood, a graduate of the prestigious Institut Supérieur de Peinture Van der Kelen-Logelain (Brussels), combines classic ninteenth century art methods with contemporary surrealism to explore a balanced fusion of colour, form, composition and technique.

With the distortion of patterns inspired by isolating objects and surfaces–which within context could go unnoticed–Wood draws the viewer into a new perception of reality.  A subtle sense of tension and fear is coupled by the duality of soothing, fluid beauty, evoking emotions buried deep within one’s subconscious.

Paper Boat Creative

Tuscan furniture is based on the Italian style of furniture design. Its origins come from the ancient culture and heritage of the Italian city of Tuscany. Tuscany is situated in the northern region of Italy, and it is a simple town in the outskirts of the countryside. The furniture manufactured in this region is inspired by the events that took place during the Renaissance period. The interior pieces being manufactured today have a unique blend of modern trends and the basic folk culture of Tuscany. Hand painted works of art and ancient veneers add to the beauty and finesse of Tuscan furniture design. Contemporary designers can learn a lot from the intricate craftsmanship found in the furniture of Tuscany. Designers also do well to incorporate Tuscan pieces into their interior design projects.

Materials Used for the Furniture of Tuscany

Various kinds of material are used for designing and manufacturing Tuscan furniture. The most frequently used material is wood collected from a wide range of cyprus, fir, and chestnut trees. Other materials that are commonly incorporated into the design include leather, iron, steel and other metals. Wrought Iron is often used to create intricate leaf and vine designs.

The furniture of Tuscany can look a lot like Spanish creations when the piece incorporates leather. Contemporary Tuscan furniture designs include materials like polished marble and tiled mosaics. Interior pieces contain colors that allow ancient Tuscan designs to blend in with a contemporary environment. Thick red marbles add rust undertones, and blue gives the piece of furniture a more contemporary look. Tuscany furniture doesn’t compromise on quality, so keep that in mind as you design your interior project.

Why is the Furniture Design of Tuscany So Popular?

Not only can Tuscan furniture be customized, but it can easily alter the look of various interiors that are found inside and outside of Mediterranean culture. The look of a house or a business that is decorated with Tuscan furniture can be enhanced with the use of complementary accessories. Of course, the personality of the business or the homeowner should be considered before any final design decisions are made. For an extra unique look, designers may also consider incorporating furniture that contrasts with Mediterranean décor within their interior project.

Another reason the furniture of Tuscany is a popular choice for designers is because it is versatile. The furniture of Tuscany has various themes. The themes represent elegant pieces of interior art.  It’s the job of the interior designer, however, to arrange these various pieces into a space with a central design theme.

It’s worth taking the time to appreciate the furniture of Tuscany.  If you are interested in making your interior design project look classy and modern, then try keeping it simple and colorful with furniture from Tuscany. A perfect blend of ancient heritage and modern design makes the furniture of Tuscany an excellent choice for your next project.

A little different from our usual art focus – so let us know what you think!

Kathleen

Alta Roma is an artistic fashion show with all of the qualities of a traditional cat walk event. In addition to fashion, it features many other events. This amazing show is in collaboration with the famous fashion magazine, Vogue Italia. Alta Roma is aimed at launching new faces in the fashion industry, and it receives its contributions from well established designers and new designers. Exhibitions of clothing, fashion conferences, and photographic galleries are also held at this event.

Where and When

Alta Roma is a biannual event held twice a year during the winter months of January-February and the months of July-August in Rome, the capital city of Italy. Like the previous years, the first event of 2012 will be hosted in Saxia at the Complesso monumentale Santo Spirito. The event has to be scheduled from January 28th to January 31st, 2012.

Enjoy Fabric and Have Fun

This year’s event includes ventures like Ethical Fashion. Ethical Fashion is a project between the Alta Roma Franchise and the International Trade Center. Its purpose is to equip the fashion industry with the best possible tools to maintain standards of the highest quality. This year’s event will also feature an exhibition called Limited/Unlimited. Limited/Unlimited will showcase the talent and enthralling works of new designers in collaboration with Swarovski and Yoox. The Alta Roma will conclude with the presentation “Who is on next?” from Pitti Imagine Filati and Vogue. This popular event will be a highlight for the third year since 2009. “Who is on next?” will feature renowned personalities in the prestigious jury for judging the best designers from the group of upcoming designers in collaboration with Italian magazine Vogue Italia.

