Felt Art by Akiko Kumazawa

I've had the chance to visit some very interesting exhibitions here in Cali. One that has stand out by far from everything I've had the opportunity to see here is by artist Akiko Kumazawa. She is a Japanese artist that two years ago came to Colombia for an artist-in-residence program and decided to stay. She works mostly with felt and hair, and to tell you the truth makes the most amazing 'objects' out of this wonderful materials (my first encounter with felt was thanks to my sister). This exhibition left me so satisfied and completely happy that someone could create such things with this very fragile, flexible material, and show it in such a spectacular way.

It was funny how the hair pieces reminded me of how many of my own hair I've thrown away. Such a waste! haha.  It was such an inspiration! And entirely motivational really, because now I want to make lots and lots of things! And hopefully my sister will teach me about felt!

Have a great day!
Giannina.

"Electric Tree"

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is all the lights and decorations, remember this post? So now that we've had to say goodbye to all that it is very comforting and inspiring to find such a beautiful tree here in Miami! The artist Mark Handforth made it as part of his 2011 exhibition show at MOCA and he has left it there to become part of everyone's life. The grandness of the tree lined by the magical lights just makes me so happy inside.

During the day it is easy to enjoy the company of a tree but during the night its another story, so it is actually a "tree with a function," as said by the artist. Needless to say it: I love it! Wish there were more trees like this to illuminate our dark nights!

Have a wonderful "Blue Monday"!
Giannina.

Dots on my mind

When I was doing my BFA at Pratt, I encountered for the first time the wonderful world of Yayoi Kusama. We were on a day trip to the art galleries in Chelsea and this lady had an installation cube- you would walk in and found yourself surrounded by “infinity”! All these beautiful lights reflected in a room of mirrors.  I never got over it. I would even dare to say she is one of my favorite artists!

So last year on a quick getaway to Paris with my sister, we had the opportunity to see Kusama’s retrospective at the Centre Pompidou. It was my sister's first time seeing any of Kusama's works! The exhibition was amazing and we were both thrilled to see it!

Yayoi’s obsession with dots…her colors…her story…her installations are all incredible and if you happen to cross her path make sure you immerse yourself in her world!

Her retrospective is now in London and from there it will go to New York!

Enjoy,

Giannina.