Sunday Series | The Century of the Self

- Whatever's in my subconsciousness is none of my business.
- It, certainly, is business.

Been watching Adam Curtis's The Century of the Self documentary series. Thought I'd share it in here.
The video below includes all four episodes: Happiness Machines, The Engineering of Consent, There is a Policeman Inside All Our Heads: He Must Be Destroyed, and Eight People Sipping Wine in Kettering.

The Century Of The Self-Full Length Documentary from JCBaird on Vimeo.

******************************************************************

Inching Forward | 2015

:: BE BACKWARD IN COMING FORWARD! #avantgarde 

(excerpts) 

Enough of half penny truths! 

Old trash from your hearts erase! 

Streets for paint-brushes we'll use, 

our palettes - squares with their wide open 

space.

-Mayakovsky, 1918 

“Order to the Army of Arts”

While we dawdle and quarrel 

In search of fundamental answers 

All things yell: 

“Give us new forms!” 

There are no fools today 

to crowd open-mouthed round a maestro 

and await his pronouncement. 

Comrades 

give us a new form of art - 

an art 

that will pull the republic out of the mud! 

-Mayakovsky, 1921 

“Order No.2 to the Army of the Arts”

via #NewForms #NewLanguage #NewPolitics

*****************************************************************

Sunday Beats | Greek-Albanian Folk Dirges

**Creative Sunday Series

A few weeks ago, I came across Christopher King and his collection of rare records when reading a piece on long lost blues musicians Geeshie Wiley and Elvie Thomas and their only surviving record "Last Kind Word Blues". Recently, I checked out his Long Gone "How the Other Half Hears" Series (via) on Easter European, Balkan and Mediterranean musics - and found it to be an awesome source of lost pre-war sounds.

Here's a glimpse of a few featured stories/sounds:

Albanian Traditional Music: An Introduction, with Sheet Music and Lyrics for 48 Songs.
By Spiro J. Shetuni. McFarland & Company, 2011. Sheet Music, Lyrics, Bibliography.

“Folk music from Albania, particularly from the Central and Southern regions of the country, is rightly characterized as otherworldly, sublime, and in many instances, incongruent with practically all other European and Baltic musical expressions. The distinction is so great between Albanian music and music from surrounding areas that adjectival descriptors are sometimes tortured in relation to their referents. [...] The only melodious expression that is similar to the song and dance of Central and Southern Albania is the repertoire of Northern Greece, Epirus. 

Geographic isolation is the main reason why the music of Central and Southern Albania (and Northern Greece) is so distinctly different from the rest of the Baltic and surrounding European countries. 

Shetuni divides Albanian folk music into roughly four different dialects (broad styles) that have specific geographic locations and boundaries. Gheg traditional music is found in Northern Albania (Ghegëri), Tosk music is located in Central and Southern Albania (Toskëri), Lab music is found in Southern Albania (Labëri), and Urban music is found in the more densely populated cities throughout Albania. Crucially noted by Shetuni is the fact that Gheg music is almost exclusively monophonic and Tosk, Lab and Urban are primarily polyphonic and instruments normally accompany Gheg and Urban music whereas Tosk and Lab are almost always a cappella. Besides discussing the various sub-dialects and styles found in various villages and regions within a dialect, Shetuni goes to great lengths to describe each stylistic variation based on what he calls core structural groupings.”

Five Days Married & Other Laments Song and Dance from Northern Greece 1928-1958

Beyond Rembetika: The Music & Dance of The Region of Epirus

ALEXIS ZOUMBAS A LAMENT FOR EPIRUS, 1926-1928

“Years of research and obsession have resulted in this, the first collection of recordings by the legendary and masterful Greek folk violinist Alexis Zoumbas. Very few pre-war musicians have tapped deeper into the human soul than Zoumbas and this volume presents his most profoundly hypnotic and unearthly pieces.” - via 

More on Albanian Folk Music:

Musical Encounters of Two Worlds

Elina Duni: Love, Lost & Albanian Folk Songs

BBC's World Routes | Albanian Urban Music (part 1)

BBC'S World Routes | Iso-Polyphony in Southern Albania (part 2)

**************************************************************************

 

Sunday Thoughts | Quoted

**Creative Sunday Series

"Let us not waste time arguing about what is meant by "contemporary". It goes without saying that any time we speak of has already become an historical past, a past that seems to crumble away at the hinder end the further we recede from it. Phenomena which a younger generation is constantly relegating to "former days" are, for their elders, part of "our own day", not merely because their elders have a personal recollection of them but because their culture still participates in them. This different time-sense is not so much dependent on the generation to which one happens to belong as on the knowledge one has of things old and new. A mind historically focused will embody in its idea of what is "modern" and "contemporary" a far larger section of the past than a mind living in the myopia of the moment." - J. Huizinga, Homo Ludens, p.195

*******************************************************************

Off Book Series | Robots/Human Society

**Creative Sunday Series

We don't have to imagine a future world with robots. That future might be is now.

