Untitled, 2007. Erick Swenson. Polyurethane resin, acrylic paint, MDF, polystyrene 30″ X 181″ X 280″

Considering the numerous types of protest that will occur in Toronto over the next 48+ hours, here’s something that could be interpreted as stop BP and save the whales ‘climate activism’ art. Don’t be fooled by Erick Swenson’s hyper realistic polyurethane resin, polystyrene, MDF and acrylic sculptures. Check out Ne Plus Ultra, a decaying deer with a skeleton covered in a scrimshaw of ancient mariner charts. Who comes up with this stuff?! …Erick Swenson…

Jonah Hex is a movie adaptation of the graphic novel by DC comics by the same name. On paper it seems to have a lot of ingredients to a fun summer action blockbuster. I know a few people who are even excited to check it out. What’s the worst that could happen? It’s a hard rock western tale of revenge with lots of explosions and a seasoned cast. What could go wrong?
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Thomas makes some fantastic art work using pulp fiction books, a sharp blade, and a camera. Though we hate seeing books mutilated, this time we don’t mind so much because the results may be more interesting and precious than the books themselves. It’s quite charming. He’s even published some of his work in a book, which will inevitably lead to inevitable meta-book-art.

[Thomas Allen]

Shifting gears from the previous ‘art’ posts and following the upward momentum of the work T.O.gether show, I just wanted to point out how graphics can be utilized ‘for the greater good’ – like the informational graphic design work of NYC social activist Glen Cummings (the process documentation is great!). Support street meat and be sure to check out Vendor Power too!

It is a little after the fact, but when BAFTA commissioned an artist to create covers for the nominees for Best Picture at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, Tavis Coburn created a series of masterpieces that pay ho(h)mage on the golden days of British Cinema. Check out this interview to learn more about how the Torontonian created them and be sure to check out his amazing work.