Little People in our Big Bad World

  The Book 'Little People in the City' by the street artist, Slinkachu, is available to buy from Amazon.  I am only plugging this because it really is a great little book to have as a keeper for your bookshelf.  It has been recently revised and retitled to 'Big Bad City', the bilingual version - so if you fancy buying it in Dutch as well, then be my guest.

Slinkachu is a London based street artist and photographer who likes to work in miniature.  His original work started in 2006; 'The Inner City Snail; A Slow Moving Street Art Project', which involved decorating live snail shells with a creative gesture of some sort. These installations were then captured through the lens, before releasing again into nature (well street side anyway).  

No snails were harmed during the making of this artwork.  In fact, the lucky few snails are now living the life of riley as highly paid celebs in the insect world.  All good.

The more recent work of Slinkachu (the main feature of his book), has captured the imagination of many of us design fiends.  Entitled 'Little People; The Tiny Street Art Project', the artist uses railway figures (which he customises himself, using a still hand and much patience) and places them in inner city locations - sometimes using props to create a thought provoking scene, which is then captured on film (or more accurately, on digital).  Hence, the book is a collection of photography based on this.  

Up to now Slinkachu has been London based, but a recent itch has given him (and some of his friends), the urge to go sightseeing...

This month Slinkachu has also been over to Italy, to the Fame Festival, where he has been working on some installations with sound.  Check this out:

You may think that this artist likes to create mini worlds in our big bad world, to make him self feel like a giant.  I would beg to differ.  What Slinkachu, I hope will be able to do, is make us all stop.  Take notice.  Again, practice some mindful thinking.

So far, it seems that all the installations appear to be on the ground. Perhaps the artist would consider bringing his miniatures to eye level and above? After all, us grumpy Londoners rarely smile as it is, so if we see one of these installations and do smile (which we will), it may be nice to coincide that smile with the passing by of a stranger.  Just a thought.

Slinkachu is certainly one to watch out for - as are his little army of friends.  Check out the Slinkachu website to see a full profile and check out the blog to follow the 'Little People' in action.

London Design Festival is Now Open!

                          

The London Design Festival launched yesterday, with a focal point being the huge OUTRACE Installation in Trafalgar Square.  Created by Swedish duo Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram (and sponsored by Audi) this OTT piece of techno-sculpure/art/ design (errm - product placement - let's be realistic!) is, well - it just is, isn't it?  Whatever.  Yawn, yawn - didn't we see this 'robot' on the TV ad a while ago?

Here is the photoshopped image, to try and excite you.  I reckon Nelson is thinking WTF is all the fuss about? I know I am.  Robots, lights... and?? So what!

This festival, it seems, is becoming somewhat of a Hallmark occasion for these ego-centric brands with ridiculous budgets to 'support' the festival.  Supporting, what I'm asking?  Harsh, perhaps?!  I don't think so.  For a start, Trafalgar Square being probably THE most landmark location in London, would have possibly been a better home for a more original, or at the very least, British talent to shine.

In the end, money talks... (over talent, apparently)...

Anyway, now that I've had my rant, let the week of mayhem begin.  I'm sure there'll be some good, some bad and some down right ugly.  Let's see.

Of course, there is always the Anti-Design Festival; the anti-establishment organisation which is actually 'supporting' the London Design scene and offering a platform for real, raw and unadulterated talent to emerge. This 'arch-nemesis' to the shiny, polished, unoriginal display of commercialised perfectionism (The London Design Festival, if that wasn't clear), will also be showcasing an array of work and ideas across the capital this week.   At the very least, there is something for everyone.