*****************************************************************

Featured Collective | Albanian Artists at SUPERMARKET 14 - Stockholm Independent Art Fair

**Creative Sunday Series

SUPERMARKET 2014 - Stockholm Independent Art Fair 

is opening its doors February 14-16, 2014. 

Created and managed by artists to create an international platform for artist-run galleries, it showcases over 80 artist-run spaces from 30 countries including the newest ones: Georgia, Syria, Tibet and Brazil.

This year's theme is DIFFERENCE(S). 

via zeta

Albania will be once again represented by: 

ZETA [Art Center & Gallery] 

& artists: 

Edmond Gjikopulli

Endri Dani

Ledia Kostandini

Leonard Qylafi

Shpëtim Kërçova

I would highly recommend you get to know these artists and their exceptionally original work through an array of mediums. (just click on their names)  

source: below publication via endri dani

Off Book Series | The Creative Process

**Creative Sunday Series

What is Creativity? 

These are the truths and misconceptions, fears and successes of the process 

experienced and told by creatives themselves.

‘‘Creativity has always been essential for our cultural growth, but there are still many misconceptions about this elusive process. Being a powerful creative person involves letting go of preconceived notions of what an artist is, and discovering and inventing new processes that yield great ideas.’’ -via Off Book Series

tags: remixing culture, remix 1, 2, 3, 4, photoshop, glitch, wearables, gifs,

**********************************************************************

Happenings | Misc. Fall 2013

**Creative Sunday Series

1.

Polis University's Dr. Besnik Aliaj gave a lecture on Albania's architecture and urban growth at Lawrence Tech University this week. It was followed by the Albania NOW exhibit. 

Stay tuned for more event info/photos.

2.

The official publication of Tirana Architecture Week 2012 by Polis University. 

Inside you'll find the winning project of MOBILIciTY by Alda Çapi Black & Chris Masicampo. -via AWR Competitions

3.

AIRLAB 2013 residency program 

PARTICIPATION/PARTICIPATORY PRACTICES AS ARTISTIC STRATEGIES

presents its fall 2013 artists:

Anila Rubiku, (Albania /Italy) 

Susanne Schär and Peter Spillmann (Swiss)

Wendelin Pressl, (Austria)

RSVP

October 8, 2013 @7:00pm

@ T.I.C.A AirLab studios

Rr. Luigj Gurakuqi, Pall 89, Sh. A, Kati 11,

Tirana/Albania

4.

TICA AIR LAB 2012 - RE-ENACTMENT AS ARTISTIC STRATEGY 

online publication out now!

You can view the online publication as a flipping book or download as a pdf here.

5.

Ballet Preljocaj will perform: 

AND THEN, ONE THOUSAND YEARS OF PEACE

on Friday & Saturday, November 1 & 2,

in Ann Arbor, Michigan (USA), University Musical Society

*************************************************************************

Framing Animation | The Art of Stop-Motion

**Creative Sunday Series

‘‘The magic of stop-motion animation has enthralled audiences for over a century, but with the advent of CGI, many thought it was at risk of extinction. Yet despite these fears, animators all over the world continue to manually create unique stories out of physical materials, be it clay, sand or paint, puppets or people. The amount of time and meticulous effort these animators commit makes stop motion uniquely impressive and refreshingly organic in a digital age, and have driven the art form's resurgence in film, commercials, and even on Vine!

***********************************************************************

Featured Event | BUNKERFEST IV

**Creative Sunday Series

Mark your Calendars!! September 14-15, 2013 is Bunkerfest Weekend!!

Bunkerfest është një seri aktivitetesh muzikore, që zhvillohet gjatë një fundjave. Në të marrin pjesë grupe dhe DJ nga rajoni. Festivali ka për qëllim kthimin dhe përdorimin e një vlere historike në një hapësire ku bëhet dhe shprehet lirisht Art. Në vitin e tij të IV-të, Bunkerfest do të organizohet në një vend të ri, në Malin e Dajtit në fushën përpara ish Kampit të Punëtorëve. Sërisht këtë vit do të ketë një vend kampimi për pjesmarrësit, merrni tenda me vete. Festivali është i hapur për të gjithë. 

 

BunkerFest is a weekend of activities and live music with bands and DJs. The festival is about converting a site once used for military purposes into an open space for free expression. In its fourth year, BunkerFest will have a new location in Tirana, by Dajti Mountain, at the field in front of the "Ish Kampi i Punetorve". Again this year there will be a campsite available, so bring your tents. The festival is free and open to all.

