In a mutual friendship for the love of music and fashion, Dr. Martens has committed itself to its loyal fans by providing chummy perks at Laneway Festival. Embark on an awesome road trip experience to the festival with your favourite German boot brand on a free shuttle service between City Hall MRT station and Fort Canning Park. Be one of the first 1000 to arrive safely in your Dr. Martens and be awarded with an all exclusive Dr. Martens Festival Survival Kit. It includes a drawstring pouch with a ‘Singing in the Rain’ poncho, a nifty LED flashlight, a packet antiseptic hand wipes and a key chain bottle opener. We’re really not biased, but what other footwear could you possibly wear  to Laneway Festival?

Stay tuned for Dr. Martens #FIRSTANDFOREVER Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

The Dr. Martens x Laneway Festival free shuttle service runs in 15-minute intervals, 12pm to 8pm.
Laneway Festival happens on 12 February at Fort Canning Rise.
It’s never too late.

We’re more than proud to shout out about our favourite Fashion Director, Janie Cai from August Man who, together with RAOUL, has tailored the quintessential suit for the asian gentleman. Neat detailing like contrast stitching on the jacket lining and a specially designed pocket will discretely make the man in The August Suit a little more smug than usual. This collaboration marks the 10th anniversary of RAOUL and will be celebrated at all 3 stores.

The August Suit will be launched on 9 February.

]]> http://www.plussixfive.com/2012/01/30/the-august-suit-raoul/feed/ 0 http://www.plussixfive.com/2012/01/28/art-stage-recap-woman-resurgent/ http://www.plussixfive.com/2012/01/28/art-stage-recap-woman-resurgent/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:59:36 +0000 Jaslyn Bang http://www.plussixfive.com/?p=46210

Art Stage Recap | Woman, Resurgent.

Jaslyn Bang / January 28, 2012
Art / Exhibition

[Priska C. Juschka Fine Art, New York]

The Priska C. Juschka booth at Art Stage is a site where sexuality and femininity meet danger and subversion. No one side triumphs over the other. Rather, each facet exists in restive harmony.

Photographs of women suggestively sporting military uniforms flank the walls of the booth. Particularly arresting is a picture of a leggy Kazakh woman lying on her back in some arid desert while a young boy with a Spiderman mask on adopts the pose of the same superhero with a predatory menace.

These bristling creations are the work of Kazakh artist, Almagul Menlibayeva who is deeply concerned with portraying the strength, pride and independence of her countrywomen as they emerge from the shackles of Soviet rule.

Menlibayeva is an example of the “diversified talent from all over the world” that gallery director Arnold Katzen features in Priska C. Juschka Fine Art.

When asked if everyday New Yorkers appreciate the controversial edge of the art offered by Priska C. Juschka Fine Art, Mr Katzen confirms that people “from all across the board” come to the gallery to experience the artworks housed therein. He also maintained that Kazakhstan’s position on the Silk Route lends it an air of  “romance”, which draws viewers hoping to discover Kazakhstan for themselves to the gallery.

Art Stage, for him was a stellar success.  He found it “very interesting” and was “very impressed by the cross-section of world communities represented”. The diverse representation of art at the fair exposed  “another world that the West is not aware of”. While the scheduling could be improved, the fair was, on the whole, “very positive”.

- by Indran P.

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[Umahseni, Jakarta]

Painting is a time-honored mode of artistic production. The image of an artist at work with an easel and a paintbrush has and will always be a mainstay in contemplations about the crafting of visual art. Over at Jakarta gallery Umahseni, however,  the aforementioned image, imbued by the history of art and by history itself, with a poignant romance, does not pass muster. Umahseni trumpets a philosophy that insists on art being comprised of contemporary material and trends. Featuring, primarily, works that are “cutting edge” and which incorporate “new media”, Umahseni’s director Leo Silitonga avers that the gallery is more inclined to featuring works that involve the melding of art and science in the creative process as opposed to more traditional forms of arts.

Commercially, however, Leo admits that while cutting-edge new media artworks represent the dawning of a new frontier in artistic creation and expression, such works are difficult to promote for they are “very new to the art market”. This difficulty in promotion is also compounded by the fact that contemporary art rarely functions as merely decorative pieces for the home. As such, they serve no ornamental or utilitarian purpose. Rather, contemporary and new media artworks are stand-alone exhibition pieces which artistic merit as their only and highest value.

Despite the commercial limitations that such multi-layered works of art might pose and face, he is optimistic that the future bodes well for such challenging works of art. Commending the increase in interest shown by the public for art made with new media, he is positive that economic growth in Asia will lead to more people being financially and culturally equipped to appreciate such art.

