THE FEEL FREE ARTZ GROUP
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Phillips Will Present "1970s / GRAFFITI / TODAY"
Phillips auction house will present a new exhibition later this month spanning the last 50 years of graffiti culture. Curated by Arnold Lehman and Elizabeth Wallace, “1970s / GRAFFITI / TODAY” showcases a thorough study into the various styles that have manifested in both Los Angeles and New York.
Comprising nearly 150 works consigned by artists, galleries and private collectors, the exhibition is a unique retrospective on one of the world’s most accessible art forms. One that Lehman states is the only one “which every single American has firsthand experience.” The works on display include early pioneers, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Lee Quiñones, along with CRASH and Futura.
“We look forward to celebrating these works in New York, a city that has played such a significant role in graffiti’s history,” Lehman added. “1970s / GRAFFITI / TODAY”will be on view at Phillips New York from January 13 to February 20, 2022.
Elsewhere, Nicolas Party pays homage to Louis-Léopold Boilly at Consortium Museum.
Phillips
432 Park Ave,
New York, NY 10022
ART:
Elusive street artist, auction house prankster, you can add professor to Banksy’s list of accolades. Well, sort of. The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in England announced its plans to name the iconic British artist an honorary professor.
The title is merely symbolic, so you shouldn’t rush to apply to sit in a seminar — he won’t be there. Matter of fact, Banksy “has not given a response to being given this honorary professorship, other than to confirm his acceptance,” said a spokespersonof the university.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to the school or the general public that an artist who has built his career through a veil of secrecy would disregard the honor. Nonetheless, UCA wanted to inspire its current and future students through a creative figure who “uses his talents to disrupt the status quo, while challenging us all to confront some of the key issues of our time: war and peace, inequality, and art’s role as a vehicle of social expression,” said UCA’s president and vice-chancellor Bashir Makhoul.
With Banksy’s absence almost a certainty, the award will be presented to an empty chair on July 6 during the school’s graduation ceremony.
Over the years, Dan Life has steadily made a name for himself by reinterpreting pop culture tropes into brilliant diamond pendants. In the past, the Chicago-born, Los Angeles-based artist went from flipping wine on eBay to working with Hebru Brantleyand J Balvin on lustrous one-off creations.
Dan’s latest endeavor sees a partnership with legendary graffiti artist, Kenny Scharf. Well-known as a pioneer of the New York street art movement of the 1980s, alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Scharf’s signature Tondo faces are recreated into four stunning crystal pendants. Each is made using 14k yellow or black gold plating on a .925 sterling silver chain, while all of the crystals are individually hand-set in clay.
Titled Crystal Rainbow Sparkle Guy, Crystal We’re Here, Crystal Fun’s Inside Too, and Crystal
Monostro, each pendant is limited to an edition of 200 and is priced at $2,100 USD. The pieces drop on July 8 at 12pm ET on Dan Life’s website.
Arghavan Khosravi returns to the world of editions in a new partnership with Case Studyo. Having recently collaborated with the Belgian art collective back in October, the Iranian artist has released her first fully three dimensional sculpture.
Inspired by an Enclosure painting she made for her solo show at The Currier Museumin New Hampshire, Khosravi presents a large translucent hand perched on a brass base. Hidden within the sculpture are several recurring motifs, such as the glass-phantom hand which is actually being constructed in the depicted material, along with a small bird — usually a symbol of freedom — that lies hidden toward the brass wrist.
Symbolically speaking, it’s usually the hand that frees the bird, but instead, Khosravi contradicts this notion by trapping the bird in the glass hand — perhaps reflecting on the persistent restrictions and censorship she experienced as a woman growing up in Iran.
The Enclosure is an edition of 25, plus four artist proofs, that is made of crystal clear resin and bronze. The sculpture stands about one feet tall and comes signed and numbered with a certificate of authenticity. To inquire on how you can purchase, please visit Case Studyo.
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
ART: JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has seized a total of 25 Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings from the Orlando Museum of Art as questions of the works’ authenticity were raised.
According to the New York Times, over a dozen FBI agents proceeded with the operation on the morning of June 25. “It is important to note that we still have not been led to believe the museum has been or is the subject of any investigation,” Emilia Bourmas-Fry, a spokeswoman for the Orlando Museum of Art, said in an emailed statement. “We continue to see our involvement purely as a fact witness.”
The 41-page affidavit filed to receive a search warrant raised questions regarding the origins of the collection that were stated by the museum and its owners, adding that “there was reason to doubt the authenticity of the art works.” The unsealed search warrant revealed that the affidavit was issued possibly due to conspiracy and wire fraud, with the FBI’s investigation revealing “attempts to sell the paintings using false provenance, and bank records show possible solicitation of investment in artwork that is not authentic” and “false information related to the alleged prior ownership of the paintings.”