‘‘

Bunkerfest is about showcasing good musical talent (rock music, folk music, and DJs), engaging people from a range of backgrounds and inspiring creativity and social cohesion. As a team of volunteers we have enjoyed bringing together people from around the Balkans to Bunkerfest, where not only have we captured their musical attention but sparked people toward thinking about our past and the value in protecting and nurturing our environment for a more creative and socially rich future. 

Picture a field in the lush Albania countryside, trees, green grass, bunkers covered with wild vegetation and a place where anyone in the World can gather to listen to underground Rock music, folk music, and DJs from around East Europe. BunkerFest’s motto is “spread the love”. We love our concrete mushrooms and this festival is dedicated to them. 

This is our third year running BunkerFest and we know this year is going up another level. We’re located in a field near a village in Tirana (see how to arrive for directions), and for the first time we have an official space for camping (see camping zone) and activities during the day (see activities).

RSVP on Facebook.

*********************************************************

What Does It Mean To Photograph Portraits? | Off Book Series

**Creative Sunday Series

‘‘Humans have been creating likenesses of each other for thousands of years, but with the introduction of photography, a new language developed for capturing the human image. Photography created opportunities for not just for biography and documentation, but also depth, empathy, and experimentation. Many portrait photographers today elevate their work from mere photo to art, communicating ideas and capturing the human subject with dignity, all while exploring the meaning and potential of portraiture.’’

****************************************************************

DIY Entertainment | The Revolution of YouTube

**Creative Sunday Series

Has YouTube revolutionized Entertainment? 

‘‘ Over the past 8 years, YouTube has given birth to an increasingly sophisticated entertainment culture that operates outside of the traditional television and film ecosystem. With humble roots in charismatic and creative people simply sharing their lives, thoughts, and humor, YouTube entertainment has diversified and grown into tens of thousands of unique channels with millions of loyal fans.’’

Check out this OFF BOOK episode:

***************************************************************

Urban Agriculture | Hotel For Insects

**Creative Sunday Series

via pop-up city:

‘‘The urban agriculture scene has become so big you could easily identify different sub-cultures and practices — from little community gardens to urban agriculture supply stores and large-scale urban farms, and from balcony composting to urban beekeeping and mushroom farms. So, what’s next? Insect hotels! ’’

via

via 

via

via 

via 

via 

via 

For more photos check out this website.

*********************************************************************

The Art of Space Photography | Capturing The Beauty of Outer Space

**Creative Sunday Series

Edhe pse bukuria e hapësirës nuk është motivi kryesor për ta fotografuar atë​​, ajo është një prej derivateve më intrigues. Imazhet kozmike komunikojnë madhështinë e universit dhe nxisin kuriozitete thelbësore mbi çka mund të jetë atje. 

‘‘ Space presents a fantastic mystery to human life. Unfathomably large, with characteristics that defy our experience and understanding, the stars have perplexed and amazed humanity for our entire recorded history, and likely before. In the present, astrophysicists and astronomers are aggressively studying the universe in an attempt to solve critical scientific and philosophical questions. One of the primary tools for measurement and observation is imaging using cameras connected to powerful telescopes on Earth and in space. And although it's not the primary motivation for photographing space, beauty is one of the most intriguing byproducts. Images of space communicate the grandeur of the universe, and spark essential curiosities about what may be out there waiting for us once we make our way into the stars.’’

***************************************************************

Participatory Culture-Makers | DREAM - Art & Culture of Burning Man

**Creative Sunday Series 

Duke e parë kulturën e Burning Man (pelegrinazhi vjetor në shkretëtirën Black Rock të Nevadës) si një katalizator komuniteti, inovacioni dhe realizim ëndrrash, ky film ofron një pamje të përgjithshme të artit dhe kulturës së këtij publiku dinamik me shpresën për të nxitur një ëndërr brenda jush.

DREAM - Art & Culture of Burning Man from Spark Pictures on Vimeo.

‘‘ Illuminating the culture of Burning Man – the annual pilgrimage to Nevada's Black Rock Desert – as a catalyst for community, innovation and the actualization of dreams, this film offers a glimpse into the art and culture of this dynamic community with the hope to spark a dream within you.

DREAM premiered at the Sonoma International Film Festival. Directed and produced by Rich Van Every of lightworkscreative.tv. Rich also was a cinematographer for "Spark: A Burning Man Story," a feature film on the inside story of Burning Man during a year of unprecedented challenges and growth.

"Spark: A Burning Man Story" premiered at SXSW 2013 and will be in general release Summer 2013. See sparkpictures.com for more information and to sign up for email updates on upcoming screenings.’’

******************************************************************

The Art of Data Visualization | Visual Representation of Complex Information

**Creative Sunday Series 

The Art of Data Visualization: How to Tell Complex Stories Through Smart Design featuring Edward Tufte, one of the greatest forces behind data visualization and the art of designing complex data.