Art Stage is a crucial agent in cultivating an interest for and awareness of modern art. Being a critical point in the art market will allow for Art Stage to raise the profile of such diverse works of art for buyers and audiences alike. Besides art, Southeast Asia will too become recognized for the works and talent residing therein. To this end, he affirmed that Art Stage is an “important fair in Southeast Asia for Southeast Asian galleries to promote and display their artists”.

- by Indran P.

[Gallery SP, Seoul]

In the German, “Menschenstrom” denotes “stream/flood of people”.

The titular exhibit featured by Gallery SP at Art Stage also features a stream of stories of everyday life, of relationships that are shared and of desires with social life. These stories are dramatized and given artistic expression through the medium of film. Small screens grouped together into the shape of a human bust, of a large imposing size, provide a window into the tensions that exist between people interacting with each other in everyday life.

Menschenstrom is an example to Gallery SP’s commitment to featuring contemporary and modern art. Technological but yet painstakingly and intricately crafted, Menschenstrom is also a testament to the Korean art as a whole which gallery director Ms Hyun-Jin Choi maintains is “highly detailed” and patiently conceived, embodying also, two aspects of Korean culture, meticulousness and eagerness for perfection.

Ms Choi sees artists as producers as crafters of stories that people can engage and identify with. Hence, while the artist is tasked with creating an experience, it is the viewer’s responsibility to complete it by interacting with it.

Interacting with art is indeed a crucial aspect of artistic appreciation in Korea where Gallery SP sees an increasing number of enthusiasts and curious folk passing through its doors.

In Singapore too, does Ms Choi witness a spike in the number of people coming to survey the artworks. She describes Art Stage as the “leading art fair in Singapore” and is “really enjoying it”.

- by Indran P.

[Pearl Lam Galleries, Shanghai]

Gallery owner, Pearl Lam, summed it up enigmatically when she said that she decided to pursue open her gallery because she was a “shopaholic”. Indeed, the acquisitive drive that compelled her to accumulate material confections also informed her desire to house works of art under her name.

Yet, there is much more to the philosophy of Pearl Lam Galleries than the disposition of their owner might initially suggest. On a more serious note, Pearl Lam Galleries were conceived to be a bridge between Chinese art and Western art. Pearl’s galleries function as agents of cultural exchange, introducing Chinese art to the international market and vice versa.

Acutely and incisively, Pearl merges her “shopaholic” savvy with her trained eye on social and cultural politics when deciding on what kind of art to feature in her galleries. She is interested in Chinese art that reacts with Western art. The tension from this meeting can be plumbed to negotiate questions of identity.

At the heart of Pearl’s concern for Chinese art is her engagement with tradition and the manner in which it is being prodded and effaced by a rapidly globalizing world.  With urbanization occurring at an astronomical rate, she asks “What is China today?”, “Tradition, where is it today?”

The homogenizing effects of globalization are precisely why she favors Chinese artworks that affirm “Reinvention”. Insecure with who we are, and with influences coming in from all sides, we have to make and create anew.

Pearl’s progressivism was bolstered by the renewed interest in art she saw in Singapore. Dumbfounded by the existence of art schools in Singapore, she praised the government for instilling a “good infrastructure” for art to someday emerge as a way of life.

Optimistic about Art Stage, Pearl stated that Art Stage has a “great future” and praised the event for having it’s “own identity” and an “Asian taste and essence”.

Yet, she also maintained that it was important for the “personality” of the fair that “international” influences were also featured.

- by Indran P.

[Lee Hwaik Gallery, Korea]

Gallery owner Lee Hwaik is a lover of art. Nothing more needs to be added to this already honest and clear statement as to why she opened her gallery ten years ago. The depth of engagement that is essential to appreciating and interpreting works of art inspired the former curator who had worked in other galleries to start her own and to focus exclusively on young Korean artists.

Surveying the works exhibited by the gallery, one gets the impression that the gallerist and curator has a penchant for the calmingly beautiful that also inspires awe from the viewer. The works of the artist Seon-Ghi Bahk convey this sense of serene and nuanced beauty that musters great emotion from the viewer: in the artwork, Relationship, bits of charcoal are suspended from the ceiling and organized into the shape of a table. Also suspended in the middle of the table is a transparent vase with a flower in it, its yellow burst of colour contrasting with and complimenting the stark shades of the coal.

Lee Hwaik affirms that the Korean public is very receptive to art and sees a growing number of interested people (not including collectors and aficionados) frequenting her gallery. This, she says, is symptomatic of the burgeoning Asian economy and of the world’s attention now being focused on Asia.

This was Lee Hwaik’s second time at Art Stage and she was full of praise for the featuring of “good galleries” and “good collections”. She proclaimed that Art Stage was a “good success” and would be delighted to participate next year and hopes for a “center location”.

