Changes coming to the website in 2013

I have decided to adjust some of the design elements of the website. I will be introducing certain aspects throughout the year. The main change (sneak preview if you will) is quite apparent if you follow the blog. Note this change will continue to change, maybe more often than you would imagine.

I hope you have a great year and please continue to view the blog, and/or support me.

Fine Artist of the Month: Linked underscores for Robert Barry

Each month I am adding to an on-going series of writings and works about Fine Artists who work(ed), or are primarily working in the NYC area. This month I produced a text work: Linked underscores for NYC Fine Artist, Robert Barry.

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Ghost Modernism - The Hague 2013

I was invited to be a part of a group show in the The Hague, Netherlands. The show, Ghost Modernism, will be opening Spring, 2013. Currently, I am working on a new installation for the show.

Below is a drawing for the installation, Retroactive Continuity (Retcon) 2012, which may be used in this show:

I will be updating the progress and potential work to be shown in the show.

Favorite icon/image, colors, logo?, etc...

I have received a number of questions about my favicon image which I also use for my twitter feed, google+ page, etc.

First I do not consider this as my art or anything Fine Art related. Though I am not sure if I consider it to be under the graphic design umbrella either (though I guess it confirms more to those tropes).

Another question I have received was if I ever use this as a print logo, or use it as such. The answer is no, and it is not intended for print, ever.

To answer the question of how this doesn't work as graphic design is that it does not really transcend it's space. The colors in this image shift depending on the context color use around it, as well as its size. There is a certain amount of uncertainty, which is key.

There is some relation to modernist thought and image (see Albers, Noland), but the dimensions of the squares are not precise/formula. In the end the 'graphic' is simply meant to expand and extend the context of the given format (a focus from an abundance of pixels).

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to all. Click on the image to see it larger. Please note: As always, due to the process and thinking in my creation of this: I consider this Graphic Design, not Fine Art; therefore color.

Fine Artist of the Month: Giving thanks to the unknown Fine Artist

Each month I am adding to an on-going series of writings and works about Fine Artists who work(ed), or are primarily working in the NYC area. This month I did something a bit different. I dedicate the post and give thanks to Fine Artists who work in NYC who I don't know, may never know about, or who are completely unknown.

I encourage people to try to find out about these people. I welcome people to find Fine Artists living in your own community. I believe in trying to view and experience the Fine Art in your local area first, then trying to seek out via the internet.

I am very thankful to be known by you.

Here are some places to start be encouraged enough by the artists' documentation, ideas, etc:

http://local-artists.org

http://momaps1.org/studio-visit/

http://www.artslant.com/

This is my local community of artists:

http://flatbushartists.org/

http://registry.bricartsmedia.org/

Flatbush Artists December Salon - First ever showing of digital drawings

I was invited by the Flatbush Artists to participate in a community art show. This will be the first time I will ever be publicly showing and selling digital drawings . I will be showing both small and large drawings on a digital picture frame that were originally created on a digital tablet.

From the show announcement:

Saturday, December 1, 4-8 pm, Opening party 6-8 pm

Sunday, Dec. 2, Saturday, Dec, 15, Sunday, Dec 16, 1-6 pm

502 9th St., Brooklyn

Sixteen local Brooklyn artists will be showing their work. Come and have a look. Someone on your holiday gift list would probably like something we're showing.

How to get there: Take the F train to Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn. Get off at the 8th Ave end of the train and walk a few houses down the hill on the south side of the street.

Studio - rhythm, environment, and music Pt. 2.5

I had such a great reaction to this post and this post, that I decided to share more of the music/sound wallpaper that is in my studio.


Dark Days by DJ Shadow


Anything More by Spiritualized


Sliding by Franklin


Toxic Wastes From A To Z by John Fekner


Ghostwriter by RJD2


Locust Valley by Manic Street Preachers


DC Will Do That To You (Part 2) by Smart Went Crazy


Journey In Satchidananda by Alice Coltrane


Prelude 2: The Book Of Pleasure by John Zorn


Stove By A Whale by Ted Leo/Pharmacists


A Time To Rebuild by Robert Hood


Arcs by Stephen Scott

Unlimited digital drawings extended due to Sandy

Due to power, internet and other outages this week from Hurricane Sandy I am extending the give-a-way. It seems like the proper thing to do, and quite frankly the only thing I could do contextually given the situation. So until Sunday, November 11th  2012 (what would be Roberto Matta's RIP 101st birthday) the give-a-way is on.

Do you have questions about the drawings? Why would I give away a work of Fine Art that I truly believe in? Read here.

For those who already have a small drawing, you are entitled to upgrade your participation in the project: Now you will receive a large digital drawing... and those who already own a large digital drawing, are entitled to a small or large drawing.