The pieces featured in the “Heroes & Monsters: Jean-Michel Basquiat” exhibition were, as per the museum and owners, found in a storage unit in Los Angeles in 2012. The investigation by the FBI’s Art Crime team is ongoing.
New York City police are on the search for a couple who attempted to steal a Jean-Michel Basquiat screenprint from a Manhattan gallery.
The heist occurred last Saturday, May 14, when a male and female walked into the private viewing room of the Chelsea-based Taglialatella Galleries and proceeded in lifting the framed Dog Leg Study (1982/2019) artwork from the walls. Naturally, the robbers were stopped by a gallery attendant who was surprised at how “brazen” the attempt was. “We’ve had stuff stolen from the gallery before but nothing quite this obvious,” Taglialatella Galleries owner Brian Swarts said in an interview with Hyperallergic. “Luckily my staff is quite attentive and courageous and one of the brave young women who works here literally pulled the piece from the guy’s hand,” Swarts added.
Dog Leg Study (1982/2019) has a current value of $45,000 USD and is not the first theft that has been attempted at Taglialatella. Last year, a KAWS figurine was almost lifted, which Swarts says is typically the type of artwork targeted by thieves. The couple, who was described by the gallery as having an “unknown European accent,” did manage to steal a bottle of Maker’s Mark.
SPORTS: LeBron James Shares a First Look at the Nike LeBron 20 on Court
Nike (NYSE:NKE -5.54%) and NBA superstar LeBron James have a storied history together that spans decades, dating back to an initial contract that was signed in James’ rookie year of 2003. Since then, the duo have established a sizable catalog of products with James’ signature sneaker line being the most notable element. Now, it’s only fitting that heading into James’ 20th season in the NBA and his 20th year with Nike that the Nike LeBron 20 is on its way.
Traditionally, James has favored bulkier builds with his signature line, typically opting to wear his high-top versions when playing. However, in our first look at the Nike LeBron 20 we see a slim silhouette in a low-top form. The shoe looks to include a knit upper that carries overlapping Swooshes on the lateral while James’ signature touches down on the tongue. This particular colorway favors an all-pink look that is accented by hits of silver on the Swooshes.
Take a look at the latest entry in the Nike LeBron series above and keep an eye out for the Nike LeBron 20 to hit shelves later this year via Nike and select retailers.
Brooklyn Nets PG Kyrie Irving officially announced that he is opting into his $37 million USD player option for the upcoming 2022-2023 NBA season.
The 30-year-old basketball player confirmed to The Athletic that he will not be entering the free agency market this summer and is instead aiming to complete his four-year contract with the franchise. “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow,” Irving said. “I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall.”
Sources claimed that the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers were interested in Irving after the organization reportedly approved his request to seek a sign-and-trade.
In his three seasons with the Nets, Irving played a total of 103 games with issues such as his shoulder injury, personal reasons and New York City’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate causing him to sit out games.
KICKS: Air Jordan 1 Low OG "Bleached Coral" Bears a Summer-Ready Palette In This Week's Best Footwear Drops
Pride parades and celebrations are now behind us which an indication that June 2022 is now winding down to its final days. And sneaker brands are preparing to end the month with a bang and kick July off with an impressive array of new styles from Nike (NYSE:NKE -5.54%) , Jordan Brand, New Balance and more, but let’s first recap all of the biggest headlines in the world of footwear.
Soles Mates — HYPEBEAST‘s weekly footwear editorial series expanded with a new feature on Stance co-founder and former YEEZY Vice Chairman Taylor Shupe about his deep ties to the Vans Sk8-Hi. A sizable amount of news also sprung up last week as well, so let’s first break down what Nike had to unveil. The Swoosh gave us a glimpse of the quicker Air Zoom Mercurial crafted for the pitch, a first look at what could be the next Patta x Nike Air Max 1 collaboration, a brand new Spark Flyknit colorway and even custom Nike Air Trainer Bat Boots worn by Michael Keaton in Batman. Jordan Brand definitely made its presence felt as well as Travis Scott’s Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Reverse Mocha” was officially revealed, Zion Williamson’s Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Voodoo” was teased, J Balvin previewed his F&F Air Jordan 2 colorway and Nina Chanel Abney’s Air Jordan 2 SE collaboration emerged.
Some interesting pieces from the adidas camp also trickled out last week. On the YEEZY front, we caught a look at the upcoming adidas YEEZY KNIT RNNR “Faded Azure” installment. Other noteworthy pairs that sprung up included the INVINCIBLE x NEIGHBORHOOD x adidas Campus as well as NOAH’s duo of adidas Adria colorways. Other brands that hopped into the mix include Dior which teased its SS23 footwear, New Balance which teased a new 990v2 collab with Salehe Bembury and Converse which announced a new team-up with Sky High Farm Workwear.
Now that you’re all informed with the latest in footwear, let’s dive into this week’s best drops here below. When you finish peeping those, be sure to also head over to HBX to shop more footwear offerings.