- by Indran P.

Aptly named, Pantry at the Stables has every bit of rustic charm with a dash of urban flair. Quite rightfully so, since the occasional neighs of the horses and the lush foliage surrounding Bukit Timah Saddle Club are the perfect accompaniments to your brunch, or dinner.

If you were wondering why Pantry at the Stables rings a bell, that’s because it does! Pantry at the Stables is the second establishment of the Marmalade Pantry following the success of Pantry in the City at ION Orchard.  At this new, modern bistro, you will spot celebrated classics along with au courant signatures on the menu.

Familiar favourites such as the Crabmeat Linguini with pine nuts, tomatoes and chilli; and the Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding served with vanilla ice cream, continue to delight diners while new signatures thrill the peckish, leaving them spoilt for choice.

A new signature worthy of a mention is the Mexican Chicken Salad served with crispy tortilla, avocado, spiced corn and salsa; essentially a deconstructed taco packed with contrasting flavours and textures, balanced with flair. Another of our favourite is the Spaghetti Carbonara, a heart-warming dish of al dente pasta in cream like how it should be, topped with a poached egg. But amongst all, it was the humble Steak and Eggs that was the most gratifying for us. Simple yet endearing, this rustic dish is served on a skillet with smashed peas. We reckon having your meat done medium rare, paired with soft, runny yolks cooked to perfection, is heaven on your palette.

We’d love to tell you more about dessert, but seeing that we’re already unwinding on French striped deck chairs on the verandah with our glasses of Terrazas Malbec, we’ll leave the rest of the Pantry at the Stables for your own discovery.

Pantry at the Stables is located at 55 Fairways Drive.

This February, H&M will receive the highly-anticipated men’s bodywear line by David Beckham’s in-house team. David Beckham Bodyline for H&M presents nine key products in their most basic form to highlight the quality of the design. Styles include four underpant styles – briefs, trunks, boxer briefs and woven boxers; three tops – David’s perfect T-shirt, vest and Henley and then two bodywear styles.

This line was conceived after 18 months of research and development, to set a new standard in men’s bodywear for the 21st century. Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Head of Design, added, “with so much attention paid to the function and quality of the garments,” this is a collection full of pieces that men will love.

The collection is a first in a long-term partnership with H&M, which will seasonally develop with new styles, new fabrics and new patterns which will all follow the quality-focused blueprint of David’s new classics. Available from 2 Feb 2012.

H&M is located at Orchard Building, 1 Grange Road.

Spring cleaning applies everywhere, and even online. It’s out with the old and in with the new on 9 Fountains as the website places greater emphasis on what pleases the eye. A selection of magnified images displaying finer details, multiple views of products and easier browsing; the latest iteration of the 9 Fountains home facilitates communication among those within the community. Save your clicks as you can now simply cast your votes by placing your ‘Like’s in the main voting gallery.

With all this in place, the premier online t-shirt store has launched its premium collection – a portfolio of t-shirts that have been awarded as Editor’s Choice from June to March 2011. Made from 100% superior-grade cotton, these t-shirts and tank tops wouldn’t let you stop at one. If you would like to shout out about these designs as much as we do, visit the 9 Fountains Facebook or Twitter.

[Exhibit 320, New Delhi]

The two installations featured by Exhibit 320 hold the clamor of modern life up to the scrutiny of the artistic eye. Information, when it spirals into a deluge of over-information is strikingly akin to the organized chaos precipitated by urban migration.

deFacebook V. 1. 2 – by contemporary artist Nandan Ghiya and Ghost/Transmemoir by Bose Krishnamachari are both artistic pronouncements on the drastically changing cadences of life in rapidly urbanizing India.

Rasika Kajaria, director of Exhibit 320, stated that the gallery’s focus lay with contemporary art from India and the Asian region, with a particular interest in new media and emerging artists.

deFacebook V. 1. 2 – and Ghost/Transmemoir are emotionally and politically charged works. When asked if there was in increase in the appreciation of contemporary art on the part of the Indian public, Rasika answered in the positive unblinkingly and effusively. She explained that the gallery’s location in the heart of New Delhi has helped to keep a considerable level of visitorship to the gallery. For an indication of just how far and fast Indian/Asian art is progressing, Rasika added that over the last five to seven years, Indian/Asian art has caught up with Western art.

Rasika found Art Stage to be a “wonderful experience” from its organization to the “good inflow of collectors”. Heading the 2-3 year old gallery, she suggested that more importance could be shown to emerging galleries and artists by way of having designated spaces for them for next year’s Art Stage.

- Indran P.