I have received many questions about the content (and the scope of context) for these drawings. I have a long held interest in the difference and similarities between maps and landmarks, in both a very abstract sense and a literal sense. I also have an interest in the speed and dynamics of how the drawings are delivered and the speed in which they are delivered through the internet and through the postal mail service. I believe that the above listed interests are reflected in my digital drawings The key to the drawings is is that they are unique, and are expressing multiple aesthetic sensibilities.

How do I get in on the drawing give-a-way? Email me here, and please include your name and postal address (for officiating certificate). As stated in an earlier post: I will NEVER sell, lend, trade, share, give out any information sent to me.

Two year anniversary for website/blog: Unlimited digital drawings this week

Again, I am giving away an unlimited batch of unique, digital drawings. This give-a-way will roughly last for one week (through next Sunday, November 4th, 2012)

Do you have questions about the drawings? Why would I give away a work of Fine Art that I truly believe in? Read here.

For those who already have a small drawing, you are entitled to upgrade your participation in the project: Now you will receive a large digital drawing... and those who already own a large digital drawing, are entitled to a small or large drawing.

I have received many questions about the content (and the scope of context) for these drawings. I have a long held interest in the difference and similarities between maps and landmarks, in both a very abstract sense and a literal sense. I also have an interest in the speed and dynamics of how the drawings are delivered and the speed in which they are delivered through the internet and through the postal mail service. I  believe that the above listed interests are reflected in my digital drawings  The key to the drawings is is that they are unique, and are expressing multiple aesthetic sensibilities.

How do I get in on the drawing give-a-way? Email me here, and please include your name and postal address (for officiating certificate). As stated in an earlier post: I will NEVER sell, lend, trade, share, give out any information sent to me.

Fine Artist of the Month: 7 linked texts in 7 fonts for John Fekner

Each month I am adding to an on-going series of writings and works about Fine Artists who work(ed), or are primarily working in the NYC area. This month I produced a text work: 7 separate linked texts in 7 different web fonts for NYC Fine Artist, John Fekner

Ripples, echoes, shadows, and decays that inspire even those ignorant to its own history. In p(l)ace: before this/that time. A story within history.

Work anyone can afford to make. In a place that anyone can make it. In a context, made by everyone by everything that was or will ever made by anyone.

A style and imagination beyond ideology and lexicon. Hierarchic and/or kaleidoscopic shifting systemically and/or systematically.

An Inventor of heArt for the Street, not str(wee)t t(arts). StArted from (sub)text, sorted with (your)-(ur)text, never for (pre)text.

Like the (A) message: meaning, communication, and modesty are key. Unlike the (A) message: critical thought, activism, and cri de coeur are apparent (from the inside and outside).

Not a street brand, or bland, though sometimes a band, a bond, a bend or a blend.

Sometimes an object, always an objective. Always a subject, never a subjectile. Rockets over Martian trails: A future and a memory.

Oceans and Parks v.2 - post show

Thanks to all who participated and gathered for the very intimate, esoteric, group fine art show that I curated, known on this journal/blog as: Oceans and Parks. Below are a few images of the works included. Stay tuned for other posts relevant to this show.

1920s image of "the Vale"

My work and contribution to the show: Relational Data Based, 2012. Wood, paint, led lights, solar panels, etc...


Below are some other images of Fine Artists' work

Brian Higbee and Future Living Project's An Object for a Future I'll Never See, 2012. Wood and Acrylic Latex

Christopher X J. Jensen's meditations on what it means to live a life worth being proud of, 2012. Wood frames, collage, etc...

If you would like a free, interactive, digital catalog for the show: please email me, note whether you want a link to download or it sent via e-mail.

The Razor: I will never do a music video ever again

Back in the Spring of 2005, my friend Craig Bonich was in the band Head Automatica. I believe that  Daryl from HA came up with the idea to make an updated version of Godard's Sympathy for the Devil.

So I was recruited to be the "Modernist Painter" in the music video of their track The Razor.

I came up with a layout for the painting installation and the director, Doug Finch approved. I bought some plexiglass to paint on. The idea was to have a sort of Pollok 51 (the film by Hans Namuth) vibe, tight intimate video of painting.

At the end of the 14 or so hour video shoot everyone was pretty loopy. Needless to say production fell apart: with everyone doing impressions of rock stars, maniacal laughter, etc...

The end result is a commercial music video that has little to no resemblance of Sympathy for the Devil. I was pretty happy with my part and the painting installation. I am sorry more didn't get to experience it. Some of the painted foamcore was saved, mounted onto wood, and is now in storage.

Below are some color images from the video shoot. Though this work is past the 2002 date, I still feel it is in the category as older work. There are a few links at the bottom of various versions of the video.

Running around "prepping the walls" before shooting.

Close up of the end results

The end result with parallel foamcore squares taken away.