Showing information began with cartography about 6,000 years ago when the first map was scratched onto a piece of stone, and it has now become the most widely seen visualization of the world, Google Maps.

There are 3 things that should inform your design:

1. the designer (you) : what do you want to communicate?2. the reader: has their own content, biases, and assumptions that the designer (you) need to account for.3. the data: what it has to say and how that informs the truth? 

We react to design, art and the aesthetics of the piece just as much as we react to the information contained in it. If you want to change someone's mind and behavior, then presenting the information in a visual format is the fastest way to engage with that information. 

‘‘Every single pixel should testify directly to content.’’ - Edward Tufte

Cartography and mapping has always been an interest and hobby of mine, not only as a design professional but as an individual. Trying to understand maps not only as aesthetic  visual artwork, but really understand the story they're telling. 
Nowadays, technology has made this information even more complex: statistically, visually, spatially. In essence most complex data visualizations have the human component and how human activity, behavior, thought process, etc. may seem non-essential when following one person but when following a whole group - connections, patters and other complex relationships are created and take shape - data that not only informs us about the actual science of life on earth but also the deeper understanding and interpretation of emerging human cultures.  

One of my favorites is Napoleon's March by Charles Joseph Minard. It portrays the losses suffered by Napoleon's army in the Russian campaign of 1812.

All of you interested in data visualization and artfully telling stories of complex information data through design, I would absolutely recommend checking out the work of Edward Tufte.

via

****************************************************************

The Future of Architecture as Film | Factory Fifteen

**Creative Sunday Series 

Factory Fifteen is an independent film studio that uses architecture to explore ideas surrounding technology and its social and political impact. 

“There’s a lot of debate within architecture asking: what is the future role of architecture? And as the virtual world expands, we’re taking more control of how the digital world will affect our world. What we’re creating is an architectural perception.”

If you're interested in what they do check out thecreatorsproject.

***********************************************************************

The Future of Technology | Wearables

**Creative Sunday Series 

‘‘ [..] we look into the future to see how technology will become increasingly ingrained in our movements and our active lives. From the Nike Fuelband to Google Glass, consumers are already seeing hints of the future of wearable devices. They have the possibility to make us more knowledgeable about ourselves and our surroundings, and connect us with each other in an uninterrupted, more intimate way. From DIY wearables to high-tech sensors and smart fabrics, the years ahead will show how integrated technology can impact our lives for the better.’’

************************************************************************

Featured Project | Photographing the City as a 2D Game

**Creative Sunday Series 

photo by Christian Åslund

Stockholm-based photographer Christian Åslund has shot a series of photos as a tribute to old school 2D video games with the streets of Hong Kong in the background. The work is part of an ad campaign for shoe brand Jim Rickey. Shot from serious heights with a tele-lens and positioning people flat on streets, sidewalks or roofs of the city, the artist creates new ways of viewing and exploring the spatiality of city elements and its environment. (via)

photo by Christian Åslund

photo by Christian Åslund

For more photos check out his website.

************************************************************************

Photoshop | Remixing Visual Culture

**Creative Sunday Series 

" Photoshopi ka revolucionarizuar tërësisht kulturën tonë vizuale. Artistët tani përdorin atë për të krijuar imazhe komplekse, gjë që do të ishte e pamundur 20 vjet më parë. Gjithashtu ka ndryshuar thellësisht artin e foto editimit, duke kthyer një proces intensiv pune në një më artistik dhe dixhital, shpeshherë dhe kontradiktor. Por ndoshta ndikimi më aktual dhe ekspresiv mund të shihet në kulturën e meme-ve online. Njerëzit e thjeshtë tani kanë mjetet dhe aftësinë e duhur jo vetëm për të ndryshuar çdo imazh në terrenin e medias, por dhe të jenë më kritikë kur komentojnë për kulturën. Ata mund të përhapin idetë e tyre në mënyrë virale duke niveluar kështu konkurrencën midis artistëve tradicionalë dhe konsumatorëve. Photoshopi ka ndryshuar mënyrën si komunikojmë, si e shprehim veten, si e shohim botën dhe njëri-tjetrin."

" Photoshop has completely revolutionized our visual culture. Artists now use Photoshop to create complex imagery that would have been impossible 20 years ago. It has also profoundly changed the art of photo retouching, turning a labor intensive process into an artful and often controversial digital workflow. But possibly the most current and expressive influence can be seen in meme culture online. With the ability to alter any image in the media landscape, everyday people now have the means to critically comment on culture and spread their ideas virally, leveling the playing field between traditional media creators and consumers. Photoshop has changed the way we communicate, the way we express ourselves, and the way we view the world and each other." (via)

*****************************************************************