Yavuz Fine Art Gallery, Singapore

Identity and estrangement are the watchwords guiding the selection of Navin Rawanchaikul’s works exhibited at this year’s Art Stage. Of Indian ethnicity but born in Thailand and raised in Thailand and Japan, Navin’s struggle with identity and its attendant pole of foreignness is rendered distinctly and light-heartedly in Navin’s magnum opus, Navinland.

Conceived as a “borderless community”, the Navinland series of works explores the concrete issues of citizenship and nationhood to mine the depths of the deeper themes of duality and dislocation, and to arrive at a resolution between the two. Art Stage is the literal staging area for Navin’s metaphysical experiment.

The Navinland project is the site through which Navin negotiates the disparate facts of ethnicity and nationality to arrive at fundamentally temporal state of definitive identity. Navin’s modus operandi is tongue-in-cheek, subversive and self-reflexive. By inserting himself into immortalized moments of history and popular culture, Navin usurps the ideological significance of the original images and reinscribes them with his own concern, his identity. This is evident in a reinterpretation of the seminal painting by the French artist Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps which features Navin himself on a horse, adopting the iconic pose depicted by Jacques-Louis David amid the backdrop of a snowy mountainous range. Another reinscribed image that beamingly greets visitors at Art Stage is Navin adopting the characteristic Uncle Sam pose and gesture, captioned by the parodied lines, “Navinland needs you!”

The unifying thrust of Navinland is clear in a massive painting that Navin undertook specially for Art Stage, Navinland Needs You: We are Asia! This 250 x 1260 cm work features the painted likenesses of the personalities involved in the production and business of Asian art. It is one of the largest and most captivating works on display at Art Stage and a veritable feast for the eyes. Navin sees this work a means to garner greater esteem and recognition for his “borderless community”.

Navin’s struggle with his identity is indicative of the very philosophy of the gallery exhibiting his work at Art Stage, Yavuz Fine Art. Gallery owner Can Yavuz affirms that Yavuz Fine Art exists to allow for “artists who have a story to tell” to express themselves in ways that are surprising and which expand the viewer’s understanding of issues to depths that are “beyond the surface”.

Indeed, the appreciation of Navin’s art and those of the other artists featured at Yavuz Fine Art has seen a steady increase over the years. Can opines that the gallery’s central location just behind the Singapore Art Museum and the interest and funding channeled to art by the Singapore government has led to more members of the public walking into the gallery to study and appreciate the works.

Of Art Stage, Can had nothing but praise. He lauded the organizers for doing a “tremendous job” in featuring “very good galleries” from all around the region. Not just for Navinland, then, but for Art as a whole, is Art Stage, in Can’s words, a “very important fair”.

- by Indran P.

Keeping to our promise, here’s news on koonhor’s first ever sample sale in Singapore! From 13th January 2012 to 15th January 2012, past season merchandise will see up to 90% off the price tags in the comfort of koonhor’s chic showroom on Mohamed Sultan road. Enticing, it is. Head on down during their opening hours listed in the mailer below and enjoy shopping!

koonhor showroom is located at 16 Mohamed Sultan Road, #06-01.

We’re only a day away to the opening of Art Stage Singapore 2012, and the exhibitors and organizers have been putting the final touches to the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into making this second edition of Art Stage a truly epic affair. We were fortunate to have bright eyes, healthy legs, really comfortable (and definitely stylish) footwear and a couple of smart phones walking the floor and observing the Art Stage set up as it was taking place. The sights we saw made us a trillion times more excited to walk around again on Thursday (and Friday, and Saturday, and Sunday), so we thought we’d share snippets of what we saw with the rest of you. So buy your tickets, and we’ll see you this weekend (And follow our twitter for more exclusive updates of Art Stage Singapore 2012).

While some have yet to creep out of the island’s grasp, others have successfully made a mark for themselves and too, for the country. koonhor, previously known as aperçu, is the brainchild of the designers Singaporean Koon and Indonesian Catrine. Into their third collection, the brand wax-sealed its standing with a debut during Paris fashion week featuring its Spring/Summer 2012 collection, while the first two were soft-launched during New York fashion week.

So get yourself in the groove as we introduce koonhor’s Spring/Summer 2012 offering, which is a curated combination of art pieces in our view. The collection takes inspiration from Austrian painter/architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s organic forms, clean curve lines and human sensibilities. Conceived with the couple’s philosophy to emphasize exquisite craftsmanship and intimate sophistication in women’s wear, the result sees bold digital prints zoom in on neo-façade and garage windows, spaced with a dose of intense colors within drops of neutrals.

If you have enjoyed viewing the collection as much as we did, stay close because we smell a sale brewing.

koonhor is available on ShoptheMag.com.