Larry (with Craig and Jarvis) with foamcore squares on the ground

The band and I (I'm in the way back) again with foamcore squares on the left


Here is the final version (?) or directors cut: first link on the left side of the main page

Youtube video: 1

Youtube video: 2

Studio - rhythm, environment, and music Pt. 2

I had such a great reaction to this post, that I decided to share more of the music/sound wallpaper that is in my studio. Thanks to UbuWeb Sound, Warp, etc...


See Thru To U Ft. Erykah Badu by Flying Lotus


Shri Camel: Morning Corona by Terry Riley

Hægurlag by 6955


The Didelpho by Franklin

Spirit by Disasterpeace


Sick Man of Asia by The Last Crime 


Variations on a Theme by Saint-Saens by Charlotte Moorman


1-100 (Decay Music) by Michael Nyman

Dome Horizon by Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury


42 (from 73 poems, Kenneth Goldsmith) by Joan LaBarbara


These Blues (demo version) by Spiritualized


The Middle Pillar by John Zorn


Emotional Orchestra by Marina Rosenfeld


Rolls Bayce (Hudson Mohawke Remix) by Battles

Fine Artist of the Month: Linked Chess piece set for Marcel Duchamp

Each month I am adding to an on-going series of writings and works about Fine Artists who work(ed), or are primarily working in the NYC area. This month I produced a non-hierarchical designed, linked chess piece set for former NYC Fine Artist, Marcel Duchamp. If you are having trouble viewing the chess pieces/font, please go here to download or fix the font.

  ♜        ♛     ♝    ♟        ♝           ♞  

     ♟       ♟            ♞           ♟       ♚

 
          ♟              ♜                  ♟

     ♟        ♟          ♞            ♟     ♝

  ♟         ♝     ♟           ♚           ♟

 

         ♜                   ♟              ♟

  ♜       ♟           ♟       ♛                ♞

 

In Prospect Park, September 11, 2012

I was in Prospect Park on the night of September 11 2012 testing some Fine Artwork for an upcoming show. I took some documentation photos of my Fine Artwork with the Park and Tribute in Light in the distance. As always, these images are available in color.

Oceans and Parks v.2 - new work pt2

I am in the process of producing a new installation for the mysterious group show in Brooklyn. See below for documentation/images of studio preparations related to the show.

Oceans and Parks v.2 - new work

I am in the process of producing a new installation for the mysterious group show in Brooklyn. See below for documentation/images of studio experiments related to the show.

Fine Artist of the Month: Linked rearranged definitions for John Miller

Each month I am adding to an on-going series of writings and works about Fine Artists who work(ed), or are primarily working in the NYC area.  This month I produced a linked, rearranged words and definitions for NYC Fine Artist, John Miller. 

fine art: any of various systems of reckoning time, especially with reference to the beginning, length, and divisions of the year.

earthwork: a styled and three-dimensional representation of the human form used in window displays

lugubrious: the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity 

reality show: the time at which lunch is usually eaten

negation: the management of the artistic and design elements of a project, esp. in film, television, advertising.

lunchtime: a television or radio program in which contestants answer questions or play games of skill or chance in order to win money or other prizes.

calendar: looking or sounding sad and dismal. 

epistemology: a visual art considered to have been created primarily for aesthetic purposes and judged for its beauty and meaningfulness, specifically, painting, sculpture, drawing, watercolor, graphics, and architecture. 

file cabinet: a dark tertiary color with a yellowish or reddish hue. 

mannequin: a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal and is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79.

art direction: something that is without existence; nonentity.

brown: a television show in which members of the public or celebrities are filmed living their everyday lives or undertaking specific challenges. 

game show: an artistic work that consists of a large-scale alteration or modification of an area of land in a configuration designed by an artist or of an artist's sculptural installation, as in a museum or gallery, of soil, rock, or similar elemental materials.

gold: office furniture consisting of a container for keeping papers in order.

New light work: Epicentres for Brians' and Bruces'

Below are some new documented images, of the new work: Epicentres for Brians' and Bruces'. Like I said a few weeks back, these images are available in color.

 








 




 



















Epicentres for Brians' and Bruces', 2012 
Electroluminescent wire*, nails, rechargeable batteries, solar panel, 1 pint household paint can. Variable/scalable dimensions

Oceans and Parks - Year 2 - updates and changes

Once again, I am curating and organizing a unique Fine Art exhibition in September 2012 (originally scheduled for this month, August) located in Brooklyn NY, US of A. I can not discuss any other details of the exhibition here. If you are interested in participating as a Fine Artist or experiencing this recurring mysterious project, please e-mail me (studio@benknight.net). As before I'd be excited and happy to share all information with you by that means.

New light work: Outstitutional Memory

Below are some new documented images, of the new work: Outstitutional Memory. Like I said a few weeks back, these images are available in color.

Outstitutional Memory, 2012 
Electroluminescent wire*, nails, rechargeable batteries, solar panel, 1 gallon household paint can. Variable/scalable dimensions