Jacquemus x Nike Air Humara
Release Date: June 28
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: Jacquemus
Why You Should Cop: After linking up with Louis Vuitton for an expansive Air Force 1 collection, Nike is dipping its toes back into the realm of luxury collaborations by partnering with Jacquemus. Together, the duo has engineered new takes atop the Air Humara. Simon Porte Jacquemus brings his luxe design language to the Nike silhouette by smoothing out the side panels, adding tiny metallic gold Swooshes to the quarters and employing elevated, neutral color palettes.
Union LA x Nike Cortez “Sesame”
Release Date: June 28
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS and Notre
Why You Should Cop: In honor of Cortez’ 50th anniversary, Nike tapped Union to create its own unique variations. One is the “Sesame” colorway that features vivid accents throughout the upper half to honor the vibrancy of Angelanos and the rich history the icon has with the city. NikeGrind materials are stuffed inside the midsoles and outsoles to further expand upon the Swoosh’s sustainability efforts.
New Balance 990v1 “Macadamia Nut”
Release Date: June 30
Release Price: $190 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: Since Teddy Santis took the reigns as a creative director for New Balance the sneaker community has greeted all of his releases with thunderous applause. This week, he broadens his catalog with more entries, one being this New Balance 990v1 “Macadamia Nut” colorway. Its titular shade takes shape on the shaggy suede overlays while accents of black and “Incense” sit adjacent to make for a versatile pair to rock all Summer.
New Balance 990v3 “Moonbeam”
Release Date: June 30
Release Price: $200 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance
Why You Should Cop: The 990v3 is certainly amongst one of the more popular silhouettes in the 990 lineage, and it’s getting pushed back to the frontlines thanks to the creative direction of Teddy Santis. On deck for the trendy “dad shoe” is a brand new “Moonbeam” colorway that bears a collection of neutral tones. “Moonbeam” covers a majority of the real estate, while hits of charcoal gray and black are sprinkled throughout the base to channel a similar look to Studio FY7’s 992 collab from 2020.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Mystic Navy”
Release Date: June 30
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Air Jordan 1 Low OGs are slated to have an impactful season as striking GRs and collaborations are expected to hit the market. For the former, the “Mystic Navy” colorway is next in line to release and it possesses an understated, easy-to-wear palette. “Mystic Navy” shrouds the Swooshes, heel panels and toe boxes while black drapes over the forefoot overlays, quarters, tongues and interior lining.
Jordan Zion 2 “Hope Diamond”
Release Date: June 30
Release Price: $120 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: Zion Williamson has officially entered a new era of his journey with Jordan Brand, and the roll out of his Jordan Zion 2 has now commenced. The high-flying dunker’s new signature is kicking things off with a “Hope Diamond” colorway that represents his unfaltering desire to win. Prism-inspired graphics adorn the collars, heel overlays and the rear ends of the midsoles to mimic the look of a diamond while the rest of the shoe panels are done up in a crisp white.
Nike Air Max Penny 1 “Orlando”
Release Date: July 1
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: Nike
Why You Should Cop: The Air Max Penny 1 is returning in a huge way this year via collaborative takes and throwback GRs. And in relation to the latter, one of the OG makeups that will be revived is the Nike Air Max Penny 1 “Orlando”. Designed to honor Penny Hardaway and his retro Magic threads, the hoops-turned-lifestyle kicks come fitted with the team’s colors of black, “Royal Blue” and white. Abstract design lines are housed within the mid-foot Swooshes and the Hardaway’s signature 1 cent logo is planted on the heel.
KANGHYUK x Reebok Premier Road Modern Mid “Triple Steel Blue”
Release Date: July 1
Release Price: $240 USD
Where to Buy: Reebok
Why You Should Cop: KANGHYUK and Reebok continue their collaborative efforts this week with the official launch of the their Premier Road Modern Mid “Triple Steel Blue” iteration. Much like its all-black counterpart, this offering is cooked up with a monochromatic theme. The South Korean label turns to a Summer-friendly baby blue hue and allows it to wrap the top and bottom halves alike.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Bleached Coral”
Release Date: July 2
Release Price: $130 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: Before Travis Scott officially drops his next Jordan 1 Low OG collaboration, the Jumpman team is making room for eye-caching general release pairs, one of which is this Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Bleached Coral” installment. Rather than using the traditional smooth leather materials for the upper, the Jordan team ushered in stealthy cracked leather for the forefoot and made use of its nominal color on the suede toe boxes and heels.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Stage Haze”
Release Date: July 2
Release Price: $170 USD
Where to Buy: SNKRS
Why You Should Cop: The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG continues to be one of the most prolific silhouettes in the Jordan Brand lineup, and this week it returns to the spotlight in a fresh “Stage Haze” colorway. Grayscale tones are the focal point for this new offering, and this allows wearers the easy opportunity to pair these with nearly every type of outfit that you’ve got in your closet.
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