A Show Packed with Dazzling Events

Fashion on Paper is an event organized by Maria Luisa Frisa.  Fashion on Paper will engage the fashion-minded individuals in round table discussions. Their discussions will be based on the current artistic events and scenarios in the fashion world. Popular fashion magazines will be organizing musical events along with debates and presentations on fashion. This event will also mark the advent of a new dawn in local fashion.  Mainstream technology will play an important role in Alta Roma in the form of social media and new fashion blogs. The biannual magazine, Artisanal Intelligence, will also be featured. ‘The Tailor Made Tour‘ is another notable feature that will take place during this event-filled fashion show. Features will also include the much anticipated Vogue Talents Corner. The beloved Vogue Talents Corner features 14 budding fashion designers who are taking the art form to a new level.

If you have a passion for the art of fashion, then be sure to get the most out of Rome by taking the time to enjoy The Alta Roma. Mark January 28-31, 2012 on your calendar. You will not want to miss the fashion conferences, clothing exhibitions, and detailed photographic galleries that The Alta Roma is famous for. Visit this amazing event and immerse yourself in the art of fashion. For more information visit: http://www.altaroma.it/

For lovers of history, artifacts, sculptures, coins, and various others forms of art, the Long Night of Museums is full of golden opportunities. This amazing art event spans for about 400 sq kilometers. The strip of artistic exhibitions is between the Waterplant Friedrichshagen museum and the Local History Reinickendorf. About 100 different museums will offer free visits to visitors. The museums are offering visitor access to their unique museum collections and featured exhibitions. This unforgettable event is hosted twice a year in the capital city of Berlin, Germany. The next event takes place during the months of January/February 2012. This amazing night of art not only features a variety of exhibitions, but it also features recitals, performances by well known celebrities, theatrical performances, and much more. This event is a highly anticipated night of enjoyment for local people and visitors from all over the world.

© PhotographerPaul Prescott

Where and When:

The Long Night of Museums is a biannual event that will be held in Berlin on January 28, 2012. The participating museums will remain open from 6 in the evening until 2 in the morning for visitors. All visitors will receive a significant discount since the tickets will be priced at an equivalent to that of a single visit. Tickets, directions, and bus routes are available online. The tours through these museums offer an excellent ethical and artistic evening of enjoyment to visitors. Though the time span for the complete tour is 8 hours, you will probably want far more time than that in order to enjoy each museum’s exhibition to your heart’s content. There are many collections and exhibitions to see, so choose wisely. Each museum has an enthralling display and its own unique permanent collection.

An Occasion for Art Enthusiasts

There is nothing more frustrating for an art enthusiast than to be surrounded by inspiration and not have the chance to take it all in.  Each visitor can get the best out of this event by learning about each and every museum exhibition and making a list of the ones they want to visit.  Visitors can also chalk out a suitable route that will allow them enjoy each of the museums on the list. The museums in Berlin are based on various themes and topics. Some of the museums depict a particular culture, while others may depict a particular period in history. The museums that deserve special mention include the Natural Museum of History, the New Synagogue at the Jewish Center, and the National Gallery. The Long Night of Museums is held in remembrance of the demolition of the Berlin wall. This amazing evening signifies artistic unity.

Enjoy the Night Out

There are also venues that show movies, hold concerts, and present dancing shows. There will be buses carrying passengers between the museums. Your ticket gives you free access to local transportation. So whether your passion is of sculptures, history, artifacts, coins, or other forms of art, be sure to take advantage of this amazing night of art. For more information visit Berlin’s site dedicated to the event.

This is the first blog post from one of our new bloggers, Kathleen Delaney. Kathleen had her first literary work published in 1990. Since then, she has been published in various publications and blogs. Delaney won a Georgia writing contest for 3 years in a row, between the years of 2001-2003. After 2.5 years of study, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2003. Delaney is finishing a Science Fiction novel for young adults, and she is writing and illustrating several children’s books. She writes fiction and non-fiction on a regular basis, and she stays busy with creative projects through her freelance business, Mimosa Creations.